Ramkrishna Mission head Swami Smarananandaji passes away
The president of the Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj passed away on Tuesday night at a hospital in south Kolkata at the age of 94, according to the organisation. The Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan confirmed that Swami Smaranananda passed away at 8.14 pm.
He had been hospitalised since January 29 due to a urinary tract infection and was placed on ventilator support on March 3 after developing septicaemia and respiratory failure, according to the hospital.
Subsequently, he faced acute kidney problems after undergoing a tracheostomy and was undergoing haemodialysis.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had visited him in the hospital.
In a statement, Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow at his passing, highlighting his significant spiritual leadership within the Ramakrishna Math and Mission and his role as a source of comfort for millions of devotees worldwide. She extended her heartfelt condolences to his fellow monks, followers, and devotees.