Ramakrishna Mission President Swami Smaranananda Dies At 95, President Murmu, PM Modi Pay Tribute

ramakrishna mission president swami smaranananda dies at 95, president murmu, pm modi pay tribute

Kolkata: Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, President of Ramakrishna Mission died due to old age ailments at the age of 95 on Tuesday night. Swami Smaranananda Maharaj became the 16th president of the order in 2017.

“Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, most revered President Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission attained Mahasamadhi today at 8.14 pm,” the RK Mission said in a statement.

He will be cremated at Belur Math today. The monk was admitted to Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan on January 29 with an existing urinary tract infection. He later developed respiratory failure for which he was put on a ventilator on March 3.

President Murmu, PM Modi Pay Tribute

Paying tribute to Swami Smaranananda Maharaj, President Droupadi Murmu said, “Srimat Swami Smaranananda Ji was one of the leading lights of Indian spiritualism who headed Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. Through these organisations, he promoted spirituality and social well-being. In his passing, we may have lost his earthly presence but his life and messages will continue to be an inspiration for us. I pay my tributes to the revered Swamiji!”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolence 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,” PM Modi said.

“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,” the Prime Minister added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also offered her condolence. Taking to X, she wrote, “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.”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda also expressed his condolences saying, “Extremely saddened by the passing away of Srimat Swami Smaranananda ji Maharaj, the revered President of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission. His profound insights and guidance impacted numerous individuals, making a lasting impression on the fabric of humanity. The enduring impact of his compassion and enlightenment will keep motivating future generations. My deepest condolences go out to Swami ji’s followers in this difficult time.”