Kolkata
Swami Gautamanada on Friday took charge as acting president of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekananda and headquartered in Belur in Howrah district.
Chief Trustee Swami Gautamanada, who was the vice-president of the spiritual and academic institution, took over as its acting president after the death of the 16th president, Swami Samaranananda (age 95), on March 26.
Swami Gautamanada is originally a resident of Tamil Nadu, although he grew up mainly in Karnataka. He joined the order as a monk in the Delhi unit of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Later, he traveled across the country following the lessons of “Human Service” propagated by Swami Vivekananda.
Besides being the chief secretary, he was also handling the day-to-day affairs of the Chennai unit of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
Swami Gautamanada, who is in his late eighties, has won the hearts of millions of devotees through his inspiring speeches.
He rushed to Kolkata from Chennai after the death of Swami Samarananda.
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He will continue in his position as acting president until the name of the 17th president is officially announced.
