What SUPERMAN

is this exhibition about?

TheThis exhibition isworldly
kaleidoscopic a simplescene
narrative of a free
driven born spirit
by greed and from a
strivetraditional village, and parents so self-sufficient, and broad
Is speckled
minded with her fearless
who naturally sonshim
launched whoonstay the‘The
to live harmful
Ideal’.
drive.
In everyFrom Kheragachi
gloomy and Baruipara
vale of land courage Village in Satkhira
is the countersign
that,Subdivision of Khulna District in Bangladesh to Calcutta –
Deogarh
They – Belur
the sprits - Bhangamora
in our near like
veins enliven Arambagh-
wine. Jeduba island,
Burma - Cherrapunjee – Deoghar – Pathuriaghata –
Far, far across this glorious land those tranquil heroes
Narendrapur to Calcutta(Golpark) and abroad this life scripts
clean,
the struggle for the freedom of the soul.
Love sweeps down their karmic path and penetrates
within.
Encouraged by his school headmaster, he choose the bold
Themissionary
people know paththis silent breed,
enunciated by SwamitheVivekananda
land they and lived
sublimate
the life of a disciplined sanyasi of the Ramakrishna Order for
Attest the carnival of life, the daily battle scene.
profit of the people and advantage of nations.
Scornful, misguided, hot and bleak the sweltering
columns press.Why is this exhibition being done?
When ignorance simulates disdain, victory is
To learn, be inspired and to identify with Swami
suppressed.
Lokeshwarananda who achieved ‘The Ideal’.
When discontent hankers a material feast and power
seems bliss, How is the Ideal exhibited?
It is the cause, the cause, my soul, that rises above all
this.‘The ideal’ is depicted in three phases of development in the
person of Swami Lokeshwarananda the founder Secretary of
Ride, brothers, ride! The fateful hour has come.
Let all thethe Narendrapur,
conks of India Ramakrishna Missiondumb.
blow or be forever Ashram.
The Superman has1.burst his bonds
LEARNING THEwith Dharma’s flag
IDEAL
unfurled,
With prayer on lip he2.marches
LIVING THE
forth,IDEAL
awakening the
world.
3. PROPAGATING THE IDEAL
The pious creed that love is might in him personified
Bids all to bend before and satiate Mother’s pride,
Which, nourished on Swamiji’s dream of empire
unconfined,
With love for all he prods us forth as liberators of
mankind.
A Sanyasi’s Mother
“- You are the bows from which your children as
living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the
infinite, and He bends you with His might that His
arrows may go swift and far.” - Gibran
Mother, Shikharbasini Bandhyopadhyay was
adapt in Bengali and Sanskrit literature. She
could read English too. A gifted singer she
composed verses that were much appreciated
at her afternoon soirée with ladies of the
neighborhood where the Purans, Bhagbat,
Ramayan, Mahabharat etc were studied. Her
beautifully hand written manuscript of poems
covering several notebooks were lost during the
partition. Maharaj was greatly influenced by his
mother. He fondly remembered their enjoying
the same books together page by page.
Once mixing curds, sandesh and sugar his
mother said to Kanai, “You will become a sadhu, I
know. You will not give me anything. You will not
even observe the feeding rituals (Hindu rites
attendant to cremation). So feed me now. Then
Kanai making balls of the food mix, fed her
saying “Eat mother”. Kanai then a
bramhachari on a visit to his mother asked her,
“Mother are you afraid to die?” His mother
replied. “Afraid of what? Why should I be
afraid to die?” His mother was at the time
Father
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also
the bow that is stable. - Gibran
Father, Basanta Kumar Bandhyopadhyay of Baruipara village,
was a religious person who worshiped his own mother. Over six
feet tall, he was a strong, brave, and handsome man. A
successful contractor he not just expanded his inherited property
but was generous enough to give away over a hundred bighas of
his paternal inheritance to his brothers.
Very liberal minded he was easily approached by the weak
and poor people, cutting across cast and religion. Maharaj
remembered seeing a Muslim woman running to him for shelter
chased by her husband, knife in hand. On another he observed
his father shelter a Muslim dacoit from the police.
Struck with diabetes at the early age of thirty,
Basantakumar’s health broke down early. He initiated young
Kanai before he was fifteen into the responsibilities of his
business and property. Kanai as a result spent months away from
home with his father and thus frequently missed school.
Basantakumar died of typhoid when he was just forty years
of age. Kanai then 17 years old had just finished school. Perhaps
to enable Kanai to take on family and business responsibility his
certificate age had been increased by two years.
Maharaj remembered his loving father who doted on him,
combing his hair.
Is not religion all deeds and all reflection,…?
 Childhood
Boyhood
Gentle:“Your
Kanaichildren are not your
was well mannered, children.
studious and hardworking. Much
They are
was expected theeven
of him sons and
then. daughters
Even of Life's
as a boy when oncelonging for
accused of
havingitself.”
stolen a pet pigeon he cried in frustration rather than deny
the false charge.
Background: Swami Lokeshwarananda the third child
th
Expressive:
amongstHis schooling started
six, was born onat19
the age of100
April eight at Hakimpur.
years ago, seven
years
Two years after
later he his
wentfuture heroInstitution
to B Dey Swami Vivekananda had
at Tala, near Baruipara
his fathers village.
passed Here
away. he studied Shivapada
Christened from Class VBandhyopadhyay
to Class IX
heEnglish
learning belonged to aBengali
besides well to and
do, propertied
Sanskrit. Heand highly
could express
himselfrespected
clearly in English
family of in Kheragachi
Class VI andVillage
even won in aSatkhira
gold medal for
Subdivision
an essay of Khulna
entitled ‘Loyalty’. District
He made theinpoint
Bangladesh,
that Indiansthen a part
should
accept of
theBritish
