Obituaries from 1950 to 1965

30th May 1951: Swami Virajananda ji Maharaj (Kalikrishna Maharaj) (Announced to the Public in June 1951)

With the deepest regret we record the passing away of our revered President, Srimat Swami Virajananda ji Maharaj, at the Belur Math at 6-56 am on the 30th May 1951. The demise causes a vacuum in our Order, inasmuch as with him departs the last Sannyasin disciple of Swami Vivekananda.

Details about his last days have been circulated through the radio and the newspapers. The revered Swamiji had not been keeping well for the last few years. While at Shyamla Tal, his health became very bad compelling him to come here for treatment on the 5th May, 1950. Since then he had been under the ungrudging care of some of the best doctors in Calcutta; and tough occasionally he showed signs of recuperation, his condition took a bad turn off and on, particularly just after the public celebration of Sri Ramakrishna’s birthday. It became grave in the beginning of May, with hemorrhage in the stomach and no assimilation of even liquid food as additional troubles, and the final stroke came after a series of crises. All through this prolonged and intense suffering the Swami showed remarkable calmness and fortitude. The last few breaths, too, were drawn in perfect serenity.

The news having been flashed over the radio and the telephone, thousands of friends, admirers, devotees and monks began to pour into the Math compound from early morning for a last darshana of the Swami in eternal rest. The body was brought down at about 12 noon and placed on a beautiful cot richly decorated with flowers. After the performance of Aratrika, the thousands of eager souls present filed past his feet offering flowers, bouquets and garlands. The body was then taken in procession to the bathing ghat, stopping for a few minutes in front of the Sri Ramakrishna Temple and the Holy Mother Temple. After a bath and change of clothes it was carried to the front of Swamiji’s Temple, whence the procession reached the pyre on the Ganges, east of the holy ground where the bodies of some of the disciples of Sri Guru Maharaj had been cremated. The pyre was lighted at 2-15 pm and extinguished at about 5-40 pm.

Our beloved leader is gone, and we are oppressed by a sense of irreparable loss.

6th August 1951: Swami Tyagishananda (Krishna) (Announced to the Public in September 1951)

With the deepest sorrow we record the passing away of Swami Tyagishananda at Oorgaum, Kolar Gold Fields, on the 6th August 1951, at 8-5 am. He joined the Madras Math in 1922, having already had his initiation from Srimat Swami Brahmananda. He took orders in 1932. One of his main achievements was the starting of the Ramakrishna Gurukula in 1924, for managing which he had to struggle hard in the midst of adversity. As a result, his health broke down and showed signs of TB, so that he had to be relieved from the work in 1937. He was appointed President of the Bangalore Ashrama in 1938, in which capacity he worked till the last day. He has to his credit some books which reveal his great erudition. For the last few months he was practically bed-ridden, and recently the doctors discovered spinal TB and an incurable disease called ‘Multiple Myclomatosis’. He was taken to the Oorgaum Hospital for treatment, where despite the best care he expired. His demise creates a real vacuum in the Order, inasmuch as he was a monk of sterling spiritual worth and deep scholarship, and a valuable worker in the cause of Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji.

27th July 1951: Swami Balakrishnananda (Shankara) (Announced to the Public in September 1951)

We are also grieved to put on record the passing away of Swami Balakrishnananda at a place near Tiruvalla on the 27th July 1951, at 4 pm. He joined the Tiruvalla Ashrama in 1916, had his Sannyasa in 1925, and worked in several centres of Travancore. For a long time he had been suffering from various ailments, to which he ultimately succumbed.

2nd September 1951: Swami Sthitaprajnananda (Karmavir) (Announced to the Public in October 1951)

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Sthitaprajnananda, alias Karmavir, aged about 50, on the 2nd September 1951 at 10 am, at the Lucknow centre. He joined the Ponnampet Ashrama in 1931 and was ordained in 1944. A sincere worker, he served the Rangoon Sevashrama and the Madras Math for some years before he was posted to the Lucknow Sevashrama. Visiting Vrindaban on the occasion of the Jhulan festival, he contracted malignant malaria, to which he succumbed despite good medical aid.

4th December 1951: Swami Jagadananda ji (Ramani) (Announced to the Public in January 1952)

We announce with deep sorrow that Swami Jagadananda ji, aged 72, passed away at the Vrindaban Sevashrama, at 10-18 pm, on the 4th December 1951 from coronary thrombosis.

Initiated in 1910 by the Holy Mother, he joined the Belur Math in 1916, and received sannyasa in 1920 from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj. Subsequently he moved to the Varanasi Advaita Ashrama. He was well-versed in the Shastras and was instrumental in inspiring, almost to the last day of his life, a number of our sadhus to study the scriptures and assimilate their essence. During the latter part of his life, he had diabetes off and on, which necessitated his living mostly in cool places like Almora, Barlowganj or Kishanpur. In the middle of November last he had to come down to Vrindaban for the treatment of kidney trouble. After a fortnight he felt a pain in the chest. Two days later he had an attack of coronary thrombosis. This was followed by two more attacks, to which he succumbed -- all within thirty hours.

He was a true Vedantin and highly impressed everyone who came in contact with him. He has to his credit English translations of Shankaracharya’s Upadesha-sahasri and Vakyavritti together with Atmajnanopadeshavidhi, already published, and has left translations of two other books, Naishkarmya-siddhi and Samkshepa-sharirika, the former of which may be taken up for publication soon. By his passing away the Order has lost a much-loved scholarly and spiritual figure.

17th May 1952: Swami Jitatmananda (Benoy) (Announced to the Public in June 1952)

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Jitatmananda (Benoy), aged 55, on the 17th May 1952 at 3 pm, at the Cossipore centre. Of late he had a weak heart, which developed an attack of coronary thrombosis the day before. Despite his weak state, he had attended the opening session of the Monks’ Conference at the Belur Math. He joined this Math in 1928 and was ordained in 1931. He was Secretary of the Industrial School at Belur for many years before he took charge of the Cossipore centre in 1947. He was a sincere worker and a monk of amiable disposition, and his sudden death, retaining consciousness almost to the end, will be mourned by everyone who knew him.

27th April 1952: Br. Vivekachaitanya (James Henry Wale of Australia) (Announced to the Public in June 1952)

We are also sorry to announce the passing away of Br. Vivekachaitanya (Wale of Australia), on the 27th April 1952 in Sydney, at the age of nearly 80. He joined the Belur Math in 1928, where he stayed for about a year. Then he returned for reasons of health to Sydney, where he spent the rest of his life, preaching the message of the Master to a limited circle of friends and devotees.

15th July 1952: Swami Vaidyanathananda (Danabari) (Announced to the Public in August 1952)

We regret to announce the demise of Swami Vaidyanathananda, alias Danabari, at the early age of 36 years at the Belur Math on the 15th July 1952 at 3-5 am. For some time past he had been suffering from troubles due to a rheumatic heart, to which he ultimately succumbed. He had joined the Sargachhi Ashrama in 1939 and had his sannyasa in 1950. He had been working in the Deoghar Vidyapith for seven years and a half, and was much loved for his sweet nature and devotion to work.

29th January 1953: Swami Hariharananda ji (Vishwaranjan) (Announced to the Public in February 1953)

We have to announce with deep sorrow the passing away of Swami Hariharananda ji, aged 71, at the Belur Math, at 10-10 am, on the 29th January 1953. In addition to occasional rheumatism, he had been suffering for some time past from high blood pressure, which brought a mild attack of thrombosis at Dhaka. On the 21st he had another stroke, to which he ultimately succumbed.

He joined the Belur Math in 1903 and was a disciple of Sri Maharaj, from whom he had sannyasa in 1914. He also had the privilege of serving Sri Maharaj for several years. From 1917 to 1922 he performed tapasya at Kanchipuram, and he was in charge of the Midnapore and Dhaka centres for a number of years. Five months ago he was brought from Dhaka to Belur for treatment. He was a sincere and fearless worker with a passion for neatness, and was much loved by one and all for his amiable personality. In his passing the Order has lost an old trusted member.

4th April 1953: Swami Swayamananda (Kapadia) (Announced to the Public in May 1953)

With a heavy heart we announce the passing away of Swami Swayamananda (Kapadia), aged 74, at the Belur Math, on the 4th April 1953, at 1-13 pm.

He joined the Belur Math in 1924 and was a disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj, from whom he had sannyasa in 1930. His life was very simple, and though at times he appeared to be far from normal, yet on one occasion he showed his spirit of renunciation by refusing a fat legacy. Of late he had been suffering from general anasarea (cardiac), to which he succumbed peacefully.

11th May 1953: Swami Mangalananda (Santosh) (Announced to the Public in June 1953)

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Mangalananda (Santosh) at the age of 57 at Madras on the 11th May 1953 at 12-45 pm. For some time past he had been suffering from asthma, cough, digestive troubles, etc, but in between he had been diligently helping in the publication work of the Math. In the evening of the 9th May, he had fever and other complications, which necessitated his removal to the hospital in the morning of the 11th. Death took place owing to heart failure.

He joined the Belur Math in 1920 and had his sannyasa in 1923. He worked in different centres, and for some years was head of the Malda Ashrama. He was a good singer of Bhajans, and his scriptural classes were attractive. He had a loving disposition, and, despite his indifferent health, was a painstaking and conscientious worker.

