Swami Vivekanadna - Kolkata

This austere and somewhat awesome photograph of Swamiji was taken at the Kolkata Art Studio, 185 Bow Bazar Street in Kolkata. Early prints of this photograph, some of which may well be originals, have the above information stamped on the back. This photo is usually labeled as “probably Gopal Lal Seal’s.” However, from all appearances this photo, as well as the next (no. 65), was taken in the same studio on the same day. The negative of photograph no. 65 includes the same studio’s logo. The speculation that no. 64 was taken at Gopal Lal Seal’s may have arisen from Swamiji’s custom of spending his days with his disciples and friends at that devotee’s riverside garden home in Cossipore during this period. ❊ ❊ ❊ Be bold and fear not. It is only in our scriptures that this adjective is given unto the Lord—abhih, abhih. We have to become abhih, fearless, and our task will be done. (CW [1973] 3:318)