right ofIndia.
the British Kings to rule.
Village
Decisive life:16
: In 1925, Days
yearsatold
hisKanai
maternal
on a village
vacationwaswithpure joy.
his uncle
in Rangpur
Well District
loved by gothis
himself admitted
relatives to Class X Kanai
and neighbors at Lalmanirhat
was
school.greatly under
It was the the influence
headmaster of thisof his mother
school, who first
Sri Srishchandra
Sanyalacquainted
a direct disciple
him of thethe
with Holy Mother,stories.
Puranic who used to tell him
Maharaj
storiesremembers his grandmother
of Sri Ramakrishna as an many
and his disciples, excellent cookwere
of whom who
living at
fedthehimtime
theand encouraged
choicest himeven
dishes to become
whenahe sanyasi
was illthere.
with out
the home
Returning least bybad effect.
train Kanai first decided to visit Calcutta to
obtain Strongly
a darshan independent
of Swami Shivananda
he wouldMaharaj
not be atcajoled
Belur Math.
to sleep
with his He
Hardworking: grandmother
matriculatedorFrommother. He resisted,
Lalmanirhat withinremarking
in 1926
with the highest
that score
he did notin thetheir
like school and won
smell. Oncea gold medal. He girl
a neighboring
securedwho came
letter to in
marks sympathize
a number ofinsubjects
his illness was slapped.
including Sanskrit.
Youth (1928 – 31)
Yearning: Kanai cycled six hours on his own seeking his way to
Belur Math from Khidirpur. He finally arrived there after 4 PM
and pleasantly surprised Swami Shivananda Maharaj who made
much of him. Kanai was however quite dumbstruck. Enthralled
by the affection he received he returned the very next day.
Responsibilities: On Swami Shivananda’s admonition to the
affect that he was not at liberty to ignore the wishes of his
parents he returned home to Kheragachi. Kanai then 17 years
old assumed family responsibility due to his fathers illness and
early demise. He returned to Calcutta and got admitted at
Bangobashi College and put up at a rented room atop Srimani
Market.
Influence: Weekdays at Bangobashi College and weekends and
holidays at Belur Math, Kanai had the fortune to meet Swami
Akhandananda, Swami Vigyanananda, Swami Subodhananda
and Swami Abhedananda. He was also blessed with a close
encounter with Sri M the writer of Kathamrita and Gyan
Maharaj - a lifelong Bramhachari inspired by Swami
Vivekananda. With the help of his acquaintances at Belur math
he could at last approach Shivananda Maharaj for Diksha.
Involvement: During scarcity Kanai fetched food supplies for
his home and articles for family members from Calcutta.
At his village Kanai commanded a man twice his age not to
behave badly with his mother when her daughter asked for help.
Kanai leads a satyagraha movement involving his family, mother
and aunts included.
An honored village guest having betrayed a satyagrahi to the
police was told to leave the village by Kanai. He himself escorts
Swadeshi turns Sanyasi
Group leader: While in College Kanai naturally gravitated
toward the swadeshi movement of the time into which he led
his whole family including his mother and aunts. His home at
Kheragachi became a local centre of the movement. He
became actively involved as a group leader to such an extent
that he gave up his college studies deciding to return only
after India attained freedom. At one time he was even
thrashed by the police.
A change of heart: He then attracted the attention of certain
leaders who wanted him to join in their violent struggle and
insisted that he keep a revolver. This he declined preferring
the nonviolent path. He returned to Calcutta after a year
only to find the movement in tatters and was disillusioned.
Some believers in a violent struggle again wanted him to join
them and even threatened to kill him but finding him unafraid
to die and adamant in perusing his own ways let him go.
Graduation: Now a frequent visitor to Belur Math he desired
sanyas. In view of this he decided to obtain his college
degree. Supported by his English professor and College
Principal he could sit for the exams. In 1931 he graduated
from Bangobashi College of Calcutta University under the
shelter of Adaita Ashram
“And if it is a despot you would dethrone, see first that his
throne erected within you is destroyed.” - Gibran
The path his mentors inspired
Swami Shivananda Maharaj: “Though we may not
voice our ideas and sentiments loudly in newspaper
articles, we are actually accomplishing things, not
through politics but in our own way. Mahatmaji is working
out similar ideas through politics. Just as we are doing
things at home because we are interested in India’s
welfare so are we doing things abroad because we are
equally interested in other races and other countries. Of
course in view of peculiar circumstances and conditions,
our plan of activity varies in different places.
Every monk of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission
established by Swamiji is dedicated to the ideal “For
ones own salvation and the good of the world” and is
engaged in service according to the injunctions of the Sri
Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.”
Gyan Maharaj’ A disciple of Swami Vivekananda who on
his instruction never took sanyas but maintained
exemplary bramhacharya lifelong. An institution unto
himself his only concern was the country and society.
Never pessimistic, always positive. He insisted on going
forward in spite of all opposition and was adamant that
the truth would win in the end. He initiated Kanai into
being proactive through distributing booklets in college
and at Sealdah Railway station.
Swami Sardeshwarananda ‘Nalini Maharaj’ A disciple
of the Holy Mother who took Kanai under his wings on
his first visit to Belur Math. He initiated the concept of
Pathuriaghata Students Home and requested Kanai
Maharaj to take over its administration at a time when it
had shut down due to rank indiscipline.
DEOGARH- 1931-34
Bramhacharya: ItIt was at Deogarh that
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recruits to te Order, Kanai was without any