30th January 1954: Swami Ambikananda ji (Nirad Maharaj) (Announced to the Public in February 1954)

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Ambikananda ji (Nirad Maharaj), aged 69, in his ancestral home at Ramakrishnapur, Howrah, on the 30th January, at 5-35 pm. He joined the Order in 1902 and was a disciple of Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji. He was an artist as well as an expert musician, in which latter capacity he did much to spread the knowledge of music among the members of the Order. He spent the last few years of his life in tapasya mostly at Kapurthala in East Punjab. Since coming to Ramakrishnapur from Almora in September last, he was suffering much from liver complaints, from which death has finally released him.

2nd February 1954: Swami Mokshadananda (Muddappa) (Announced to the Public in March 1954)

We are sorry to record the passing away of Swami Mokshadananda (alias Muddappa) at the age of 64 at the Varanasi Home of Service on the 2nd February 1954 at 9 am. For some time past he had been suffering from cancer in the stomach. After joining the Organization in 1915, he was initiated into sannyasa in 1921. He was of a very amiable disposition and passed his days mostly at the Almora Ashrama.

18th February 1954: Swami Ameyananda (Moksha / Upendra) (Announced to the Public in March 1954)

With a heavy heart we announce the sudden demise, through heart failure, of Swami Ameyananda, familiarly known as Moksha, head of the Tamluk Ashrama, at the age of 60. For about a year he had been in indifferent health owing to coronary troubles, to which he succumbed after a very brief attack at 3-15 am on the 18th February 1954. He had joined the Garbeta Ashrama in 1918 and was initiated into sannyasa in 1921. Before being posted in 1946 to Tamluk, he had served as the head of the Chandipur Ashrama for a long term. He was much loved for his loving care of the needy and the afflicted, and his sudden passing away in the midst of the Holy Mother Centenary celebrations at Tamluk, on which his heart had been set, has been keenly felt by the local public.

6th May 1954: Swami Bhagavatananda (Naren) (Announced to the Public in June 1954)

We are sorry to announce the sudden passing away of Swami Bhagavatananda (Naren), aged 70, on the 6th May 1954 at 6 pm, at Varanasi, of heart failure. On that day, after the noon meal he took some rest and in the evening went to the Kali Bari, where suddenly he felt some pain in the region of the heart. Before the doctor could arrive, life had become extinct.

He joined the Organization in 1911, and was initiated into Sannyasa in 1928. He had a loving disposition and spent most of his days at the Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi.

26th November 1954: Swami Atmaprakashananda (Priyanath) (Announced to the Public in December 1954)

With deep sorrow we record the passing away of Swami Atmaprakashananda (Priyanath), aged 67, at the Chittaranjan Hospital, Calcutta, on the 26th November 1954 at 5-24 pm. For some time past he had been suffering from urinary troubles, which necessitated a prostate operation on the 17th November. Two days later he had thrombosis, which took away his power of speech and paralyzed his right side. This was followed by an attack of pneumonia, which made his condition hopeless. His body was cremated at the Belur Math.

He joined the Baghbazar Math in 1912 and was initiated into sannyasa in 1921. He was one of the most respected monks of the Order, being also a member of the Governing Body of the Mission. For some time he was in charge of the Home of Service, Varanasi, and looked after the Belur Math for a good many years. He was much loved for his amiable personality. In him the Organization has lost a most selfless and responsible worker.

7th November 1954: Swami Vimalananda (Jitendra) (Announced to the Public in December 1954)

We are very sorry to announce the sudden passing, due to heart failure, of Swami Vimalananda (alias Jitendra) on the 7th November 1954 after midnight, at the age of 54 at the Belur Math. For the last two years he had been suffering from troubles of the heart, kidney, etc.

He was a disciple of Srimat Swami Abhedananda and had his sannyasa in 1927. He was admitted to our Order in 1940. He was the founder secretary of the Jalpaiguri Ashrama, and was head of the Mymensingh Ashrama since 1946.

26th January 1955: Swami Bhadrananda (Kamini / Devavrata) (Announced to the Public in February 1955)

We are very sorry to record the passing away of Swami Bhadrananda (alias Kamini), aged 65, at the Belur Math on the 26th January 1955, at 7-20 am. For some time past he had been suffering from cancer of the neck. He joined the Order in 1919 at the Kankhal Sevashrama and was initiated into sannyasa in 1927. He had a very amiable nature, and bore the agonizing pain of the disease with exemplary fortitude.

6th June 1955: Swami Gangananda (Gangaram Maharaj) (Announced to the Public in July 1955)

We are sorry to announce the death by drowning of Swami Gangananda (alias Gangaram Maharaj) on the 6th June 1955, shortly after noon, at Vishnupur, Dt. Bankura. He joined the Organization in 1904, was a disciple of Sri Maharaj, and was initiated into sannyasa by Sri Mahapurushji in 1926. He was the only sannyasin of our Order who knew Hathayoga, and lived an austere sadhu’s life, mostly outside our centres.

3rd December 1955: Br. Vishuddhachaitanya (Sukavanam) (Announced to the Public in February 1956)

We are sorry to announce the death of Br. Vishuddhachaitanya (Sukavanam) on the 3rd December 1955 at the Cherrapunji Ashrama under tragic circumstances. The cause of his self-immolation is not known.

24th February 1956: Swami Archanananda (Satish) (Announced to the Public in March 1956)

We are sorry to announce the death of Swami Archanananda (Satish) on the 24th February 1956 at 3-45 am at the PG Hospital. He was suffering from jaundice for some time past and was brought here from Cherrapunji for treatment. He joined the Organization in 1929 and was initiated into sannyasa in 1943. He spent most of his monastic life in the various centres in the Khasia Hills like Shella, Cherrapunji and Shillong.

22nd May 1956: Swami Vasudevananda (Announced to the Public in June 1956)

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Vasudevananda, aged 65, on the 22nd May 1956, at 1-50 pm, at the Belur Math. He had been suffering from heart troubles for quite a long time, and of late had developed dropsy. The disease took a bad turn in the morning of the 22nd. A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Belur Math in 1914, and was initiated into sannyasa by Sri Maharaj in 1918. He was a versatile man, conversant with worship, music, lecturing, writing and homeopathy. He was the editor of Udbodhan for a good many years, as also the head of the Patna and Katihar centres and the Gadadhar Ashrama.

18th May 1956: Br. Mukundachaitanya (Vaman) (Announced to the Public in June 1956)

We are sorry to announce the death, at the age of 30, of Br. Mukundachaitanya (Vaman) on the 18th May 1956, at 5-10 am, at the Madras Cancer Institute, where he had shortly been admitted. For some time past he had been suffering from intestinal cancer, and last year had undergone an anastomosis operation. It was an obstruction at this spot that suddenly took him away. He joined the Karachi Ashrama in 1947 and was initiated into Brahmacharya in 1952. He calmly bore the pain of the disease.

3rd October 1956: Swami Vikashananda (Gadai) (Announced to the Public in November 1956)

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Vikashananda (Gadai), aged 58, at 5.49 p.m. On 3rd October 1956 at the Almora Ashrama from enlargement of the liver and gall bladder. He joined the Varanasi Home of Service in 1914, had Brahmacharya in 1921 and Sannyasa in 1923. He was noted for his spirit of service. After his retirement from work at the Home of Service several years ago, he had been suffering badly from digestive troubles.

16th December 1956 : Swami Avinashananda (Shibuda) : Announced to the Public in January 1957

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Avinashananda (popularly known as Shibuda), aged 70, at the Visakhapatnam K.G. Hospital on the 16th December 1956, at 7 a.m. For some time he had been suffering from various ailments and was admitted to the Hospital on the 23rd November for the treatment of acute gastric troubles. High blood pressure followed, and he finally succumbed.

He joined the Madras Math in 1916 and was initiated by Sri Maharaj. After a break of some three years he rejoined the order, and was ordained in 1926. He served at Mayavati for some time, and was first the General Manager of the schools and then the Vice-president of the Mission branch in Ceylon. He also initiated the Mission activities in Fiji in 1937, and was recently the Secretary of the Visakhapatnam centre. The Swami was intimately associated with the Birth Centenaries of Sri Ramakrishna and the Holy Mother, particularly with the publication of the Cultural Heritage of India and the Great Women of India. In him the Order has lost a monk of versatile talents.

19th March 1957 : Swami Arupananda (Rasbehari Maharaj) : Announced to the Public in April 1957

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Arupananda (Rasbehari Maharaj) at the age of about 70 at Varanasi. He had a mild attack of apoplexy due to high blood pressure on the 20th February at the Advaita Ashrama, and was transferred to the Home of Service for allopathic treatment. He was slowly improving, but later on his condition deteriorated and on the 19th March 1957, at about 9 a.m., he had a stroke of thrombosis, to which he succumbed peacefully at 9.35 a.m.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he had joined the Belur Math in 1908 and had his Sannyasa in 1919 from Sri Maharaj. He had the good fortune of serving the Holy Mother for a good number of years, and has immortalized himself by his detailed reminiscences of her, published in Mayer Katha, Part II. Since the Mother’s passing, the Swami was living a contemplative life at Va57nasi. He was much liked for his lovable qualities.

