Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj Elected as New President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission

On May 14, 2023, Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj, a 95-year-old monk, was elected as the 17th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission at a meeting held at Belur Math in Howrah district. He succeeds Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, who passed away on March 26 in Kolkata at the age of 95.

Swami Gautamanandaji joined the Ramakrishna Order in the mid-Fifties and was elected as the vice-president in 2017. As a diksha guru and vice-president, he has traveled extensively in India and different parts of the world. Swami Vimalatmanandaji Maharaj and Swami Divyanandaji Maharaj were also elected as the new Vice Presidents during the meeting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have extended their best wishes to Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj on his election. PM Modi stated, "The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission hold a special place in the lives of countless Indians, and their efforts to further popularize the ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sharada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda are noteworthy."

Swami Gautamanandaji was born in Bengaluru in 1929 and received spiritual initiation from Swami Yatishwarananda Maharaj in 1955. He joined the Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi in 1956 and later served in various centers, including Sohra, Mumbai, Aalo, Raipur, Narainpur, and Chennai. He became a Trustee of the Ramakrishna Math and a Member of the Governing Body of the Ramakrishna Mission in 1990. In 2012, he started his spiritual ministry and was elected as a Vice President of the Order in 2017.

Why this matters: The election of Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj as the new President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission signifies a crucial transition for the influential spiritual organization. Under his leadership, the Math and Mission are anticipated to persist in their efforts to promote the teachings and ideals of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Maa Sharada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, which have had a profound impact on Indian society and spirituality.

As the new President, Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj is now responsible for the spiritual leadership and administration of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, which have branch centers and headquarters at Belur Math. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu also <a href="https://neindiabroadcast.com/2024

Key Takeaways

• Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj elected 17th President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission.
• Succeeds Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, who passed away on March 26, 2023.
• Swami Vimalatmanandaji and Swami Divyanandaji elected as new Vice Presidents.
• PM Modi and WB CM Mamata Banerjee congratulated Swami Gautamanandaji on his election.
• Swami Gautamanandaji to lead the organization's efforts to promote Ramakrishna ideals.