the desire of his boss, to fund an inmates
particular appointment for nearly two years.
education.
He Next
did oddyear jobs inhe the didkitchen not fromseek cutting his
permission. He was
vegetables initiated
to carrying sack as a mangoes
full of
on his Subratachaitanya
Bramhachari head from Belur station toin the1933.
Ashram. Sometime he was called upon to
Studenthelp
& teacher: Inwith
Bharat Maharaj a short
his period of
just two years he was recognized as an
correspondence.
efficient teacher. The next
Devine education: one year
This period at
was really
Deogarh spent in the most
he came under fruitful
theeducation in
influence of
proximity of brilliant discussions, arguments
Swami Jagadanandaji and Swami
and debates amongst the senior sanyasis.
Satprakashanandaji
The anchor manfrom whom
was Swami he learnt
Suddhanandji.
to study Bhutesharanandaji
the Upanishads. “Study
the 10 th thewas
President
Upanishadsthen on your own,
a participant along without
with Kanai the
Maharaj.
commentaries. Its difficult
Shouldering a heritage:but It wasthis way
at this time
you will be
thatable
Sri M to internalize
passed what you
away. Bramhachari Kanai
learn”. cried to get permission to attend. He ended
up able to shoulder the last passage of Sri
Belur calls: It crematorium.
M to the was in 1934 that Swami
Shivananda hisisGuru
“- urge passed
blind save when away.
there is It was
then at Swami Asokananda’s
knowledge” - Gibran behest that
Kanai Maharaj was called to Belur much
against the wishes of Swami
Gambhirananda, then secretary of
Deogarh and Swami Jagadananda.
Bhangamora near Arambagh - 1935

