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Swami Pranvananda - Rebuilding Global Civilization

Swami Pranavananda – the founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS). His life, though short, was an intense 45-year journey.

The dynamism of Swami Pranavananda contributed to a new awareness within Hinduism, potentially igniting a renaissance of Hindu values and an authentic religious rejuvenation across the subcontinent. According to Smart, this presents a matter of great significance for global civilization, in which Hindu principles are poised to play a vital part.

Born in 1896 and known as Binod during his early years, Swami Pranavananda received a special initiation from Baba Gambhirananda Maharaj of Gorakhpur on the new moon of October 1913. In 1924, he was completely ordained as a monk by Swami Govindananda Giri. Spiritually, "he mastered nirvikalpa samadhi – the profound image-less trance in which a mystic attains unity with the formless Brahman." He was acutely conscious of the necessity for Hindu unity and passionately pursued it.

From 1919 to 1921, amidst epidemics, famine, and cyclones wreaking havoc in Bengal, Swami Pranavananda and his followers dedicated themselves to altruistic humanitarian efforts.

In his relief endeavors, he displayed no communal bias; he even encouraged wealthy Hindus to offer refuge to Muslims impacted by these disasters. He converted his own home into a refuge center.

He traveled to the villages of the marginalized, impoverished cobblers, and leather-workers, guiding them to safer locations. His principle was that all individuals are equal; there is no untouchability.

The Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) that he founded blended inner sadhana with revitalizing the nation and liberating society. The esteemed scientist Acharya P C Roy recognized and appreciated Pranavananda's exceptional organizational talents during the disaster relief operations. As the chairman of the Famine Relief Committee, P C Roy was impressed by "the hundreds of workers he mobilized in no time" and "the proficient management of a capable leader that guaranteed the success of the famine relief efforts."

Acharya Dev consistently championed equality. He expressed, "the hardship of Hindu independence arose from social divisions within society," insisting that "greater equality was pivotal for national liberation." He denounced untouchability and the caste system in both belief and action. His Hindu Milan or Unity Centers sought to eradicate these problems.

Despite suffering from diabetes, he persisted in traveling, Swamiji often resting at train stations to save time for attending rallies the very next day. In his addresses, he frequently emphasized his vision for a future independent India as a dharma rashtra.

(Reference : Prophet of a New Hindu Age: The Life and Times of Acharya Pranavananda: Volume 19 By Ninian Smart and Swami Purnananda)

Founder of Bharat Sevashram Sangha