Narendrapur: An annexe of Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Autonomous), Narendrapur, which houses state-of-the-art research and library facilities and an auditorium, was unveiled on Sunday.

Swami Smaranananda, president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, inaugurated the eight-storeyed Sarada Mandir, which has come up adjacent to the main college building.

The foundation stone of the annexe, built at a cost of Rs 15 crore, was laid in February 2015.

Swami Bhudevananda, principal of the college, said the annexe had to be built because the old building had reached its capacity and more facilities were required for the increasing number of research projects approved by the UGC and the Council for Scientific Industrial Research.

"We had in 2014 decided to build an annexe that would house a research block, an auditorium and an administrative wing," the principal said.

The classes will continue to be held in the old building.

"Swamiji said education is all about man making and character building. Sarada Mandir should set an example at the national level. Students should understand that disciplining their mind is an essential part of their education," Swami Smaranananda said at a programme held at the new auditorium.

Before the programme, Ramu Sitaram Deora, proprietor of G Amphray Laboratories and a member of the board of trade, ministry of commerce and industry, inaugurated a research block named after him.

Deora had donated over Rs 4 crore for building the annexe.

During the programme at the auditorium, he told Swami Sarvalokananda, secretary of Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, Narendrapur, that he would contribute another Rs 2.51 crore for the upkeep of the building.

He suggested that the college open a course in international trade.

Swami Suvirananda, general secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, was also present at the programme.