1 May, 1897, 3 p.m., the late Balaram Bose's residence, Bagbazar, Kolkata.
The devotees of Sri Ramakrishna have assembled to hear what Swami Vivekananda is about to address them. Swami Yogananda is present as well. Swamiji begins :" Having traversed through many countries I have arrived at the understanding that no great work can be possible without an organization. But in a country like ours, it will not be feasible to work along democratic lines from the very outset. In the West people are more educated and less prone to jealousy. They have learnt how to honour men of distinction. Just see how they have looked after an insignificant person like me while I was there, taking care of my every comfort. When education will be widespread in this country as well and the people will expand in their sympathies thus, when men will learn to look beyond the narrow confines of their sectarian beliefs and think for the general good, then they may run the organization along the lines of democracy. Thus, a director is needed till then for the Order whose command shall be binding on all. In due course of time the Order may be run taking into consideration the views of all..."
Free translation by Sugata Bose
(Source book: Swami-Shishya Samvad by Sarat Chandra Chakravarty)
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