Kolkata: On Tuesday evening, Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, the president of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, passed away in Kolkata. The ministry claimed in a statement that he was 95 years old and afflicted with age-related conditions. In 2017, Swami Smaranananda Maharaj was elected as the order’s sixteenth president.
“Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, most revered President Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, attained Mahasamadhi today at 8.14 pm,” said the announcement.
On January 29, the monk, who had a urinary tract infection, was admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan. Later on, on March 3, he experienced respiratory failure for which he was placed on a ventilator.
In X, Prime Minister Modi stated that he has devoted his life to spirituality and service.
“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 relationship 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 Belur Math. Om Shanti,” wrote Modi.
Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, also expressed her condolences.
She expressed, “Deeply saddened at the news of the demise tonight of Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, the revered president of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. 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. I convey my deepest condolence to all his fellow monks, followers and devotees.”
JP Nadda, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party, also offered his deepest sympathies, stating that he was deeply grieved by the demise of Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj.
