Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj Little Known Facts By Karina Sharma
Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj is an Indian Hindu Monk who is one of the leading Swami Ji’s at Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Born in Calcutta in the year 1925, his calling to enlightenment began at an early age. He was a realized soul from childhood and always knew he would take the spiritual path of becoming a monk. At the age of 21, Swami Ji moved to Gujrat for studies where he majored in philosophy and ancient history. It was there he became a student at the world-renowned Satyagraha Ashram founded by the great Mahatma Gandhi. During this time, he joined Gandhi’s nonviolent movement against the British rule and was actively involved in the peaceful protesting for India’s independence. He worked directly with Gandhi for 54 days as a translator. Gandhi appreciated his multilingual abilities and was able to utilize them in India’s civil rights movement. After Gandhi left Gujarat, Swami Ji stayed back and continued to pursue his knowledge in spirituality and religion. After years of undergoing intensive training and education in various ashrams, he began traveling all over the world spreading his knowledge. Swami Ji has had the privilege to travel to Fiji Islands, New Zealand, Australia, South America, South Africa, West Indies, Indonesia, London, and many more countries establishing ashrams and spreading his spiritual teachings under Bharat Sevashram Sangha.
Today Swami Purnatmanandaji Maharaj is one the most senior monks of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS). He currently maintains many respected titles in the Ashram. He is the Secretary-General and President of the Canadian Chapter and is next in line for the highest position of anyone in the Sangha, the position of presidency of the parent body. In his journey to support the establishment of BSS, Swami Ji has worked closely with several notable political figures over the years including Jawaharlal Nehru, V. V. Giri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Sardar Vallabhbhai Jhaverbhai Patel, and V.K.Krishna Menon. Despite his many political connections, Swami Ji refuses to be affiliated with any political party.
His main mission in life is to spread the teachings of the BSS which emphasize the importance of service and education to the nation. Irrespective of religion, caste, and national origin, Swami Ji maintains that it is the job of the privileged to improve the lives of the underprivileged. The Sangha operates educational institutes across the globe which focus on formal and non-formal education. Using a holistic approach that combines academic and spiritual teachings, students are taught to respect traditions and culture while building their personal character.
The Sangha also stresses the importance of Seva and has given back to countless people internationally by providing food, shelter, relief work, and health care services.
If you are interested in learning more about the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, please visit their website at https://www.bharatsevashramsangha.org/ or email at bharatsevashram@gmail.com.
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