2nd April 1957 : Swami Siddheswarananda (Gopal): Announced to the Public in May, 1957

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Siddheswarananda (Gopal), aged 59, from a heart attack on the 2nd April 1957 at Gretz. At 2 am he complained of pain about the heart and started vomiting. From 6 am the decline was quick, defying treatment, and he breathed his last 1.15 pm – remaining conscious till the end. His body was cremated at Paris on the 6th April, Swami Ghanananda coming from London for the purpose.

Swami Siddheswarananda joined the Madras Math in 1920 and had his Sannyasa in 1924. He was serving as Head of the Bangalore Ashrama, when he was sent to Paris in 1937. During the War years he was in different parts of France continuing the work. He visited India for a few months only once, in October, 1945. Despite his delicate health, he was all his life an indefatigable worker, and he was universally loved for his qualities of head and heart. The Ashrama at Gretz is a standing monument to his sincere laboures for the spread of Vedanta in Europe. The Organization is distinctly poorer by his loss.

10th June 1957 : Swami Raghavananda (Sitapati) : Announced to the Public in July, 1957

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Raghavananda (Sitapati), aged almost 69, at the Belur Math on the 10 June at 8.33 p.m. after a protracted illness. Having already had a stroke in 1954 due to high blood pressure, he had a second one in October last. The third attack came in April, which so paralyzed him that he could neither move nor speak nor swallow anything. Since then, only glucose artificially administered kept him alive.

He had been an Eshan Scholar in B. A. and an M. A., B. L., of the Calcutta University before he joined the Madras Math in 1913. A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he had his Sannyasa in 1918. He was for some time Editor of Prabuddha Bharata and went to America in 1923 to assist swami Bodhananda. Returning to India because of ill health in 1927, he lived in close association with ‘M’ the writer of the Gospel of the Sri Ramakrishna, under whose influence he lived an austere contemplative life off and on in the Himalayas. In between, he served as President of the Puri, Allahabad and Gadadhar Ashramas. In his demise the Order has lost a genial monk with a versatile mind.

30th August 1957 : Swami Adyananda (Announced to the Public in: September 1957)

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Adyananda at the age of 61 at Chandigarh on the 30th August 1957 at 2 a.m. He had a sudden heart attack, to which he succumbed in fifteen minutes.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Dhaka Math in 1920 and had his Sannyasa in 1926. He was the first President of the Singapore centre (1928-1933). In 1934 he was sent to South Africa as a preacher, and for nearly a year lectured successfully in different towns, meeting the celebrities. He was the Head of the Lahore centre from its inception in 1939 till its suspension due to the riots in 1947. Asked later to transfer the work to Chandigarh, the capital in the making of the Indian Punjab, He was raising funds for starting that Ashrama and making preparations for construction on the site secured by him, when he was snatched away. Of late he had been in indifferent health, but in his optimism he had overlooked it. By his demise the Organization has lost a veteran worker, who was open-handed and hilarious.

12th October 1957 : Swami Divyananda (Bhola) : Announced to the Public in November 1957

We are sorry to announce the death of Swami Divyananda (Bhola) at the age of 67 at the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital, Calcutta at 5.35 a.m. on the 12th October 1957. For some time past he had been ailing at Varanasi and was removed to the Home of Service for treatment. Being suspected to be suffering from cancer of the lungs, he was brought to Calcutta for proper diagnosis and treatment and admitted to the above hospital, where he had failure of the heart only two days afterwards.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he had joined the Belur Math in 1915 and had his sannyasa in 1919. After serving at Madras and Bangalore for short periods, he lived in virtual retirement at the Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi.

28th October 1957 : Swami Dhyaneshananda (Sanat) : Announced to the Public in November 1957

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Dhyaneshananda (Sanat) at the age of 63 at Varanasi on the 28th October 1957 at 7 a.m. A sincere worker of the Home of Service, he had long been suffering from T.B. of the lungs, to which he finally succumbed.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Bhubaneswar Ashrama in 1924 and had his Sannyasa in 1929. If addition to his general proficiency , he knew music, which was of great service to both the Ashramas at Varanasi. His devotion to duty, genial temper and regularity of life marked him out as a good monk and endeared him to everybody.

8th December 1957 : Swami Ojasananda : Announced to the Public in January 1958

We are very sorry to announce the death of Swami Ojasananda at the age of 60 in Delhi on the 8th December 1957 at 11.50 a.m. He went to Delhi to attend the temple opening, and suddenly had an attack of Coronary Thrombosis. He was removed to the Wellington Hospital where, after two more attacks, he succumbed.

A law graduate and a disciple of Sri Maharaj, he joined the Travancore Ashrama in 1923, and had his Sannyasa in 1925. From 1945 onwards he was the President of the Ootacamund Ashrama. He had an amiable disposition, and his tender hospitality was appreciated by one and all. In his passing, the organization has lost a valuable worker.

19 June 1958 : Swami Vishwanathananda (Saradindu) : Announced to the Public in July 1958

We are very sorry to announce the demise of Swami Vishwanathananda (Saradindu), aged 63, at Varanasi in the afternoon of June 19, 1958, through heat stroke within 24 hours. He took a class at the Advaita Ashrama on the 18th, when a weakness in his voice was noticed. Next day, during his noon meal at the Advaita Ashrama, he felt unwell, and as he was going to his residence, a house belonging to the Ashrama, he fell down the steps, but he managed to go there in a rickshaw. Finding that he had not come to the Ashrama in the afternoon, as was his wont, some of its inmates went to inquire after him, only to find him dead in his room.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he joined the Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi, in 1924 and had his Sannyasa in 1928. He was long associated with the Delhi centre from its early days, where latterly he looked after its T.B clinic. He was versed in music, and for years his Bhajan sessions in the Ashrama as also outside were very popular. During the last few years of his life, he lived an austere, contemplative life at Varanasi. For part of it, he suffered badly from rheumatism. In his passing, the Order has lost a sincere worker and an amiable monk.

30th March 1958 : Swami Vamadevananda (Ramen) : Announced to the Public in April 1958

We are very sorry to announce that Swami Vamadevananda (Ramen), aged 54, recently of the Institute of Culture, died suddenly of apoplexy on 30th March 1958 at about 3-18 pm. He was found unconscious in the morning of the 29th, and was quickly removed to the Karnani (formerly Presidency General) Hospital, where his case was diagnosed to be very serious. Notwithstanding the best medical care and nursing, he succumbed on the very next day.

After joining the Dhaka centre in 1924, he had his sannyasa in 1929 from Srimat Swami Shivananda. Among other things, he served as Manager of the Calcutta Branch of the Advaita Ashrama for a number of years, and was President of the Singapore centre from 1947 to 1953, where he showed conspicuous ability as an organizer. Of late, he had been suffering off and on from insomnia and head complaints. His untimely death removes an earnest and indefatigable worker of the Math and Mission.

8th August 1958 : Swami Devatmananda (Indu) : Announced to the Public in September 1958

We announce with deep sorrow the passing away at the Belur Math of Swami Devatmananda (Indu), aged 58, at 10-45 p.m. on the 8 August 1958. Recently he was doing fairly well, and no one suspected that the end would come within two hours from cerebral hemorrhage.

After graduating from the Calcutta Students’ Home, he joined the Vidyapith, then at Mihijam, in 1922. A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he had his Sannyasa from Srimat Swami Shivananda in 1924. After working for some years at the Vidyapith and the Students’ Home, Madras, he was sent to New York in 1930 to assist Swami Bodhananda.

In 1932 he reorganized the suspended Vedanta work at Portland. Through his efforts the Vedanta Society saw many improvements. He was compelled to leave the USA by air in December, 1954, on account of prolonged hypertension. Since then he was living practically at the Belur Math.

During his twenty-four years’ work in America, he visited India only once for about six months in 1949-50. The Swami was much loved for the qualities of his head and heart. The Mission has lost in him a valuable worker and a monk of great faith.

19th August 1958 : Swami Swaswarupananda (Ashutosh) : Announced to the Public in September 1958

We are sorry to announce the demise of Swami Swaswarupananda (Ashutosh) at the age of 69 on the 19th August 1958 at 7-30 a.m. For the last many years he was living at Bankura, where some time back he had T.B. He then developed cancer in the throat, and, although it was at an advanced stage, he was being brought to Calcutta for treatment, when he succumbed on reaching the Howrah Station.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, the Swami joined the Bankura centre in 1917, the very year it was started, and was ordained as a Sannyasin by Srimat Swami Saradananda in 1923. He worked for some time at Jayrambati also, after which he was living a retired life.

26th September 1958: Swami Shekharananda (Raman of Tiruvalla) : Announced to the Public in October 1958

We announce with sorrow the passing away of Swami Shekharananda (Raman of Tiruvalla), aged 69, at Tiruvalla on the night of the 26th September 1958. Further details are not yet to hand. He joined the Tiruvalla centre in 1918 and had his sannyasa in 1924. Throughout his life he worked in Kerala centres, and was President of the Tiruvalla Ashrama for over three years from 1951. He was an unassuming monk of simple habits and a sincere worker, and the Organization is poorer by his loss.