“- knowledge is vain save when there is work” -

Gibran

[Firsthand experience: In 1935 he was sent to do relief

work for flood affected people of Bhangamora near
Arambagh. This was his first major assignment. He
beheld the desolation brought about by floods. People
stayed atop trees, even giving birth to babies there.
Rescue: On one meal a day he went around providing
food and rescuing marooned people. Next he helped to
setup their lives. After nearly a year, successful and
satisfied, he returned to Belur.
Recovery: Down with malaria on his return journey, he
was in turn lovingly restored back to health. Kanai
Maharaj remembered being lovingly taken care of by an
elderly monk and asking for a ‘batami lebu’ when asked
if he desired anything special. His difficult wish was
fulfilled.
“And all work is empty save when there is love;…” ” -
Gibran
Jeduba island, Burma - 1936
“Think of the problems and
sorrows of others to forget your
own.” - Swami Madhabananda
Relief: Earthquake ravaged Jeduba,
populated by tribals and descendents
of exiled prisoners of the British
empire was an isolated island of
disrepute where people moved around
armed with guns and knives. The
locals engaged in criminal activity,
considered being jailed as the first
step to manhood. Animosity to
Government representatives had led
to suspension of relief work.
Team leader: Belur Math was
approached for help and had accepted
the challenge to take up relief work in
this hell of violence and destruction.
Kanai Maharaj was selected to lead a
team of three sanyasi, three
bramhacharies, two doctors and
seventeen volunteers to carry out
relief work. He proceeded alone with a
letter of introduction first to
Chittagong and then to Arakan,
pestered all the way and across the
border by the police and CID on
suspicion of disruptive activity. At
Arakan joined by Swami Punnananda,
they were welcomed by the District
Magistrate and proceeded immediately
for Jeduba. The following day the rest
CHEERAPUNJI “Not just 1936
to give
(Dec) but-1940
to share” : The very first thing that
Maharaja
wisdomdid notwas to callIntogether
what canthe local people
“In what can prevail? resolution fail?who
What
generally went about
What armed
cannot with guns and
put knives. At this
cannot adulation subdue? enterprise through?” –
first meeting he told them – “We have come hearing of
The Panchatantra
your great misfortune. We want to serve you. We can
Sent to Cheerapunji
serve you in Dec
only 1936permit
if you to rejuvenate
us to anda cooperate
school started
withby
Ketaki Maharaj in 1931,
us.” These he started
simple words his work‘Umang’
worked. with a contribution
a local manof
just Rs 10/-provided
from thehimShillong
a room Math where
to set Swami
up camp in the outer part of
Bhuteshwaranandaji
his house. Thewas friendship
then Secretary.
that grew between Umang and
He found aMaharaj lasted
school with 31 for years.and only one competent teacher.
students
In the first Keeping
three months
a coolhehead:
learntThethe very
Khasi language.
first night theyHewere
then
engaged with the local
visited people
by armed in ‘Khasi
tribals. language’,
All were andbut
frightened set itabout
turned
building the outschool. Within
that the chief ahad
year he got Government
a blocked aid. Hard
nose. This being fixed he
work impressed
returnedthe back
Director
happyof Public
and sent Instruction
them foodtosupplies.
such a degree,
as to obtainThereafter
a sizable aid.
everyThis
thingimproved the schools
went smoothly. The fund
partyposition
divided
and it prospered thereafter.
themselves up into two groups and took to building
”No religion houses, supply
for you, of food, clothes
my children, and utensils
but morality besides No
and bravery.
cowardice,attending
no sin, notocrime,
the sicknoand sanitation
weakness; the issues forcome
rest will the next
of six
months.
itself. ...” Swami Their excellent service was reported in the press
Vivekananda
and Bramhachari Kanailal becoming Mr B.K. Lal was
Well loved, Maharaj rarely used to cut jokes himself but enjoyed a
much commended.
good repartee. “What else can you expect?” replied a little girl on
being called Courage: At the“I
a little witch. immersion of Durga
am after all a boatman
your sister.” kept
He was
remembered targeting
even 30Swami Punnanandaji.
years after when he was Kanai
thereMaharaj although
to resolve a
dispute on the youngest
water supplystood
to theup in anger
school and and
soughttoldafter
the boatman
by peopleto
who had only stop. The man
heard stopped his rude behavior at once.
of him.
In 1938 when at Cheerapunji he was called to Belur for his
Bramhacharya diksha ceremony and named Subratachaitanya by
Swami Vigyanananda.
DEOGARH – (1940 – 1944)
The natural choice: Sent to Deogarh with the mandate
to better the standards of the school, Kanai Maharaj set
about it by initiating strict discipline. Never restricting
himself to just advising and instructing, he participated
as well.
Sportsman: A keen sportsman he loved playing football,
cricket and volleyball with students and teachers. He
modernized the education system in Deogarh bringing in
good teachers and even after he had left, took a leading
part to get the school affiliated to the Central Board.
“tying a race horse to a hackney coach”: Regarding
Kanai Maharaj, Swami Madhabananda the then
secretary of the Math declared “Its like tying a race
