Introduction
Welcome to the official website of Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam. We are deeply committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and trust of all devotees, visitors, students, volunteers, donors, and users who interact with our website and services.
This Privacy Policy explains in detail how information is collected, used, stored, processed, protected, and disclosed when you visit or interact with our website, programs, publications, educational services, spiritual activities, charitable initiatives, and communication platforms.
The website operates as an informational and service platform connected with the activities of Sri Vivekananda Ashram and the spiritual, educational, and cultural activities conducted under its guidance.
We believe privacy is not merely a legal obligation but also a sacred responsibility. Every person who visits our website or communicates with our institution deserves transparency, respect, and protection regarding their personal information.
By accessing or using this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. About the Organization
Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam is a spiritual, educational, charitable, and cultural organization dedicated to the dissemination of spiritual wisdom, moral values, religious education, and social welfare activities inspired by the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
The organization functions in association with spiritual and educational initiatives conducted through Sri Vivekananda Ashram located at Vellimalai, Kalpadi Post, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
The website serves various purposes, including:
- Providing information about the Ashram and its activities
- Publishing spiritual and educational content
- Facilitating communication with devotees and visitors
- Supporting charitable and educational initiatives
- Promoting Hindu spiritual culture and values
- Announcing events, camps, pujas, and training programs
- Supporting publication distribution and awareness programs
Because of the wide variety of services offered, different categories of information may be collected depending on the nature of interaction.
2. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
- Visitors to the website
- Individuals submitting forms or enquiries
- Donors and supporters
- Participants in events, classes, camps, and pujas
- Newsletter subscribers
- Volunteers and well-wishers
- Users accessing publications or digital resources
- Individuals contacting us through email, phone, or online forms
This policy applies to all pages, sections, communication systems, forms, and digital services operated through the official website.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites linked from our website.
3. Information We Collect
We may collect information directly from users, automatically through website usage, or from voluntary participation in activities and services.
3.1 Personal Information
Personal information refers to any information that identifies or can reasonably identify an individual.
The types of personal information we may collect include:
Basic Identification Information
- Full name
- Parent or guardian name
- Postal address
- City, district, state, and country
- PIN or postal code
Contact Information
- Email address
- Mobile phone number
- Alternate contact number
Donation Information
When donations are made, we may collect:
- Donor name
- Billing address
- Donation amount
- Donation purpose
- Transaction reference details
Financial details are generally processed securely by third-party payment gateways.
Educational or Event Information
For participation in camps, classes, competitions, training programs, or spiritual activities:
- Age
- Educational qualifications
- Institution details
- Religious class participation details
- Volunteer information
- Event participation records
Communication Information
When users communicate with us:
- Messages sent through forms
- Emails
- Feedback and suggestions
- Prayer requests
- Questions and enquiries
Publication Subscription Information
For newsletters or magazine subscriptions:
- Subscriber name
- Address
- Preferred language
4. Information Automatically Collected
When you access the website, certain information may be collected automatically.
This may include:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Operating system
- Geographic region
- Internet service provider
- Referring website
- Date and time of access
- Pages viewed
- Time spent on pages
- Navigation behavior
This information helps us improve website performance, user experience, and security.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
The website may use cookies and similar technologies to improve functionality and analyze traffic.
Cookies are small files stored on your device that help websites recognize returning users and remember preferences.
Types of Cookies We May Use
Essential Cookies
These are necessary for website functionality and security.
Analytics Cookies
These help us understand website traffic and visitor behavior.
Preference Cookies
These remember user preferences such as language or settings.
Session Cookies
Temporary cookies used during browsing sessions.
Users may disable cookies through browser settings. However, some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.
6. How We Use Collected Information
Information collected through the website may be used for various spiritual, educational, administrative, and communication purposes.
6.1 Communication
We may use information to:
- Respond to enquiries
- Provide requested information
- Send updates about events and activities
- Communicate regarding donations or registrations
- Provide customer support
6.2 Administration
Information may be used for:
- Managing programs and registrations
- Organizing camps and religious classes
- Maintaining records
- Preparing certificates and awards
6.3 Educational and Spiritual Services
Information may help us:
- Organize spiritual classes
- Coordinate teachers and volunteers
- Conduct examinations
- Publish educational materials
6.4 Donations and Financial Administration
Donation-related information may be used for:
- Issuing acknowledgements or receipts
- Maintaining accounting records
- Legal and regulatory compliance
6.5 Website Improvement
Website usage information helps us:
- Improve design and navigation
- Enhance security
- Optimize performance
- Understand visitor interests
7. Legal Basis for Processing Information
We process information based on one or more of the following grounds:
- User consent
- Legitimate organizational interests
- Legal obligations
- Administrative necessity
- Protection of organizational security and integrity
8. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.