22nd October 1958 : Swami Durgananda (Avinash): Announced to the Public in November 1958

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Durgananda, aged 78, at the Kankhal Sevashrama on the 22nd October 1958, at 10-14 a.m., from an attack of coronary thrombosis, the previous evening. He had been suffering off and on from a rheumatic heart.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he joined the Kankhal Sevashrama in 1912, where he passed most of his life. He had his Sannyasa in 1916. He also served at Bangalore and the Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi.

30th October 1958 : Swami Jyotirupananda (Pym / Pramod) : Announced to the Public in November 1958

We are sorry to announce the sudden demise of Swami Jyotirupananda( Pym), aged 66, at the Karnani (P.G.) Hospital, Calcutta, on the 30 October 1958 at 6-30 p.m. He had been admitted there on the 15th for suspected hemorrhage in the stomach, and was slowly progressing. But on the 30th he felt uneasy at 6 p.m. and collapsed within half an hour.

He joined the Order in 1924 at the Belur Math and had his Sannyasa in 1929. He was mostly associated with the Deoghar Vidyapith, where he was an Assistant Secretary for many years. He was Secretary of the Jamshedpur centre for some time, and also worked at the Udbodhan Office [vide Dec. 1958 Announced to the Public in]. For some years, he had been ailing now and then from heart trouble. He had an artistic temperament and was remarkable for his neatness. He once visited the USA at the call of his brother living in Chicago.

15th November 1958 : Swami Nirvedananda (Anadi Maharaj) : Announced to the Public in December 1958

We announce with deep sorrow the sudden passing away of Swami Nirvedananda (popularly known as Anadi Maharaj), aged 65, at the Calcutta Students’ Home, Belgharia, on the 15th November 1958 at 5-58 p.m., from cerebral hemorrhage. He had been ailing off and on for years from high blood pressure, and had a stroke that morning at 6-15, which soon made him unconscious and medical treatment was of no avail.

A brilliant scholar and a disciple of Sri Maharaj, he founded the Calcutta Students’ Home in 1916, and was all along connected with it, first as its Secretary, and since 1950 as its President. He formally joined the Order in 1919 and had his Sannyasa in 1923.

Despite vicissitudes, he succeeded in building up the Students’ Home, affiliated to the Mission in 1919, as a modern Gurukula. He was a co-founder of the Deoghar Vidyapith as well, and was closely associated with it during its first ten years. He was also President of the Saradapitha, Belur, since its very inception. Last but not least, he was an important Trustee of the Belur Math (and member of the Governing Body of the Mission) since 1929.

An educationist, writer and thinker, he has left many valuable books, the most notable of which is Sri Ramakrishna and Spiritual Renaissance, as also many illuminating articles, such as that on the Holy Mother in Great Women of India. He also possessed a loving heart, and his charming personality drew many young men to the fold of Sri Ramakrishna. In his demise the Organization has sustained an irreparable loss.

4th January 1959 : Swami Prabodhananda (Sanat) : Announced to the Public in February 1959

We are very sorry to announce the sudden passing away of Swami Prabodhananda (Sanat), aged 69, at the Belur Math on the 4th January 1959 at 3-30 p.m. from cerebral hemorrhage. He had been suffering from diabetes, dropsy and dilatation of the heart for many years, but on that day he was apparently in normal health, for he had gone out in the morning and returned in a taxi at 1-45 p.m. At about 3 p.m. he vomited. Seeing his condition worsen, a doctor was sent for. But before he could arrive, the Swami passed away.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Belur Math in 1911 and had his Sannyasa in 1921 from Sri Maharaj. He had the good fortune of serving Srimat Swami Turiyananda during the last few years of his life. He was entrusted with cooperating with the engineers in the construction of the Sri Ramakrishna Temple at the Belur Math as also with supervising the allied construction. He also looked after the Rangoon Sevashrama for some time in 1931-2, and was Secretary of the Kankhal Sevashrama from 1942 to 1944. He was a trustee of the Math (hence a member of the Governing body of the Mission) since 1930. His death has removed a busy old member of the Order.

22nd March 1959 : Swami Chidananda (Gosain) : Announced to the Public in April 1959:

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Chidananda (alias Gosain), aged 69, at Shyamsundarpur, Dt. Singhbhum, on the 22nd March 1959, at 8-55 p.m. He contracted Tuberculosis at the Belur Math towards the end of 1952, and after a few months’ stay at our Ranchi Sanatorium, he moved to a relative’s house in the above village. Although, of late, his condition was gradually worsening there, he felt better during the last two days, and it was only after the evening meal on the 22nd that he felt uncomfortable, and succumbed in ten minutes.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he joined the Belur Math in 1914, and had his Sannyasa in 1917. He was long in the service of Sri Maharaj, and took part in several relief works, including Lahore Plague Relief in 1924. He was skilled in playing percussion instruments, and lived in virtual retirement at the Belur Math till he was sent to Ranchi. He was much loved for his amiable disposition. In his demise the Order has lost an old monk of simple, unostentatious habits.

9th September 1959 : Swami Atmabodhananda (Satyendra) : Announced to the Public in October 1959

We announce with deep sorrow the passing away of Swami Atmabodhananda, aged 68, at the Udbodhan Office from heart failure on the 9th September 1959 at 11-48 am. For some years past he had been suffering from high blood-pressure and diabetes, and latterly from kidney trouble. Though at times he felt better owing to careful medical treatment, his condition deteriorated only a few days before the end, and suddenly became critical shortly before noon of the 9th, until which time he had retained his consciousness.

The Swami joined the Home of Service at Varanasi in 1914, and was posted next year to Mayavati. A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he had his Sannyasa from him in 1920. He was made an Assistant Secretary of the new Working Committee in 1926, and a Trustee of the Belur Math in 1928. Since 1929 he was Manager of the Udbodhan Office, and from 1930 Head of that centre. He was also the Secretary of the Nivedita School, Calcutta, from 1929 to 1945. He was an Assistant Secretary of the Math and Mission from 1938 to 1947. Besides, he was prominently associated with several other institutions in and outside the Order.

Swami Atmabodhananda’s dedicated life, balanced judgement and amiable personality made him an asset to the Order.

9th July 1960 : Swami Sadashivananda ji (Bhaktaraj Maharaj) : Announced to the Public in August 1960

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Sadashivananda ji (popularly known as Bhaktaraj Maharaj ), aged 82, at the Varanasi Home of Service from broncho-pneumonia on the 9th July 1960 at 10-15 a.m. On the 10th February, he accidentally fell at the Kedar Ghat and fractured his left thigh bone. He was admitted to the Home of Service and was progressing, but after an attack of dysentery, he suddenly developed the above disease, to which he succumbed.

A disciple of Swamiji, he joined the Varanasi Home of service in 1898, and had his Sannyasa in 1920 from Sri Maharaj. He has a large circle of devotees, and was much liked for his humility and other qualities of head and heart.

3rd August 1960 : Swami Narottamananda (Doctor Naren) : Announced to the Public in September 1960

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Narottamananda (alias doctor Naren), aged 73, at Varanasi from coronary thrombosis on the 3rd August 1960 at the Manikarnika Kalibari, where he was staying. For some time past, he had been suffering from dilatation of the heart and asthma. About 2-30 a.m. on the above date, he vomited. This was followed by a paroxysm of the asthma. He spoke a few words and then suddenly succumbed.

The Swami joined the Varanasi Home of service in 1913. He was a disciple of Sri Maharaj and had his Sannyasa from him in 1920. He had a diploma in Homeopathy, which accounts for his familiar name. He was Assistant secretary of the Varanasi Home of Service for a year from 1925. He served briefly on the Working Committee at the Headquarters in its second term. Thereafter, owing to ill health, he was leading a retired life. He wrote a commendable life of Sri Maharaj entitled Raja Maharaj.

14th October 1960 : Swami Nirvikarananda : Announced to the Public in November 1960

We are very sorry to announce the death of Swami Nirvikarananda, aged 66, from coronary thrombosis at the town centre of the Trivandrum Ashrama on the 14th October 1960. Four days before that he vomited some blood while coughing, but there was no evidence of T.B. On the 12th and 13th he had a heart attack each night. Despite treatment, his condition became worse, and after another violent attack, he succumbed at 6-10 on the next evening.

The Swami joined the Tiruvalla Ashrama in 1920 and had his Sannyasa in 1923. He supervised the construction of the Ashrama buildings at Nettayam (Trivandrum) and Tiruvalla with great devotion. He was the Head of the Calicut centre from 1941 to 1952. He was jolly and optimistic by temperament and was liked for his helpful spirit.

17th April 1961 : Swami Agamananda : Announced to the Public in May 1961

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of Swami Agamananda, aged 64, at Rayonpuram Nursing Home, about 3 miles from Kalady, at 4-10 p.m. on the 17th April 1961 due to coronary insufficiency. On the 2nd April he felt some pain in his chest while on tour and was admitted into the Muvattupuzha Government Hospital from where he was discharged after four days. Though better, he was immediately admitted under expert medical advice, into the Nursing Home at Rayonpuram for better treatment and rest. There he improved very much and was to come back to the Ashrama on the 19th. But Suddenly on the 17th at 3 p.m., he felt some uneasiness. After 15 minutes he felt better. At 4 p.m. there was a second attack and he succumbed at 4-10 p.m. The sad news was announced through All India Radio, Trivandrum, at 6.20 p.m. As a mark of respect to him the entire business of the Kalady Bazar was suspended and more than 2000 people followed the ambulance car carrying the body to the Ashrama.