horse to a hackney coach, both suffer.” It was alike with
some subordinates when he was himself a secretary as it
was when he was working under superiors.
A desire fullfilled: In 1944 he obtained his sanyas from
Swami Birjanandaji Maharaj. Observing a list of Sanyas
names to be given to the aspirants, Maharaj mentally
desired the name Lokeshwarananda for himself and was
pleasantly surprised when it was allotted to him.
“The Gods befriend a man who climbs determinations
height.”
PATHURIAGHATA – 1946 (May) -
A dream turned sour: Pathuriaghata students home a
brainchild of Swami Amriteshwarananda & Swami
Sardeshwarananda was conceived as a place to house
young intelligent students, victims of the Bengal famine
of 1942 – 43, at the time of the 2nd World War. Poorly
managed and following series of changes of secretary,
the administration had lost its grip and the home was
soon plagued with indiscipline and unruly behavior.
Except for a single student of Class VIII all had been sent
home.
“ Mother am I so unworthy that you send me to a
place that nobody wants?” For Kanai Maharaj, the
appointment as Secretary of the place, was a
disappointment. He cried to the ‘Holy Mother’, but
accepted gracefully after a personal request from Swami
Sardeshwarananda to whom he was much indebted
You shall learn how to work; Not for greater skill in
education; Not for greater craft in administration; Not for
triumphs in the office, and repute among the brethren;
But for profit of the people; For advantage of the nations.
[Know when to say ‘NO’.Taking charge of the Students
Home he informed the guardians of the old inmates that
they would not be taken back. He then advertised that he
would take a few poor but intelligent students.
The winning of friends: Although without the means
he desired to take students without fees and fend for
them. The cost of maintaining a student at that time was
Rs 30/- pm. Friends favored him through a gentleman he
met on a train. A number of them rallied around him to
provide monthly contributions that enabled him to pull
through.
Fortune favors the brave: Money was always in short
supply and means few but support arrived from
unexpected & strange quarters. The Indian Records
society disposed off a lot of foodstuff free of cost besides
some furniture and material very cheap. (Some clocks
still at Narendrapur) Help also came from other sources.
Seeking the Gods: As the Students Home grew from
one to two buildings, the student number also increased.
India became independent and refugees poured in from
East Bengal. Maharaj now had a team scouring Sealdah
Station for student inmates.
A man can gain his ends, though difficult with aid of friends,
Get friends, and feel those friends to be integral with prosperity. The
Panchatantra
Friends provide: The Students Home were all along helped by the families
of Kanailal Ghosh & Pranshankarbabu. The latter’s wife was well known to
the inmates as ‘Mejoma’ brought cooked food for them. The Refugee Centre
now started providing Rs 200/- to 250/- per student per month. Hirendra Saha
a childhood friend of his provided funds to add a 3rd floor to the building.
Maharaj approached the treasurer of the Bengal Relief Fund, Sri. Bhagirath
Kanoria and obtained a monthly contribution.
As the number of students further increased the acquaintance of Dr D N
Sen the Education Secretary an ardent admirer of the Ramakrishna Mission
proved helpful. With a Government grant of Rs one lac and another Rs 50,
000/- from Belur, a neighboring house was purchased and more space
acquired. 160 students were thus accommodated.
“The goddess Fortune seek as home the brave and friendly man, The
grateful, righteous soul who does each moment what he can. Who
regulates a sturdy life, upon an active plan” – The Panchatantra
Life in a crowded locality was not quite suitable for the students educational
requirements. Maharaj searched for land and the means to purchase the
same. On the spur he made an appointment and met Mr D. Chatterjee Joint
Secretary, Refugee Rehabilitation Department thinking to ask for Rs 33,000/-.
On listening of his work and plans to house 200 students and even before he
could ask, he was told that only five lac was available. At that moment Sri
Meherchand Khanna the Departments Minister walked in. Rs. 4,80,000/- was
sanctioned. This grant provided the financial capital for NARENDRAPUR.
 Austerity: At the Pathuriaghata Ashram where he was the
OURsecretary
FOUNDATION he never OFhadLOVEa room to himself. The whole day he
spent
Sowing in his
seeds withoffice that doubled
tenderness; upwhen
At a time at night
our to serve as
financial a restwas
condition
poorroom he shared
and ration with two
unavailable other sanyasis
or meager there were besides any onestudents
many deprived else
in thewho required
Ashram. sleeping
Maharaj used under the only
every means ceiling
to get fundsfan.
andHis
alsobed
to get us
consisting
admitted free of of a mat,
cost sheet With
to colleges. and pillow that and
little funds wasspace
kept he
rolled up atop
not just
held the office
on to cupboard during
Sri Ramakrishna the day. Hisinclothes
and Vivekananda the lightwere kept with
of a lantern but a
student.
taught us to do the same.
Small pleasures
Manifesting the perfection& ainrefined
man: He taste:
used He wastohappy
to read enough
us from with
the Gospel
of Sria Ramakrishna
simple meal or of the
