In Kolkata, Swami Smaranananda, the esteemed president of Ramakrishna Mission, passed away on Tuesday night due to age-related infirmities, as confirmed by medical professionals. Swami Smaranananda, aged 94, held the distinguished position as the 16th president of Ramakrishna Mission, an institution established under the guidance of Swami Vivekananda.
An official statement released by the organization conveyed, “Srimat Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, the highly revered President Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, attained Mahasamadhi at 8.14 pm today.”
The revered monk was admitted to the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan in Kolkata on January 29, suffering from a pre-existing urinary tract infection. Subsequently, he encountered respiratory complications, necessitating ventilation support since March 3, as per medical reports.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee extended heartfelt tributes to Swami Smaranananda. Prime Minister Modi expressed in a statement, “He has left an indelible imprint on countless hearts and intellects. His benevolence and sagacity will endure as a beacon for future generations.”
Reflecting on her personal connection, the Chief Minister remarked, “I shared a profound bond with him throughout the years. I reminisce about my visit to Belur Math in 2020, where I engaged in meaningful discourse with him. Just a few weeks prior, during my visit to Kolkata, I took the opportunity to inquire about his well-being at the hospital.”
Emphasizing Swami Smaranananda’s global influence, she stated, “This venerable monk has provided spiritual guidance to adherents of the Ramakrishna faith worldwide during his lifetime and will continue to be a source of comfort for millions of devotees across the globe.”
The Ramakrishna Mission announced that the cremation ceremony would be held at its headquarters, Belur Math in Howrah, scheduled for 9 pm on Wednesday. “The gates of Belur Math will remain ajar throughout the night of the 26th and throughout the 27th until the last rites are concluded,” the organization stated.