The Swami, a disciple of Sri Maharaj, joined the Tiruvalla Ashrama in 1926 and had his Sannyasa in 1928. He was vastly learned in Sanskrit and was a good speaker. He was the founder president of the Kalady Ashrama which was started twenty-five years back. Subsequently he played a great part in sponsoring the Sankara College though it was not started under our auspices. He edited the Prabuddha Keralam and translated many books in Malayalam. He was loved by all for his sterling qualities of head and heart.

26th May 1961 : Swami Krishnapremananda (Akhil) : Announced to the Public in June 1961

We are sorry to announce that Swami Krishnapremananda (Akhil), aged 68, passed away on the 26th May 1961 at the Varanasi Sevashrama. For the last 4 months he was ailing from chronic gastritis to which he succumbed at last. He joined the Order in 1918 and had his Sannyasa from Srimat Vijnanananda Maharaj.

28th June 1961 : Swami Harananda (Taranath) : Announced to the Public in July 1961

With deep sorrow we announce that Swami Harananda (Taranath), aged 69, passed away on the 28th June 1961 at 4 p.m. at the Varanasi Sevashrama. For the last five months he was bedridden due to intestinal paralysis. He joined the Order in 1913 at the Belur Math. A disciple of the Holy Mother, he had his Sannyasa in 1921 from Sri Maharaj. He was at the Varanasi Advaita Ashrama for the greater part of his life.

6th July 1961 : Swami Sevananda (Ganesh) : Announced to the Public in August 1961

We are sorry to announce that Swami Sevananda (Ganesh), aged 54, passed away on the 6th July 1961 at the Varanasi Sevashrama. He was suffering from cardiac asthma. On the 5th night he had an attack of asthma to which he finally succumbed. He joined the Order in 1925 at the Varanasi Sevashrama and had his Sannyasa in 1937 from Srimat Swami Vijnanananda Maharaj. His contribution to the activities of the Sevashrama was praiseworthy. He was an ideal worker dedicated to the service of the distressed and carried on the work of the Sevashrama with untiring energy.

25th July 1961 : Swami Yajneswarananda (Sasi) : Announced to the Public in August 1961

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Yajneswarananda (Sasi), aged 66, on the 25th July 1961 at Lucknow. While removing the prostate gland on the 1 June, cancer in his urinary bladder was detected. He was operated a second time and the bladder was removed. He stood well both the operations. But later it was detected that the liver also was affected beyond recovery and finally he succumbed to this fell disease. He Joined the Order in 1925 at Habiganj and had his Sannyasa in 1930.

1st August 1961 : Swami Manishananda (Mati Lal) : Announced to the Public in September 1961

We are sorry to announce that Swami Manishananda (Mati Lal), aged 68, passed away on the 1st August 1961 at the Belur Math. He had high blood pressure and on the day at about 11-30 a.m. while he was making japa after bath he had a stroke to which he succumbed at 3-50 p.m. He had joined the Order in 1916 at the Belur Math. A disciple of the Holy Mother, he had his Sannyasa in 1921 from Sri Maharaj.

3rd November 1961 : Swami Satsangananda : Announced to the Public in December 1961

Swami Satsangananda, aged 76, passed away on the 3rd November 1961 at 10-43 p.m. at Jayrambati. He had an attack of apoplexy and was in a precarious condition for eight days. He, an initiated disciple of the Holy Mother, joined the Order in 1932 and had his Sannyasa in the same year from Sri Mahapurush Maharajji. He was one of the pioneers who founded the Sylhet Ashrama.

16th November 1961 : Swami Nikhileswarananda : Announced to the Public in December 1961

Swami Nikhileswarananda, aged 76, passed away on the 16th November 1961 at 5-15 p.m. at Nagpur Ashrama, due to cerebral thrombosis. He was suffering from high blood-pressure and after a stroke in August last, he was bed ridden. He joined the Order in 1928 at Nagpur and was all along there. He had his Sannyasa in 1931 from Sri Mahapurush Maharajji from whom he got the initiation also. Though before joining the Order he was a pleader by profession, he gained vast experience in Homeopathy and was in charger of the Homeopathic Dispensary of the Nagpur Ashrama up to the end. Popularly known there as Doctor Maharaj, he rendered useful service to lakhs of patients coming from different parts of the State.

24th November 1961 : Swami Vasisthananda (Samar) : Announced to the Public in December 1961

Swami Vasisthananda (Samar), aged 67, passed away at the Varanasi Sevashrama on the 24th November 1961 at 4 p.m. He had a mild stroke on the 7th and was admitted to the Sevashrama where, before day break on the 23rd, due to cerebral hemorrhage, he lost his consciousness, which he did not regain. He joined the Order in 1924 and got Sannyasa from Sri Mahapurush Maharajji in 1930. For some time he was in close touch with Srimat Swami Vijnanananda ji Maharaj at the Allahabad Ashrama.

27th December 1961 : Swami Vrajeswarananda (Deben) : Announced to the Public in January 1962

We are very sorry to announce that Swami Vrajeswarananda (Deben), aged 69, passed away on the 27th December 1961 at 10.50 a.m. He had a stroke while taking bath in the Ganges at about 7 a.m., and fell down senseless on the Math Ghat. A passing boatman drew the attention of the inmates of the Math and he was removed to the monks’ quarters. He did not regain his sense.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he had his Sannyasa in 1922 from Sri Maharaj. He joined the Order in 1913 at Kankhal. His life of service at the hospital there and later at the Math was commendable and it endeared him to everybody.

13th January 1962 : Swami Shankarananda ji Maharaj : Announced to the Public in February 1962

It is with a heavy heart that we have to record the passing away of our Revered President, Srimat Swami Shankarananda ji Maharaj, at the Belur Math at 3.10 am on the 13th January 1962. Though the Revered Swamiji had no specific ailment, he had been suffering for the last two or three years from chronic debility due to old age. On the 11th, slight phlegm was marked, which increased a bit on the 12th morning with slight fever. Due to this, he had breathing difficulty. On both the days the doctors examined him and did not find anything alarming. The end came quite unexpectedly due to respiratory failure.

The news having been flashed over the radio and the telephone, friends, admirers, monks and devotees began to pour into the Math compound from early morning to have a last darshan of the Swami in eternal rest. The body was brought down at 10.30 am and placed on a cot beautifully decorated with flowers. All those who had gathered offered garlands, bouquets and flowers at his feet. Then at about 12 noon the body was taken to the Math ghat and given a bath and clothes were changed and Aratrika was performed. It was then carried in a procession to the pyre on the Ganges at the south-east corner of the Math compound stopping on the way for a short time in front of each of the four temples. The pyre was lighted at 1 pm and extinguished at about 4.30 pm.

Our beloved leader is gone leaving a feeling of irreparable loss behind.

On the 24th January, the Bhandara went off very well with a whole-day programme. About 11,000 devotees took prasad. The day was also observed at Bhubaneswar, Varanasi, Shillong, Madras, Tirupparaitturai, etc.

16th June 1962 : Swami Vishuddhananda ji Maharaj : Announced to the Public in July 1962

With the deepest sorrow we record the passing away of our Revered President, Srimat Swami Vishuddhananda ji Maharaj, at 9.07 am on the 16th June 1962 at the Park Nursing Home, Calcutta. The supra-pubic puncture made in 1960 was giving trouble, so he decided to undergo the second operation as advised by the doctors. Accordingly he was admitted to the Park Nursing Home in Calcutta on the 11th June and was operated on on the 13th afternoon at 3 pm. Though till noon on the 15th June his progress after the operation seemed to be satisfactory, yet towards evening he was getting more and more restless and had no sleep at night in spite of sedatives. His condition worsened after midnight causing anxiety and in spite of the best medical aid given his condition deteriorated and finally he entered into Mahasamadhi on the 16th morning at 9.07.

The news having been flashed over the radio and the telephone, friends, admirers, devotees and monks began to pour into the Math compound for a last darshan of the Swami in eternal rest. The body was brought to the Math from the Nursing Home at about 12 noon and placed in his room. At 2 pm it was brought down and placed on a cot richly decorated with flowers. All those who had gathered filed past his feet offering garlands, bouquets and flowers at his feet. After this the body was taken to the Math ghat and given a bath and after change of clothes, the Aratrika was performed. It was then carried in a procession to the pyre on the Ganges at the south-east corner of the Math compound stopping on the way for a short time in front of each of the four temples. The pyre was lighted at 4-30 pm and extinguished at 8 pm.

Our beloved leader is gone, and the loss is irreparable.

On the 24th June, the Bhandara went off very well with a whole-day programme. About 11,000 devotees took prasad. The day was also observed at Varanasi, Ranchi (Ashrama), Shillong, Sargachhi, etc.