However, information may be shared under limited circumstances.
8.1 Service Providers
We may share information with trusted service providers assisting with:
- Website hosting
- Payment processing
- Email communication
- Technical support
- Analytics services
These providers are expected to maintain confidentiality and security.
8.2 Legal Compliance
Information may be disclosed when required:
- By law
- By court order
- By government authorities
- For fraud prevention or security purposes
8.3 Protection of Rights
Information may be disclosed to protect:
- Organizational property
- Website security
- Public safety
- Rights of users or devotees
9. Data Retention
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for:
- Administrative purposes
- Legal compliance
- Spiritual or educational records
- Financial documentation
- Historical and archival purposes
When no longer required, information may be securely deleted or anonymized.
10. Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect personal information from:
- Unauthorized access
- Data breaches
- Loss or destruction
- Misuse
- Alteration
- Disclosure
Security measures may include:
- Password protection
- Secure hosting environments
- Access restrictions
- Administrative safeguards
- Technical monitoring systems
Although we strive to protect information, no online transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.
11. Third-Party Websites
The website may contain links to external websites.
These websites operate independently and may have their own privacy policies.
We are not responsible for:
- External website content
- Privacy practices
- Security policies
- Data collection methods of third parties
Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external websites before sharing personal information.
12. Email Communications
Users may receive communications regarding:
- Spiritual programs
- Religious classes
- Events and festivals
- Publications
- Camps and conferences
- Organizational announcements
Users may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
13. Donations and Payment Security
Donations are an important aspect of supporting spiritual and charitable activities.
We take reasonable steps to ensure donation transactions are secure.
Financial Information
Payment card information is generally processed by secure third-party payment gateways and is not stored directly on our website servers unless legally necessary.
We encourage users to ensure they are using secure internet connections when making online transactions.
14. Childrenโs Privacy
Many educational and spiritual activities involve children and students.
We recognize the importance of protecting childrenโs privacy.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental or guardian involvement where required.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise childrenโs online activities.
15. Rights of Users
Depending on applicable laws, users may have the right to:
- Access personal information
- Request corrections
- Request deletion
- Withdraw consent
- Restrict certain processing activities
- Request information about how data is used
Requests may be submitted using the contact information provided below.
16. International Users
Users accessing the website from outside India understand that information may be processed and stored in India.
By using the website, international users consent to such processing.
17. Intellectual and Spiritual Content
The website may contain:
- Articles
- Spiritual teachings
- Publications
- Images
- Videos
- Logos
- Audio materials
- Religious texts
These materials are protected under applicable intellectual property laws unless otherwise stated.
Unauthorized copying, modification, or commercial distribution may be prohibited.
18. Website Security and Misuse Prevention
We reserve the right to monitor website activity for security purposes.
Users must not:
- Attempt unauthorized access
- Upload malicious software
- Disrupt website operations
- Misuse communication systems
- Violate applicable laws
Appropriate action may be taken against misuse.
19. Social Media and External Platforms
Our organization may maintain social media presence on external platforms.
Interactions on such platforms are governed by the privacy policies of those platforms.
Users should exercise caution when publicly sharing personal information on social media.
20. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time.
Updated versions will be posted on this page along with the revised effective date.
Users are encouraged to review this policy periodically.
Continued use of the website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
21. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by the laws of India.
Any disputes arising in connection with this policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of appropriate courts in Tamil Nadu, India.
22. Contact Information
For questions, concerns, corrections, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact:
Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam
Sri Vivekananda Ashram
Vellimalai, Kalpadi Post
Kanyakumari District โ 629204
Tamil Nadu, India
Phone: +91 9443002840
Website: www.sriramakrishnasevasangam.com
Email: swamichaitanyananda@gmail.com
23. Final Statement
Sri Ramakrishna Seva Sangam considers every visitor, devotee, student, donor, and well-wisher as part of a sacred spiritual family. We are committed not only to preserving spiritual values and cultural heritage, but also to protecting the dignity, trust, and privacy of every individual who interacts with our institution.
We sincerely thank you for visiting our website and supporting our spiritual, educational, and humanitarian mission.