Head of Delhi Ramakrishna Mission Passes Away

DELHI, INDIA, March 31, 2007: Ramakrishna Mission New Delhi is deeply aggrieved to announce the passing away of Swami Gokulanandaji, senior monk of the Ramakrishna Order and Head of the New Delhi Centre, who breathed his last at Sir Gangaram Hospital around 10:25 AM on March 31, 2007. He was 79. He was admitted to the hospital for brain surgery on 20th March and in spite of all efforts by the doctors and nursing staff did not regain his consciousness.

Inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda and responding to his call to the youth of the country to work for the under privileged, Swami Gokulanandaji, after a brilliant post graduate education and a short stint in teaching, joined the Ramakrishna Order in 1954 and became a monk in 1963. He served with distinction in various Mission centers especially in the North East where he endeared himself to the local people by learning their language and achieving the fluency to deliver lectures in their la nguage.

He was head of the New Delhi Centre for the last 21 years and was dedicated to the spreading of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and message not only in Delhi but all over India. A widely-travelled monk to various parts of the world, he has over ten books to his credit including a translation of the “Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna” in Khasi language. His book “How to Overcome Mental Tension” has been very popular running into eight editions and has been translated in several Indian languages.

The Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, issued this statement: “I learnt with profound sadness the news of the passing away of revered Swami Gokulanandaji Maharaj. I had the privilege and opportunity of knowing Swami Gokulanandaji during his tenure at the New Delhi Centre of the Ramakrishna Mission. He was a great teacher and scholar and endeared himself to thousands of followers through his wisdom and compassion. He will be truly missed. I hope the Ramakrishna Mission will seek inspiration from his legacy and continue the good work he was doing. I convey my sincere condolences to all his disciples and admirers.”

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