spicy hot Upanishada
Katho lentil soup (Dal) spiced with
and beautifully raw it to
explain
chilies,
us. The boys tomato andinformal
loved these coriander besides
sessions andboiled
so thatladies fingers
they could and
develop
theirpotatoes with
personality he rice
usedwas enough
to initiate to send him
discussions onto raptures.
and arrange debatesHe
on
satisfied
various himself with several helpings. “This is hot Barisal
subjects.
cookery” he pronounced “quite unlike the rather sweet fare of
Embodiment of Strength: An inmate at Pathuriaghata, Meghuda quite
West Bengal.” He had none the less a refined taste and
fascinated by the way Maharaj walked used to watch him regularly as he
appreciated rarities like a cuisine of catfish with kochu. He never
marched out of the hostel to the bus stand at Pathuriaghata. “Just watch
failed to praise a cup for good tea.
him. He walks like a General”.
“Man making, character building assimilation of ideas”
Love personified: A quiet dignity, loving nature, immense tolerance
besides a wonderful spirit of sacrifice and austerity. All this together with
a positive attitude and ability to work hard, Swami Lokeshwarananda was
love personified.
Wholehearted feeling: He could feel intensely for others while those
around him would compete for his affection. He was so totally impartial
that each of us thought that Maharaj loved him the most. Not only could
he love, he also knew how to extract love. His love and affection for us
was so complete.
Extra Sensory Perception
[Visions: As a boy Kanai used to have visions of the various deities. He spent a lot of
time in the ‘Ram Mandir’ temple at Karagachi. Here the image of the Lord was
believed to be potent. This image was removed to India after partition and
established at Maslondapur near Kolkata. Kanai Maharaj used to visit the diety here
even in his old age. He took leave of the Lord a few days before he departed.
Destiny: Both his parental villages were in the Jamindari of Mathurababu the son in
law of Rani Rashmoni. Sri Ramakrishna and his nephew Hriday had once
accompanied Mathurababu on a visit to the locality to resolve some property disputes
had walked through the village and even sung under a Bael tree in the vicinity.
Maharaj was thrilled to believe that Thakur had come out in search of him.
Telepathy: Speaking of Swami Shivanandaji (Mahapurush) Maharaj he observed -
Although he used to remain in his room in Belur his being there was felt everywhere.
Again if any question arose in his mind in his attendance it would be resolved either
in some discussion in his presence or in answer to some question asked by someone
else. He often felt Mahapurushji glancing at him from within a crowd of admirers and
vigorously shaking his head in affirmation to some question that had arisen in his
mind.
Spellbinding: Some time in 1950 in front of the University building on College street
a person dressed like a sadhu transfixed Kanai Maharaj with a stare and suddenly
called out to him by his family name. With an effort Maharaj got out of the trance and
then berated the sadhu who had tried to hypnotize him.
Miracles: Maharaj remembered numerous instances, when at a loss to obtain funds
for the next meal for his students, it would suddenly materialize in the form of a
donation, contribution or some other support. A neighbor once handed him Rs 20/-
just as a couple of his students came asking for money to purchase food. At another
time direly in need of Rs.2500/- for the weeks rations, a contributor put in four years
subscription of Rs.2550/- all at once since he would be abroad for 4 years.
Narendrapur
“To love life through labour is to be intimate with life's
inmost secret” - A grant of nearly 5 lac and the backing
of the minister Sri Meherchand Khanna proved a boon.
Land was purchased near Sonarpur and with the blessings
of Belur Math named ‘Narendrapur’. With the Ramakrishna
Mission now established at Narendrapur in 1958, Kanai
Maharaj named the first building Bramhananda Bhawan.
His students shifted here from Pathuriaghata.
A house built with affection - A large stadium on one end
and a temple on the other—Narendrapur has grown into a
hub of activities related to the grooming of our countries
human resources.
A Herbertian Town - This, his wonderful creation bears
testimony to the wide range of his socioeconomic interests
and ability to think big in the sphere of education. Not
satisfied with just the best school and college he chose to
provide educational facilities to the blind, technical
education in Automobile engineering, Poultry and Dairy
farming. He reached out to rural India with initiatives in
education & health and innovations in agriculture &
lifestyle changes through the Lok Siksha Parishad.
“Wisdom broods over the inception; Memory does not fail;
Means appear to predilection; Council wise prevail;…”
Integrated development: Under his
inspiration the Lokasiksha Parishad initiated
activities like adult education, children and
women’s education and organizing youth for
community development, skill development
and up gradation. Emerging as a premier
community development institute of the
country. its members were groomed and are
now the leaders of their communities in
different parts of the country. Through it he
infused the national youth programmes of
India—the NSS and the NYK with the ideals of
Swami Vivekananda.

