Ramakrishna Mission's President, Swami Smaranananda, succumbed to age-related ailments at the age of 95 on Tuesday night. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Swami Smaranananda. Acknowledging his profound impact on numerous people PM said, "Swami Smaranananda left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds, and his compassion and wisdom will continue to inspire generations". Swami Smaranananda assumed the presidency of the order in 2017, as stated by the RK Mission in a release. Here's a glimpse at the life journey of Swami Smaranananda.
Who Was Swami Smaranananda?
Swami Smaranananda Maharaj was the Ramakrishna Math. He was elected as the President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission during a meeting of the Math's Board of Trustees and the Mission's Governing Body on July 17, 2017. He is the 16th President of the Order, according to the official website of Belur Math.
Early Life Of Swami Smaranananda:
According to the official Vedanta Society website, Swami Smaranananda was born in Andami village, Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, in 1929. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his aunt. He completed his secondary education in Chennai with commendable results in 1946. Following his father's relocation to Nasik, he pursued and completed a diploma course in commerce there. Subsequently, he moved to Mumbai in 1949, where he took up employment and continued his studies. Swami Smaranananda had a keen interest in literature, particularly English literary works and self-help books by Napoleon Hill. He was also deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings.
A Look At Swami Smaranananda's Spiritual Journey:
Heeding Gandhi's advice, Swami Smaranananda commenced the practice of repeating 'Sri Rama,' a practice that became pivotal in his life's trajectory, according to the Vedanta Society.
While staying in a hostel, a friend introduced him to a report about the Mumbai branch of the Ramakrishna Order, sparking his curiosity, the Vedanta Society's page on Swami Smaranananda said. This led him to begin visiting the Mumbai Ashrama on weekends, where he immersed himself in reading the works of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda literature, particularly 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna' and 'Jnana Yoga'. The quest for meaning and purpose in life intensified within him. Ultimately, during a bus journey, he experienced a profound revelation that he must become a monk, the Vedanta Society said.
Swami Smaranananda's Contributions As A Spiritual Leader:
According to the Belur Math, Swami Smaranananda embarked on his monastic journey at the age of 22 by joining the Mumbai Ashrama on Sri Ramakrishna's sacred birthday in 1952. He received initiation into monkhood and vows of celibacy from Swami Shankaranandaji Maharaj. Over the years, he served in various capacities within the Ramakrishna Order, including relief work during droughts in Aurangabad. He played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of publications at the Advaita Ashrama in Kolkata and contributed significantly to educational and rural welfare initiatives at Saradapitha near Belur Math.
In 1991, he assumed leadership at the Ramakrishna Math in Chennai, overseeing the construction of the Sri Ramakrishna Temple there. Swami Smaranananda's dedication to the Ramakrishna Movement saw him rise through the ranks, eventually serving as the General Secretary of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was elected Vice-President of the Order in 2007, marking a distinguished tenure of service spanning several decades.
Swami Smaranananda's demise leaves a void in the Ramakrishna Mission, yet his legacy of service and spiritual leadership will continue to inspire generations within and beyond the organisation.