A brief Biography of Swami Atmananda (1929-89)
Swami Atmanand is known as the builder of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Ashram
Raipur. Intense intelligent, energetic orator and open laughter were his hallmarks.
When Swami Vivekananda had returned from Chicago with a new interpretation of Hindu
religion, many young people of Bharatbhoomi left their homes, families and businesses and
went on the path shown by Swamiji and served the poor and sick, uneducated and deprived
people as “SHIV BHAV” SE “JIVA SEWA”.
Born on 6 October 1929 in Barbanda village near Raipur, the boy Tulendra was also flooded
with this wave and became famous as Swami Atmanand by joining the Ramakrishna Mission.
At that time the area of Chhattisgarh was backward in many directions, there was darkness of
illiteracy and poverty in the forest areas, then with the aura of the sun, he had established
hospitals, residential schools etc. centers in Raipur and Bastar district with a view to service,
in Raipur.
Today, he may not be with us physically, but by his divine thoughts and service works, he is
absorbed in the soul of the people, let us also help in keeping the tree of social service planted
by him alive.
Pre-eminent disseminator of Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology in and around Madhya
Pradesh. Born 6.10.1929 at Barbanda village and named Tulendra.
Eldest son of Dhaniram Varma of Kapasda village in Raipur district, a pious devotee of Sri
Rama and reputed teacher, and Bhagyavati Devi, a devout worshipper of Shiva. Tulendra is
said to have inherited his remarkable spirituality from his parents.
Matriculated in first division (1945) from Raipur School. Student of Hislop College, Nagpur,
spent a year at Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Students’ Home, read Ramakrishna-
Vivekananda literature, saturated with Ramakrishna-Vivekananda ideology. Initiated by
Swami Virajananda (1947) and eager to join the Order & advised by Guru to complete
studies. Ranked second in First Class in B.Sc. and first in First Class in M.Sc.(Pure Maths.)
examinations, gold medallist, selected for Wrangler Scholarship of Cambridge University.
Joined the Order at the Nagpur centre and initiated into brahmacharya by Swami
Shankarananda (1957), named Brahmachari Tejachaitanya.
Impelled by irresistible desire to establish a suitable memorial to Swamiji in his birth-
centenary year at Raipur where the latter had spent two years (1877-79) with his parents; the
resolution bolstered by dreams of the Master and Swami Trigunatitananda, both indicating
their desire for the same. Ties with the Order severed (1959) to gain freedom from monastic
duties. Plunged heart and soul into necessary activity with his band of associates most of
whom forsook worldly life as students, and in response to Swamiji’s teachings Ramakrishna
Seva Samiti was set up in rented rooms. Assumed self-sannyasa at Amarkantak as Swami
Atmananda.
Engaged in touring and lecturing, disseminating the teachings of Swamiji, enthusing the
youth in particular, a large number of whom became his followers. About thirty of the cream
of youth renounced worldly life and dedicated themselves to Swamiji’s work. Younger
brothers Devendra Kumar and Rajendra Kumar (Swami Nikhilatmananda and Swami
Tyagatmananda respectively), associates Girish and Santosh Kumar (Swami Srikarananda
and Swami Satyarupananda respectively) were among those of his followers who joined the
Order.
In appreciation of the work done by the Ashrama it was granted affiliation to Belur Math
(7.4.1968) and on Holy Mother’s birth-anniversary that year Swami Atmananda was formally
ordained into sannyasa by Swami Vireshwarananda who also laid the foundation of the
temple of Sri Ramakrishna Temple at Raipur on 14.11.1969 and consecrated it on 2.2.1976.
Organized drought relief on war-footing (1974) in Chhatisgarh in about 36 villages with his
band of dedicated workers. His greatest achievement was the successful implementation of
the “Abujhmadh Gramin Vikas Prakalpa” that aimed at lifting the aborigines inhabiting the
dense forests of Bastar from the abysmal depths of poverty and ignorance.
The tribal welfare project undertaken upon his initiative by Ramakrishna Mission gained
wholehearted support from the Government who entrusted the Mission with its
implementation. The project began functioning in November 1985. The forests being
inaccessible and the aborigines wary of strangers, for ages civilization had bypassed them.
They lacked education, drinking water, roads, used primitive modes of cultivation and were
victims of large scale exploitation. Undaunted by the magnitude of the task, Swami
Atmananda drew up plans for the project following the principles recommended by Swamiji
and strove to bring the tribals into the mainstream of national life.
A tireless worker with courage of conviction, unflagging industry and exceptional organizing ability. Unfailing optimism, a joyous nature and universal love characterized him. An excellent orator, influenced innumerable men and women to progress spiritually as well as to work for others. In a car accident in August 1989, he left his body but his messages are still lighting the path of service to deprived mass. A beautiful memorial built in his honour at Mahadeo Ghat, Raipur at the site of cremation.