Center History
The Vedanta Society of New York (VSNY) is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. In fact, VSNY is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was an historical event for the Order, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago.
Vivekananda was the first teacher of Vedanta to come to the West, who drew wide acclaim by his historic addresses at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893. After the conclusion of the Parliament, a group of American students interested to learn more about Vedanta gathered about the Swami, and the first Vedanta Center in the West started in New York City.
It was an humble beginning in two rented rooms at 54 West 33rd Street in Manhattan.
This photo depicts the 1936 Observance of the Centenary of Sri Ramakrishna's Birth in 1836. It was led by Revered Swami Bodhanandaji Maharaj, Head Swami in Charge of The Vedanta Society of the City of New York at that time. There were many honored guests attending the dinner on March 15, 1936, including Revered Swami Akhilanandaji Maharaj, Head of the Providence Center, later to be Head of the Boston Center. Our own Jeanne Genet and her sister Rolande and perhaps their mother were present. The dinner was held at the distinguished Ceylon India Restaurant, at 148 W 49th street and 7th Avenue.