23rd September 1962 : Swami Akhilananda (Nirode) : Announced to the Public in October 1962

We announce with deep sorrow the passing away of Swami Akhilananda (Nirode), aged 68, in the hospital at Boston on the 23rd September 1962 at 5-15 pm, Boston time. In February last he was admitted to the hospital for some kidney trouble. There had been bleeding from the walls of the bladder. Early in September he was discharged from the hospital and was brought to a nursing home. After a few days, however, he had to be hospitalized again for some trouble in the lung region, to which he succumbed.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, he joined the Order at the end of 1919 at Bhubaneswar from where he was sent to the Madras Math by Sri Maharaj. At Madras he stayed till 1925. He had his Sannyasa in 1921 from Swami Brahmananda. In 1926 he was deputed as an assistant to Swami Paramananda. In 1928 he founded the Vedanta Society at Providence, and in 1941 the Ramakrishna Vedanta Society at Boston. In the USA he lived a life of incessant activity, and his loving heart, coupled with sweet nature, attracted a large circle of friends from various walks of life. He was also very much loved by the members of the Order. He had helped many activities started by the Organization, and it was mainly through his instrumentality that the Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Belur became a reality.

The Organization has sustained a great loss in his demise.

17th October 1962 : Swami Nirantarananda (Gour) : Announced to the Public in November 1962

We are very sorry to announce that Swami Nirantarananda (Gour of Baranagore), aged 59, passed away at the Baranagore Ashrama on the 17th October 1962, at 6-45 pm. He had been suffering for about two years from gout and heart troubles, which, however, had been kept under control. But three months back, ascites developed, and he ultimately succumbed to it.

A disciple of Sri Mahapurush Maharaj, he joined the Order in 1932 at the Taki Ashrama, of which he was one of the founders. He had his Sannyasa from Swami Virajananda ji in 1942. His life of service at the Baranagore Ashrama was exemplary, and his loving nature endeared him to a large number.

2nd December 1962 : Swami Govindananda (Balai) : Announced to the Public in December 1962

We are very sorry to announce that Swami Govindananda (Balai), aged 77, passed away on the 2nd December 1962 in Calcutta. He had high blood pressure. The end came suddenly due to cardiac failure.

A disciple of Sri Maharaj, the Swami joined the Order in 1912 and had his Sannyasa in 1915 from him. He was in charge of the Bhubaneswar centre from January 1940 to November 1952. In him a monk of the older generation passed away.

21st December 1962: Swami Purushatmananda (Jnanendra of Silchar)

We are very sorry to announce that Swami Purushatmananda (Jnanendra of Silchar), aged 67, passed away at the P.G. Hospital, Calcutta, on the 21st December 1962, at 4-35 a.m. He was admitted to the hospital in July last for aneurysm of aorta from which there was no chance of recovery. Lately cancer in the lungs was also detected.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Order in 1920 at the Habiganj Ashrama of which he was one of the founders. He had his Sannyasa from Swami Vijnanananda ji in 1937. He was the head of the Silchar centre from 1939 onwards. In him we lost a monk of austere habits and rare self-dedication.

The end was inspiring. A few minutes before passing away he, though physically extremely weak, suddenly sat up on his bed and began to utter the name of Sri Ramakrishna. A little later he said, ‘O Mother, you have come, wait a little, I am coming.’ Saying this he addressed the nearby patients thus, ‘Brothers, are you awake? My time is up, I am going.’ After this he lay down on his bed never to rise again.

22nd January 1963 : Swami Vimokshananda : Announced to the Public in February 1963

We are very sorry to announce the death of Swami Vimokshananda, 64, from cerebral thrombosis at Trivandrum on the 22nd January 1963.

The Swami joined the Tiruvalla Ashrama in 1931 and had his sannyasa in 1940. He was of a mild temperament, generous in nature and devoted to the worship of Sri Guru Maharaj. He was very popular among the devotees.

13th February 1963 : Swami Samsuddhananda (Bhavataran) : Announced to the Public in March 1963

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of Swami Samsuddhananda (Bhavataran), aged about 66, at the P.G. Hospital in Calcutta on the 13th February 1963 at 11-25 a.m. He first admitted in a rundown condition to the Seva Pratishthan, and from there he was transferred to the P.G. Hospital for operation on the 9th, since it was diagnosed to be a case of brain tumor. That very day he was operated on, but he succumbed on the 13th.

A disciple of Sri Mahapurush Maharaj, he joined the Dhaka Ashrama in 1927 and had his Sannyasa in 1932, after which he worked at the Headquarters. During the later years of his life he made it a mission of his life, as it were, to revive the birthplaces of the direct monastic disciples of Sri Ramakrishna mostly in villages, and to keep the memory of these great souls fresh in the minds of the local public by celebrating their birthdays at those places. Untiringly and with great perseverance he laboured for it. He also took interest in creating enthusiasm among the public at the various places which Sri Ramakrishna had visited in his life. Many devotees, including a good number of young men, lost in him a great well-wisher of theirs.

23 February 1963 : Swami Pranaveshananda (Nayak) : Announced to the Public in March 1963

We announce with a heavy heart the passing away of Swami Pranaveshananda (Nayak), aged 74, at the Seva Pratishthan on the 23rd 1963 at 11-45 a.m. During the last four or five years he had occasional urethral hemorrhage, which was finally detected as due to a cancerous growth in the bladder. So on the 20th February, he was operated on and was keeping well for the next two days. Unfortunately, on the night of the 22nd he developed uremia to which he succumbed the next day.

A disciple of Sri Mahapurush Maharaj, he joined the Bombay Ashrama in 1923 and had his Sannyasa in 1927. He was the Head of the Barisal, Colombo, Ponnampet, Pathuriaghata and Lucknow centres for some time. His translation of the Lilaprasanga into Kannada as also his Life of the Holy Mother in that language have been much appreciated by the public. He was loved for his simple nature.

22nd March 1963 : Jnan Maharaj : Announced to the Public in April 1963

We have to announce with a heavy heart the passing away of Revered Jnan Maharaj, aged about 86, on the 22nd March 1963 at 0.25 am at the Belur Math. For a long time he had been suffering from various ailments due to old age, which later on developed into pneumonia, to which he succumbed. He joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1901 at Mayavati, from where he came to the Belur Math and lived there till the end. He was of an amiable nature and very popular with students, to whom he was a friend, philosopher and guide. He preached Swamiji’s ideals amongst them, which was responsible for the Ashrama at Khurut, Bantra at Howrah. He has left a void which will be difficult to fill up.

He was a disciple of Swamiji, and with his departure the Math has lost the last of them.

6th June 1963 : Swami Tyagiswarananda (Hem) : Announced to the Public in July 1963

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of Swami Tyagiswarananda (Hem), aged 71, on the 6th June, 1963, at 1-09 p.m. at the Belur Math. For a long time he was suffering from Myopathy or muscular dystrophy to which he finally succumbed.

He, a disciple of Sri Maharaj, joined the order in 1916 and had his Sannyasa in 1926 from Sri Mahapurush Maharaj. From 1925 onward he was in the forefront of many big relief works conducted by the Mission. His last notable work was the founding of two colonies, one at Agartala and another at Bhadreswar, for rehabilitating the East Pakistan refugees. He had literary taste also and was the author of two travel books. In his demise the Order has lost an old monk of simple and unostentatious habits who had dedicated his life to the service of suffering humanity.

27th August 1963 : Swami Shashwatananda : Announced to the Public in September 1963

We announce with deep sorrow the passing away of Swami Shashwatananda, aged 69, at the Belur Math on the 27th August 1963 at 10-02 pm. For about two years he was suffering from heart trouble. For the third time within a year he was hospitalized on the 29th July. His condition gradually deteriorated and at last when the condition became hopeless, to fulfil his wish, he was brought to the Math on Friday, the 23rd August in the afternoon. He was fully conscious and could recognize persons and speak also, though it was indistinct. His condition then deteriorated fast in spite of the best efforts of the doctors who attended on him constantly and the end came on the 27th August.

The Swami joined the Home of Service at Varanasi in 1919. A disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda, he had his Sannyasa also from him in 1923. From 1925 to 1928 he was the Warden of the Madras Students’ Home. From 1929 he was a member of the Working Committee at the Headquarters till 1936. He was the President of the Madras Math from 1936 to 1944 in which year he came back to the Headquarters. In 1947 he was made a Trustee and an Assistant Secretary of the Math and Mission which post he held till his death. He was also the President of the Saradapitha since 1959. He was intimately connected with the starting of the Training Centre.

An austere monk, he possessed a loving heart. Many a soul, especially young men, who came in touch with him were very much benefited and inspired. While in the South he had won the hearts of many. In his demise the Organization has sustained a great loss.

3rd August 1963 : Swami Akshatananda : Announced to the Public in September 1963

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Akshatananda (Gopal), aged 42, at our hospital in Trivandrum on the 3rd August 1963 at 10-05 pm. He had liver trouble which suddenly aggravated and he was flown to Trivandrum on the 23rd July. It was diagnosed to be a case of liver cancer. His condition began to deteriorate fast and the end came on the 3rd August.

He joined the Kalady Ashrama in 1939. A disciple of Srimat Swami Virajananda, he had his Sannyasa also from him in 1948. Though of delicate health he was very active and energetic. Mainly due to his hard labour the Punkunnam Vivekananda Vijnana Bhavanam (Library) in Trichur has developed to its present level. His scriptural classes, discourses, etc were very popular. He had a large number of friends and admirers in Kerala. In him the Organization has lost a promising young monk.

6th November 1963 : Swami Naishthikananda (Krishna) : Announced to the Public in December 1963

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Naishthikananda, aged 71, on the 6th November 1963 at 5-10 p.m. at Kalady. He was suffering from high blood pressure and was bed-ridden for about three months. He joined the Trivandrum Ashrama in 1921 and had his Sannyasa in 1923 from Swami Nirmalananda ji. He was of very unassuming and simple nature. In him a monk of the old generation passed away.