Further he built up a method of modernizing

agricultural pursuits keeping in view the
changes that the farming community would
have to cope with.

The man making, character building

industry: One passenger to another in a bus
pointing to the boundary wall of the Ashram –
“ What factory is this ?”

“O, don’t you know this is where human

beings are made. They have such marvelous
technicians.

Creating Leaders: Maharaj understood what

work suited each of us and used to distribute
not only responsibility but power accordingly.

He pulled together a team of workers and

empowered each one of them. He liked them
to work independently and without fear.

He was remarkably keen on efforts made by

others and never failed to praise & encourage
them. Never openly critical he would quietly
provide positive ideas as to how a job could be
better accomplished.

That he won hands down at any open election

of the Order provides ample evidence of the
 Distinctive Educationist: With
“Lead us, O Father, in the paths of peace”
tremendous faith in the principles of
Resistance: From religious superstition
educationof the ignorant
enunciated by masses
Swami to the
Vivekananda
selfish mechanizations of political overlords he marched forth. With vigor
of intellectual
he literally put into practice the principle of
pretensions and their hanger-on’s, RKM Narendrapur has been
“everything positive and nothing negative”
plagued by both. and introduced a modern ‘Gurukula’ as a
Facing the Mob: Maharaj hadsystemto face of ‘man-making’
local visualised
mobs who accused theby
Swami Vivekananda.
Ashramites of kidnapping children for sacrifice on one hand to
ignoring the plight of the poor ‘Complete
workers on theand comprehensive
other. He countered
education’
both with such positive action that won heartsHe
allwas after a that would
around.
create opportunities for all to be ‘good,
An epitome of divine love, Swami Lokeswarananda
efficient and responsible’.with heavenly
He therefore
smile between his lips, radiatedwanted
energytoandcreate opportunities
enthusiasm for such
to thousands
young people to excel in different
who sought refuge in him.
disciplines ad founded the Commercial
Winning Hearts: He won the hearts of his
Institute for neighbors
secretarialthrough active
practices with
computer
support in rebuilding their school, bathing skills,
ghats,thebesides
Junior Technical
repairing School
for technical grooming of those who were
their places of worship. In addition he provided education for their
not fit for higher general education.
children and employment to the needy.
Ensuring academic, mental,
Eggs for Education: Even the poor funded his projects.
psychological A lady who
and spiritual growth
sold fuel dung for a living gaveofa young
couplemen
of duck
intoeggs worth
world twohe
leaders
founded
rupees to Maharaj for his “precious the Residential
project” College init1960. It
as she understood
is today rated as A+ by the NAAC.
“to educate her grand children”.
Blind Boys’ Academy: Moved by the
determination and capacity of a young
blind student, Maharaj founded the Blind
Boys’ Academy for those without vision
such that their intelligence could be
chiselled by education to convert them into
dependable and skilled citizens.

