The 100th birth anniversary of His Holiness Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj, a luminary in the realm of spiritual leadership, was celebrated by his disciples and devotees on Saturday, 13th April 2024 at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Garia Branch.
The event witnessed the gracious presence of revered dignitaries including Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj himself (Working President, Bharat Sevashram Sangha); Swami Girishanandaji Maharaj (Maharaj in charge of Garia Branch of Bharat Sevashram Sangha); and Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee (Retired Professor and Head of Medicine Medical College, renowned doctor and recipient of the various awards) alongside disciples, devotees, supporters and believers of Bharat Sevashram Sangha. This occasion not only honours a remarkable individual but also celebrates a lifetime dedicated to service and spirituality.
Bharat Sevashram Sangha, a religious and spiritual organisation focused on humanitarian work, was founded in 1917 by the illustrious patriot saint Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj. It is purely a philanthropic and charitable organisation with a non-sectarian, non-communal and non- political character and outlook. The headquarters of the Sangha is situated in Kolkata, West Bengal with more than three hundred branches in India and overseas.
Born in the humble village of Bangaon, West Bengal, Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s spiritual journey began under the guidance of Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj, fondly known as Baro Swamiji. His early encounters with spirituality laid the foundation for a lifetime commitment to service.
One of the defining moments of Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s journey was his participation alongside Mahatma Gandhi during the historic pilgrimage from Ahmedabad to Noakhali in 1946. This experience ignited his passion for humanitarian work, leading him to Kolkata, where he joined the Bharat Sevashram Sangha and dedicated over 75 years to its mission.
Under the divine blessings of Sangha Guru Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj, Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s unwavering devotion has been instrumental in the establishment and flourishing of Bharat Sevashram Sangha centers worldwide. These Sangha centers in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Fiji and West Indies stand as beacons of the Sangha’s spiritual ethos, spreading its deep philosophy of service, devotion and selflessness far and wide.
Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s commitment to the Sangha’s sacred mission remains resolute even when nearing the remarkable age of 100. With tireless efforts, he continues to oversee every branch, both in India and abroad, with profound diligence and unwavering dedication.
Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj remarked, “It has been a journey of immense blessings and divine guidance. As I step into my 100th year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities to serve and spread the teachings of Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj globally.”
Dr. Sukumar Mukherjee who graced the event, inaugurated a biography chronicling Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s life journey. He stated, “Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s life unfolds vividly in ‘As I Saw, As I Heard … Life of my Guruji,’ authored by one of his disciples, Smt. Dola Dasgupta Lahiri, based in Dubai. This compelling biography encapsulates the essence of Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj’s spiritual odyssey, offering profound insights into his teachings, trials and transformative experiences. His contributions to society through the Bharat Sevashram Sangha have left an indelible mark on countless lives.”
As his disciples and devotees celebrate the birth centenary of Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj, his exemplary leadership and steadfast devotion serve as a guiding light for generations to come, inspiring individuals worldwide to embrace the values of service, compassion and spiritual enlightenment.