12th November 1963 : Swami Medhananda : Announced to the Public in December 1963

Swami Medhananda (of Advaita Ashrama, Varanasi), aged 79, passed away on the 12th November 1963 at 3-50 a.m. at Varanasi. He was suffering from thrombosis. He joined the Varanasi Advaita Ashrama in 1922 and had his Sannyasa in 1955 from Swami Shankarananda ji. He was an adept in the Smritris and rituals, and lived a very austere and orthodox life accordingly.

18th December 1963 : Swami Trailokyananda (Damodaran) : Announced to the Public in January 1964

With deep sorrow we announce the passing away of Swami Trailokyananda (Damodaran), aged 42, on the 17th December 1963 midnight. On the 6th December he got high fever at the Calicut Ashrama, on the 10th he was admitted in the Medical Collage Hospital at Calicut and by the 15th he was almost normal. But he got a sudden heart attack on the 17th midnight and the end came within 15 minutes by about 0-15 a.m. of the 18th December.

The Swami was a disciple of Srimat Swami Shankarananda ji, joined the Order in 1950 and had his Sannyasa in 1959. He was mainly responsible for bringing out the Complete Works of Swamiji in Malayalam. In his demise the Order has lost an energetic worker at a very premature age.

9th February 1964 : Swami Achyutananda (Shyama Charan Maharaj) : Announced to the Public in March 1964

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Achyutananda (Shyama Charan Maharaj), aged 79, at Varanasi. He was suffering from low blood pressure and was admitted into the Sevashrama on the 7th February where he passed away peacefully at 1 a.m. of the 9th February 1964.

He was a disciple of the Holy Mother, joined the Order at the Belur Math in 1913 and had his Sannyasa in 1916 from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji. He was at Varanasi from about 1936.

17th March 1964 : Swami Nityasthananda (Kunjan) of Kalady : Announced to the Public in April 1964

Swami Nityasthananda (Kunjan) of Kalady aged 33 years only, passed away at 10-18 a.m. on the 17th March 1964 at the Medical College Hospital at Nagpur. On the 5th March he accidentally fell down from the first floor at the Nagpur Ashrama where he went on a visit on the 3rd March. He fractured his skull on the right side and a right collar bone. From the 16th his condition became grave. There was intra-cranial hemorrhage as also an attack of coronary thrombosis to which he succumbed. Though he was unconscious all along from the time of the accident he always chanted his “Mantra” till the end. This was very remarkable and conspicuous indeed!

He was a disciple of Srimat Swami Shankarananda ji, joined the Order in 1951 at Trichur and had his Sannyasa in 1960. The Order feels extremely sorry to lose such a promising young brother.

28th March 1964 : Swami Shivatmananda (Hrishi) : Announced to the Public in April 1964

Swami Shivatmananda (Hrishi) of Belur Math, aged 61, passed away on the 28th March 1964 at 3-17 a.m. at our Seva Pratishthan. He had intestinal obstruction due to some cancerous growth for which he underwent operation on the 4th February. In spite of all possible medical care his condition slowly deteriorated. To respect his last fervent wish the body was brought to the Math for cremation.

The Swami, a disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj, joined the Order in 1922 at Vrindaban and had his Sannyasa in 1928. Since long back he was at the Math. He was a silent, diligent and unassuming worker and a monk of amiable nature and simple habits.

30th March 1964 : Swami Chinmatrananda (Priyanath) : Announced to the Public in April 1964

Swami Chinmatrananda (Priyanath), aged 75, passed away at 0-15 a.m. on the 30th March 1964 at the Boys’ Hostel, T. Nagar, Madras. He was suffering from diabetic ailments, and heart troubles, which developed into an acute heart attack on the night of the 29th to which he succumbed.

The Swami, a disciple of Srimat Saradananda ji Maharaj, joined the Order in 1925 at Deoghar and had his Sannyasa in 1931. From Deoghar he went to Madras where he worked for several years till the end. He was connected with the Managing Committees of our various educational institutions in Madras either as an office-bearer or as a member. He was also the warden of the Boys’ Hostel at T. Nagar for several years. He was very dutiful and hard-working and was loved by all for his sweet and amiable nature and austere habits. In his demise Madras will miss one of its popular figures of the Mission.

25th April 1964 : Swami Ritananda (Gagan) : Announced to the Public in May 1964

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Ritananda (Gagan) aged 68, at the Seva Pratishthan on the 25th April 1964 at 11-25 a.m. On the 13th April be was operated for stone in the gall bladder and was progressing tolerably well. Bur after a few days uremia developed to which he succumbed.

A disciple of the Holy Mother, he joined the Koalpara Ashrama in 1915 and had his Sannyasa from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji in 1921. Being very near Jayrambati he had the rare privilege of meeting the Holy Mother frequently. He worked for a number of years at the Varanasi Sevashrama after leaving Koalpara Ashrama.

6th May 1964 : Swami Nihshankananda (Amulya) : Announced to the Public in June 1964

Swami Nihshankananda (Amulya), aged 59 years, passed away due to diabetic coma with cerebral hemorrhage at 3-20 a.m. on the 6th May 1964 at the Seva Pratishthan where he was removed on the 2nd May when he became very ill and on the way to hospital he became unconscious. He never regained his sense fully. He joined the Order in 1934 at Patna and was a disciple of Srimat Swami Vijnanananda ji Maharaj. He had his Sannyasa in 1946 from Srimat Swami Vijnanananda ji Maharaj. He was in charge of our Narayanganj centre for many years. On his return from Narayanganj he was posted as head of the Gadadhar Ashrama which post he held till his death. He was a sincere and hard-working monk of simple and austere habits.

8th May 1964 : Swami Dhatrananda (Mathuradas) : Announced to the Public in June 1964

Swami Dhatrananda (Mathuradas), aged 49, passed away at 11 a.m. on the 8th May at the Magarwara Nature Cure Clinic, a hospital 6 miles from Kanpur. He was practicing tapasya for the last several years at Uttarkashi-Rishikesh. About two months back he was admitted to the said hospital for low blood pressure and hyper-acidity. He joined the Order at Bombay and worked for some time at the Varanasi Sevashrama and Rajkot Ashrama and had his Sannyasa in 1952. In 1957 he went for Tapasya to Uttarkashi where he stayed for several years.

13th May 1964 : Swami Yajneshananda (Suhrid) : Announced to the Public in June 1964

Swami Yajneshananda (Suhrid), aged about 72, passed away at 5-30 a.m. on the 13th May 1964 at Balaram Seva Sadan, Khardah. On the 12th at about 9-30 p.m. he was attacked with coronary thrombosis and at 11 p.m. was transferred to the Hospital where he passed away the next morning. He was a disciple of Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj and had his Sannyasa from Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj. From the inception of the Industrial School at Belur he had been one of the organizers, through whose hard efforts the school gradually took shape. Later due to skin infection he led a life of a recluse at Khardah.

20th June 1964 : Swami Avadhutananda (Balaida) : Announced to the Public in July 1964

Swami Avadhutananda (Balaida), aged 73, passed away due to acute broncho-pneumonia at 7-45 a.m. on the 20th June 1964 at Varanasi Sevashrama. He had fever on the 14th; gradually pneumonia developed, to which he succumbed. He joined the Order in 1908 at Varanasi. A disciple of the Holy Mother, he had his Sannyasa in 1921 from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj. Throughout his life he was at the Varanasi Sevashrama. He was a monk of very simple habits and amiable nature.

22nd June 1964 : Swami Anubhavananda (Rohini) : Announced to the Public in July 1964

Swami Anubhavananda (Rohini) , aged 70, passed away due to heart attack at Barlowganj at 1-55 a.m. on the 22nd June 1964. On the 13th June morning he fell down unconscious while folding up his mosquito-curtain. Doctors who were present there suspected heart attack. However, it subsided and he was advised absolute rest. But on the 21st he had another attack to which he succumbed. He was fully conscious till the end and took Ganga water consciously. He joined the Order in 1916 at Dhaka. A disciple of the Holy Mother, he got his sannyasa in 1920 from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj. He was a very painstaking monk and lived for long in the Himalayas. He was in charge of the Barlowganj Ashrama from its very inception.

23rd June 1964: Swami Padmanabhananda of Saradapitha : Announced to the Public in July 1964

Swami Padmanabhananda of Saradapitha, aged 59, passed away at the Seva Pratishthan at 1-30 a.m. on the 23rd June 1964. Some four months back he was admitted to the Hospital for enlarged prostate trouble. As he had diabetes, various ailments developed for which prostate operation could not be undertaken. Then on the 20th his condition became critical beyond all hopes due to same internal hemorrhage. Ultimately he succumbed to diabetes mellitus with enlarged prostate and uremia. A disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj, he joined the Order in 1928 at Trichur and had his Sannyasa in 1938 from Srimat Swami Vijnanananda ji Maharaj. From about 1944 he was at the Saradapitha at Belur and was intimately connected with all its developments. He was very hard-working and of austere habits.

