The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Newcastle Sub-Centre, hosted the 2026 Conference on Spirituality on 13 September 2026 at the NOFTA Hall in Newcastle. The programme was held from 09:30 to 13:15 and more than 200 devotees, supporters and members of the public attended.
The conference was officially inaugurated by Mr Kamlesh Gurlal, Acting Regional Court Magistrate in Newcastle. Revered Pravrajika Ishtaprana Mataji, Spiritual Head of the Sri Sarada Devi Ashram, Asherville, Durban, presented a paper on Spiritual Practice in the Modern Age. Mr P. N. Haribhai delivered a presentation on Balancing Deep Devotion (Bhakti) with Intellect, Enquiry and Wisdom in Modern Daily Life, while Revered Swami Vipranandaji Maharaj, Swami-in-Charge of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa – Phoenix, Johannesburg Sub-Centre, examined The Ongoing Relevance of Swami Vivekananda’s 1893 Chicago Message in the Modern Globalised World.
A special highlight of the conference was the diploma presentation ceremony conducted by Dr M. Maharaj from the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa – Faculty of Peace Studies, Spirituality and Culture. Mr Anesh Haricharan and Mrs Sureka Haricharan were awarded diplomas after successfully completing the Diploma in Peace Studies, Spirituality and Culture. The diplomas were presented by Revered Swami Swatmaramanandaji Maharaj, Revered Swami Vipranandaji Maharaj and Revered Pravrajika Ishtaprana Mataji.
In his concluding address, Revered Swami Swatmaramanandaji Maharaj, President of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, reflected on several of the spiritual themes explored during the conference and offered valuable guidance for spiritual aspirants.
The closing prayer was led by Revered Pravrajika Ishtaprana Mataji together with devotees. Mr S. Harilal delivered the vote of thanks, expressing sincere appreciation to the speakers, donors, sponsors and all those whose support contributed to the success of the conference.
The programme concluded at 13:15, after which lunch was served.
