HomeSri Srimat Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Dev
Popularly known as Sri Sri Babamoni
Sri Srimat Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Dev
Sri Sri Swami Swarupananda Paramhansa Dev, affectionately known as Sri Sri Babamoni, was a versatile genius born in the late 19th century in Chandpur (now in Bangladesh). He was the son of Sri Satish Chandra Gangopadhyay, a renowned advocate, and Smt. Mamata Devi. His grandfather, Sri Harihar Gangopadhyay, was a zamindar and scholar honoured with the title Kolir Bashishtha by the saint Sri Sri Bholananda Giri Maharaj.
Sri Sri Babamoni was an extraordinary individual with expertise in spiritual leadership, education, philosophy, medicine, poetry, music, painting, agriculture, engineering, and writing. He was a powerful orator. Despite these talents, He chose a simple celibate life and dedicated Himself to serving humanity. He believed that true freedom and happiness come through character building and a strong morale.
In 1914 He launched the Character Building Movement, asking people to live by self-control, purity, selflessness, and Abhiksha (non-begging). He envisioned a society in which households could raise divine personalities through brahmacharya practised across generations.
His teachings were ahead of their time and inspired freedom fighters, including Masterda Surya Sen. The British authorities imprisoned Him on more than one occasion. He left for the heavenly abode on 21 April 1984. Smt. Indira Gandhi, then Prime Minister of India, sent a telegram of condolence and called His passing a great loss to the nation.
Two institutions carry His work forward: Ayachak Ashrama and The Multiversity.