Ramakrishna Mission Chief Swami Smaranananda Passes Away At 94. PM Modi, CM Mamata Pay Tribute

Swami Smaranananda, the president of Ramakrishna Mission passed away on Tuesday night due to age-related ailments.

PM Modi pays tribute to Swami Smaranananda who passed away on Tuesday night

Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Smaranananda passed away at the age of 94 on Tuesday night due to age-related ailments, said the doctors treating him, according to news agency PTI. Swami Smaranananda was the 16th president of Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda. 

A statement issued by the organisation stated: "Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, most revered President Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission attained Mahasamadhi today at 8.14 pm." 

On January 29, the monk was admitted to Kolkata's Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan with an existing urinary tract infection, but later developed respiratory failure and was put on a ventilator on March 3, the doctors said as per the report. 

The cremation will take place at its headquarters Belur Math in Howrah at 9 pm on Wednesday. "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," said the Ramakrishna Mission.

PM Modi, CM Mamata Pay Tribute 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid their rich tributes to Swami Smaranananda. 

"Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, the revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission dedicated his life to spirituality and service," Modi said in a post 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… pic.twitter.com/lK1mYKbKQt

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 26, 2024

"He left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds. His compassion and wisdom will continue to inspire generations," he added. 

The PM also recalled his visit to Belur Math in 2020. 

CM Mamata Banerjee said that the monk will remain a source of solace for millions of devotees across the globe. 

"This great monk during his lifetime has given spiritual leadership to the world order of the Ramakrishnaites and remains the source of solace for millions of devotees across the globe," she said.