Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj has been elected as the President of the esteemed Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, succeeding the late Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj. The election took place during a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Math and the Governing Body of the Mission held at Belur Math on April 24, 2024.
Born in Bengaluru in 1929, Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj’s spiritual journey is marked by dedication and service to humanity. His ancestors hailed from Tamil Nadu, and in his youth, he came into contact with the Bengaluru branch of the Ramakrishna Order, under the guidance of Swami Yatishwarananda Maharaj. In 1955, he received spiritual initiation from Swami Yatishwaranandaji and embraced monastic life the following year, as per his guru’s advice.
Swami Gautamanandaji’s journey in the Ramakrishna Mission saw him serve in various capacities across different centers, including Sohra, Mumbai, and Aalo in Arunachal Pradesh, where he played a pivotal role in spreading education among tribal children. His leadership saw the center in Aalo gain national recognition and achieve new heights.
Over the years, Swami Gautamanandaji’s contributions expanded as he served as the head of various centers, including Raipur, Narainpur, and Saradapitha. Notably, he served as the head of Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, for almost three decades, during which the branch witnessed significant growth and influence.
Swami Gautamanandaji Maharaj’s spiritual ministry began in 2012, and in 2017, he was elected as Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Order. His extensive travels across India and the world, along with his efforts to spread the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, have left a profound impact on countless individuals.
