Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, 16th president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, died in Kolkata on Tuesday at 8.14 PM. He was 94.
He was admitted to Peerless Hospital in Kolkata on 18 January 2024 owing to fever and other complications. Subsequently, he was shifted to Seva Pratishthan on 29 January.
He was born at village Andami in the district of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, in 1929. He came in contact with the Mumbai branch of the Ramakrishna Order when he was about 20 years old. Inspired by the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda, he joined Mumbai Ashrama in 1952 at the age of 22 and embraced monastic life.
‘Swami Smaranananda’ in 1960. From Mumbai centre, he was transferred in 1958 to the Kolkata branch of Advaita Ashrama, the well-known publication centre of the Ramakrishna Math. He served at both Mayavati and Kolkata centres of the Advaita Ashrama for 18 long years. For a few years he was the Assistant Editor of Prabuddha Bharata, the English journal of the Ramakrishna Order started by Swami Vivekananda. He also enthusiastically worked to improve the standard of publications of the Advaita Ashrama. He was posted to Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha, an educational complex near Belur Math, as its Secretary in 1976. During his long tenure of about 15 years there, educational and rural welfare work of Saradapitha saw tremendous development. He, along with his monastic assistants, took up extensive relief operations during the devastating flood in West Bengal in 1978. From Saradapitha he was posted to Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, as its Head in December 1991. He was appointed a Trustee of the Ramakrishna Math and Member of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission in 1983. In April 1995, he joined the Headquarters as an Assistant Secretary, and after two years, he took charge as the General Secretary of the twin organizations. As the General Secretary, he steered the worldwide Ramakrishna Movement for ten long years until May 2007 when he was elected a Vice-President of the Order. He became the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in July 2017.
The cremation will take place at Belur Math on Wednesday, 27 March 2024 at about 9.00 pm. The gates of Belur Math will remain open all through the night of the 26th and through the 27th till the last rites are completed.
After his demise, the prime minister offered his condolence in a message on X,”Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, the revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission dedicated his life to spirituality and service. He left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds. His compassion and wisdom will continue to inspire generations. I had a very close relation with him over the years. I recall my visit to Belur Math in 2020 when I had interacted with him. A few weeks ago in Kolkata, I had also visited the hospital and enquired about his health. My thoughts are with the countless devotees of the Belur Math. Om Shanti.”
Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, the revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission dedicated his life to spirituality and service. He left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds. His compassion and wisdom will continue to inspire generations.
I had… pic.twitter.com/lK1mYKbKQt
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 26, 2024
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik offered his condolence in a message on X,” Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji, revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Swamiji devoted his entire life spreading spiritualism across the world. His profound teachings and messages to promote social wellbeing will continue to guide us. Condolences to his followers and devotees. Om Shanti.”
Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji, revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Swamiji devoted his entire life spreading spiritualism across the world. His profound teachings and messages to promote social wellbeing…
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 27, 2024