16th August 1964 : Swami Srikanthananda (Kunhiraman) : Announced to the Public in September 1964

We are sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Srikanthananda (Kunhiraman), aged 77, owing to cerebral thrombosis on the 16th August 1964 at 2-45 a.m. at our Trivandrum hospital. On the 4th August he had the attack and his left side was completely paralyzed. All hopes of recovery were given up after the 10th and he began to sink. He joined the Trivandrum Ashrama in 1924 and had his sannyasa in 1928. From 1928 to 1944 he was in charge of the Salem Ashrama and thereafter he was staying at Trivandrum. The Swami was a man of simple and austere habits and of very kind disposition.

20th August 1964 : Swami Ramananda (Jyotish) : Announced to the Public in September 1964

Swami Ramananda (Jyotish), aged 70, suddenly passed away at the Belur Math on the 20th August 1964 at about midnight after a cerebral stroke. He went to the bathroom and fell down and the end came before any medical help could be given. He had no acute ailment to be taken notice of. He had come to the Math for a short trip about 10 or 12 days before. He joined the Order in 1916 at the Belur Math. An initiated disciple of the Holy Mother, he had his Sannyasa in 1920 from Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj. For long he was staying at the Varanasi Advaita Ashrama. Even at such old age he was very enthusiastic in leading Kali-Kirtan or other songs. He was of very simple nature and of amiable and affectionate disposition.

16th December 1964 : Swami Vimuktananda (Upen) : Announced to the Public in January 1965

With heavy heart we announce the passing away of Swami Vimuktananda (Upen), aged 64, at the SSKM (PG) Hospital, Calcutta, on the 16th December 1964 at 00.50 am. He had an attack of coronary thrombosis in the early hours of 3.11.1964 and was removed to the hospital by noon. But gradually his condition worsened and the best medical aid was of no avail.

The Swami joined the Belur Math in 1922. A disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj, he had his Sannyasa also from him in 1926. After assiduously working for some time at the Vrindaban Sevashrama and for a number of years at the Advaita Ashrama (Calcutta and Mayavati) he took up in 1941, being deputed by the authorities at the Headquarters, the task of organizing various educational activities under the Saradapitha as its founder Secretary, in which post he continued till the last day. He was a member of the Working Committee from 1934 to 1952. His contribution in the publication of the Cultural Heritage of India was great. He played an eminent part in connection with the birth centenary celebration of the Holy Mother, as its Assistant Secretary. In 1961 he was made a Trustee of the Belur Math. He was entrusted with the piloting of the Vivekananda University scheme for which he was working very hard.

He was a monk of tenacity, indefatigable energy, constructive ability, sacrificing spirit and loving heart. In his demise the Organization, particularly in its educational field, has sustained a great loss.

12th December 1964 : Br. Prajnachaitanya (Krishna) : Announced to the Public in January 1965

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Br. Prajnachaitanya (Krishna), aged 27 only, at the SSKM (PG) Hospital, Calcutta, on the 12th December 1964, at 9.38 am. He had trouble with his spleen for which more than a year he was being treated. At last the doctors decided to remove the spleen for which he was admitted to the PG Hospital. On the 11th he was operated on, when the liver also was found to be in a very bad state. As a result of all this, he passed away on the next morning.

In 1959 he joined at Mayavati, then he was at its Calcutta branch. He had his Brahmacharya in 1964. He was of a very sweet nature and his smiling face was ever a sign of contentment, which continued even before the last moment. The loss at such a tender age of a promising soul is poignant.

1st February 1965 : Swami Sarveshananda (Durgadas) : Announced to the Public in March 1965

Swami Sarveshananda (Durgadas), passed away at 11 a.m. on the 1st February 1965 due to heart failure, in the house of a devotee near Shivala, Varanasi. He was aged 70. A disciple of the Holy mother, he joined the Order in 1917, and had his Sannyasa from Srimat Swami Saradananda ji Maharaj in 1923 at Jayrambati. He worked for long in the Varanasi Home of Service and was for a time a member of the Working committee at the Headquarters. The last few years he spent in retirement.

9th June 1965 : Swami Yuktatmananda (Tarapada) : Announced to the Public in July 1965

Swami Yuktatmananda (Tarapada), aged 66, passed away at 1-55 p.m. on the 9th June 1965 at the Vrindaban Sevashrama, due to a stroke preceded by diabetic coma, very high fever, blood vomiting, etc.

He was bedridden for about three years due to partial paralysis. He joined the Order in 1923 at Jayrambati and was initiated into Sannyasa in 1929 by Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj. He was a pujari at Udbodhan for several years and also spent a good number of years at Jullunder in Tapasya.

28th June 1965 : Swami Nirvisheshananda (Shyam) : Announced to the Public in July 1965

We are very sorry to announce the passing away of Swami Nirvisheshananda (Shyam), aged 71, at the Kankhal Sevashrama on the 28th June 1965 at 4 a.m. He had been suffering from pain in the abdomen, edema of the legs, and apparently a dilated heart. Doctors suspected a malignant growth in the intestine. He was brought from Kishanpur to Kankhal a few days back in a much run-down condition and medical help was of no use.

He joined the Order in 1920 and was initiated into brahmacharya that very year. He had his Sannyasa in 1928 from Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj. He worked at the Gadadhar Ashrama, Vrindaban Sevashrama and Kishanpur for several years at each place.

25th July 1965 : Swami Vishwananda : Announced to the Public in August 1965

On Sunday the 25 July 1965, at 11-30 p.m. (USA time) Swami Vishwananda, aged 71, passed away in a Chicago hospital where he had been admitted on June 7, though we had no news about this development till the beginning of July, when most of the senior monks were in Bombay. Swami Sarvagatananda of Boston visited the Swami in the hospital on July 12 and wrote to us on 15-7-1965, “The Swami was hospitalized on June 7 because of the congestive heart failure. Afterwards he suffered from pneumonia. While recovering from the same he had a stroke on July 8. First his speech suffered and today his right side spasms began.” And then came the cable from Swami Sarvagatananda giving the sad news.

Swami Vishwananda was a disciple of Srimat Swami Brahmananda ji Maharaj. He joined the Organization as a probationer in December 1920, and took orders in 1923 from Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj.

He was head of the Bombay centre for some years and was then sent to Chicago in 1937, where he spent the rest of his life.

24th July 1965 : Swami Kutasthananda : Announced to the Public in August 1965

Swami Kutasthananda, aged 61, passed away at the Vellore Hospital at 4-45 p.m. on the 24th July. The Swami had been ailing for a long time and had been to several hospitals including those at Royapetta (Madras) and Vellore for treatment of cirrhosis of the liver and dropsy, but without effect.

He joined the Organization in 1928 and was a disciple of Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj. He had his sannyasa in 1934 from Srimat Swami Akhandananda ji Maharaj. After working successfully in various capacities in different centres, he had been the head of the Nattarampalli centre for the past several years.

6th October 1965 : Swami Madhavananda ji Maharaj : Announced to the Public in November 1965

It is with a sense of deep sorrow that we record the passing away of our revered President Srimat Swami Madhavananda ji Maharaj at the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan, Calcutta, at 6-50 pm on Wednesday, the 6th October 1965.

As a result of the rising level of blood urea, he developed a serious uremic condition, although he maintained to the utter amazement of the attending physicians, his mental alertness up to the very last moment of his life, remembering all past events and cutting jokes with all even when his blood pressure reached an alarmingly low level. In spite of internal hemorrhage and vomiting persisting for several days and resulting in acute pain and a throbbing headache during the last few hours of his life, he maintained his perfectly normal demeanour, hearing his suffering with remarkable calmness and fortitude. He gave general darshan to a large number of devotees from the 2nd October up to almost the last moment of his entering into Mahasamadhi.

Though the physicians did not entertain much hope of his recovery, the end came rather suddenly. On the 4th October, as a result of treatment, his blood pressure began to rise and on the 5th he regained his normal pressure. This he maintained till the 6th morning, after which the pressure fell continuously, till the end came at 6-50 pm, with the Mother’s name on his lips.

His body was brought to the Belur Math at about midnight and kept in the European guest house, the cremation taking place next day at the cremation ground on the Ganga within the Math premises at about 10 am in the presence of thousands of devotees and admirers, who had paid their last respects to him earlier in the Math courtyard.

Bhandara was elaborately arranged at the Belur Math on the 18th October with worship of Thakur, recitation of Vedic texts, music, etc. At noon, Prasad was handed out to more than eight thousand people, the total number of devotees visiting the Math that day being well over ten thousands. At evening a well-attended meeting presided over by his class-friend Dr. Ramesh Chandra Mazumdar was held on the lawn east of the Temple.

20th December 1965 : Br. Vishwachaitanya (Prahlad) : Announced to the Public in January 1966

Brahmachari Vishwachaitanya (Prahlad), aged 66, passed away at 4-23 p.m. on the 20th December at the Math, owing to cardio-respiratory failure caused by mitral stenosis (narrowing of the opening in one of the valves of the heart). He had been suffering from a dilated heart and high blood pressure for some years past.

He joined the Varanasi Advaita Ashrama in 1923 and was initiated into Brahmacharya by Srimat Swami Shivananda ji Maharaj. He was a good musician being a student of Pandit S.N. Ratanjankar, Principal of the Music College, Lucknow, and his skill in music was utilized at the Belur Math where he lived for many long years. In his demise the Order has lost a veteran musician.