“I dream that one day this will

become THE VIVEKANANDA
UNIVERSITY”
Strike
The headyGOLPARK
late 60’s & 70’ change was in the air. Strikes and
Exceptional Administrator
bunds wereDefender
the orderoffofthe
thefaith:
day. The
Institution
Instituteafter institution
of Culture was
A strict administrator with a strong
including established companiessince
troubled by discontent succumbed
its shiftingtotovolatile
Golparktrade
in
thrust on discipline and the
unionism. Tension
1960. Thegriped
founder the Ashramwho
Secretary toohadas its workers
been removed was
maintenance of rules he was none-the-
followed
supported by some by two others
teachers who had
formed left inand
a union disgust,
wenttheonlast
strike.
less tranquil and calm. He could handle
suggesting that the centre be handed over to the
No compromise: anOther
out of thanhand situation
the school with
all was
the sweetness
departments
Government. The founder Secretary recalled but to no
were effected and understanding.
Boromaharaj would notofcompromise. Backedand by
avail as the situation was out hand. As discontent
his school student A and
indiscipline supported
lively
boiled farewell: by their
and Government parents
A student besides
asked
grants were most
to
withheld
of the teachers, he
following kept
leave thedisciplinary
on
a suicide, flag flying.wasgrounds
Maharaj appointedwent within
Secretary
1973 to his father
bring a turn toabout.
take leave of Boromaharaj.
Struggle: The agitation continued for over a year and then
“Once Maharaj
more into not only met
theofbreach, dearthem
friends but
onceasked
more, …”
climaxed into a virtual
them
siege over a months in 1968. Several
He came withto lunch.
a band Through a followers
of thoroughbred lively of
ashramites venturing outside forhesupplies
conversation maintainedwere beaten lunch, up by the
Narendrapur with faith in in themselves toover bring about a
agitators. Publiche opinion
made builtamply
up following thetoexcellent results
turn around. Thereitwas clear back.
no looking as Ashow
at the
of the 1967Narendrapur,
batchAshram
inspitetheof
was thesustained
agitation
instigators werethe fromstrike
firmly thewas
dealt lifted
with, while
outside.
the leaders
agitators wereIn parting
turned aroundhe by
said theto thewill
sheer boy “I
power,
Victory: The had backed out. Narendrapur Ashram led
wishand
hard work I had
love known
that you before.” He
Maharaj
by Swami Lokeshwarananda stood out asinspired.
a beacon, to the faith
blessed them and told them not to
of Sri Ramakrishna
“Love breaks
worry andas anonly
example
barriers”: He to
good other institutions.
regularized
would
their pay, showed
come of it.
respect through celebrating the foundation day of the
Winning the Bothwas
Peace: leftrestored
in high but spirits.
at the cost of school
Institution with the families of the employees. The Queen
discipline and Maharaj’s
Encouraging
of Norway health.
on a visit, Asquestioning
Maharaj was
independent
when hospitalized
thought
the cleanness of
for severalthe
weeks, and the work:
Institutionstudents Hewere
in comparison usedsent tohome
to the to attend
encourage
outside to
and
was initiated
their exams.
onBoth character
the allow
‘sense work and
to be
of belonging’ health
done were
that the restored
independently.
inmates with
felt for the
intensive care. So far as providing encouragement he
Institution.
had no equal. He could dream big and
taught his students to dream big. He
showed many the way to walk the path
of fulfillment.
“Sparkles fruitful meditation; Mind
attains its height; Joy attains its
consummation; In a worthy fight.”

Welcome All: Under his initiative the

doors of the Institute of Culture opened
to welcome the ordinary people of
Kolkata. Men and women, young and old
flocked to hear his renderings of the
Kathamrita with interest.
Self help at 80: At Golpark Maharaj
never could bring himself to ask a young
Bramhachari who brought in tea to
switch off the room light when he left.
Day after day and year after year he got
up to switch off the light himself.
Silent notes: Maharaj made notes of his
studies in note pads. He had several such
notepads from which he prepared for his
famous lectures at Golpark. One day all
of them went missing. Maharaj knew who
had removed them but chose to remain
silent.
Speaker Extraordinary
Amongst the intelligentsia of the city, Maharaj was well known as the best orator
of Kolkata. His lectures particularly on the Kathamrita were attended to such
overflowing capacity that arrangements had to be made outside the hall on two
floors. They were moreover regularly publicized by the newspapers, radio and
television. An extempore speaker he was none-the-less nervous before his lecture
and concerned about how it would turn out.
Exceptional Missionary
He worked heart and soul to establish ‘harmony of religions’ through the ideas of
‘Practical Vedanta’ not only in India but in the world at large.He embedded Sri
Ramakrishna in the hearts of the people who could get close to him.
“We limit ourselves when we see our selves as Hindus, Christians or Muslims,
Man is infinite.” A two minute interview asked and granted on the spur of the
moment by the Pope turned out into an hour long conversation followed by a
request for a 15 minute Vatican Radio lecture. He spoke on Indian Christianity.
His audience was thrilled to a truly holy sight when the Pope gave ‘Darshan’
with Swami Lokeshwarananda at his side.
A man of Religion in Communist USSR he was receive by the Secretary of the
CPU.
A man of Religion in Communist WB he was highly respected by Chief Minister
Joyti Basu who always stood up when he entered and never failed him when
approached. Two ministers had to back track on their political mechanizations to
destabilize an educational unit and a Hospital run by the Mission.