Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji Maharaj, the Most Revered 16th President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, has attained Mahasamadhi on 26th March 2024. Born in 1929 in the village of Andami in Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Swami Smaranananda Ji's journey was marked by an early loss of his mother and a youth shaped by profound self-reflection and spirituality. After completing his education in Chennai and Nasik, he moved to Mumbai in 1949 where an awakening at Worli beach profoundly changed his life's direction.
Drawn to the teachings of Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, he began frequent visits to the Mumbai Ashrama, finding solace and direction in the literature and ideals of the order. His spiritual quest was crystallized on a bus ride when he realized his calling was to become a monk. Joining the Mumbai Ashrama as a Brahmacharin in 1952, he received mantra diksha and later ordination into Sannyasa by 1960.
Swami Smaranananda Ji served variously in drought relief efforts in Aurangabad, editorial roles at the Prabuddha Bharata in Mayavati, and later as the head of the educational and rural welfare initiatives at Ramakrishna Mission Saradapitha. His tenure there saw significant advancements in educational outreach and flood relief efforts.
Appointed as a Trustee and member of the Governing Body in 1983, he later served as the General Secretary of the twin organizations, where he was instrumental in expanding the global footprint of the Ramakrishna Movement. He became Vice-President in 2007, continuing his extensive travels and spiritual teaching, and was elected President of the order in 2017.
Swami Smaranananda Ji's leadership and his deep spiritual insights have left an indelible mark on the Ramakrishna Order and on the countless lives he touched. His teachings and works will continue to inspire the path of spirituality and service across the globe.
