About Us
Brief History of Ashram:
Sri Ramkrishna Ashram (Batanagar) was established by Late Sachindra Chandra Saha, a freedom fighter, bachelor throughout his life and a strong follower of Sri Ramakrishna – Maa Sarada –Swami Vivekananda. He sacrificed his life for the poor & downtrodden people. Better known as ‘Sachin Maharaj’ in the locality, he did not take “Sannyas” but spent the life of a “Sannyasi”. He led a monastic life, with true sense of sacrifice and commitment for doing good for the society.
Sri Sacindra Chandra Saha
Sri Sacindra Chandra Saha, son of Sri Kalicharan Saha, was born and brought up in a rich family of the then Coomilla district of undivided Bengal now in Bangladesh. But that wealth and easy and comfortable life could not attract him much. He gave shelter to two students at his residence. At the same time, he joined the Indian Independence movement. The Britishers did not spare him and put to jail. He spent in jail with Dr. Prafulla Ghosh, who became the first Chief Minister of Bengal. When prisoners were released on declaration of free India, he was also released from jail. He was close to the founder of Abhoy Ashram at Birati, Sri Nripendra Nath Basu. Dr. Prafulla Ghosh asked him to join his party and thus serve the nation which was his objective. Being a follower of Swami Vivekananda and Bhagawan Sri Ramakirshna Paramhansadev, this offer did not attract him. By then he decided to serve God by serving poor people and educate them in villages to the tune of Swami Vivekananda.
After Independence, on 12 th May 1949, the day of “Buddha Purnima”, he established this ashram in a rented small hut at Nungi– Batanagar area with two students who accompanied him from the then East Bengal.In late forties, this place was practically full of jungles where new industry has just started taking its place and that was the shoe factory which, in a later day, became famous Bata Shoe Factory.He thought, this place would be ideal for the job he decided to perform. The first student was Birupakshya Sur who took Sanyas from Belur Math and was named as Swami Gourinathananda Maharaj. And the second one was Hiralal Sarkar.
After Independence, on 12 th May 1949, the day of “Buddha Purnima”, he established this ashram in a rented small hut at Nungi– Batanagar area with two students who accompanied him from the then East Bengal.In late forties, this place was practically full of jungles where new industry has just started taking its place and that was the shoe factory which, in a later day, became famous Bata Shoe Factory.He thought, this place would be ideal for the job he decided to perform. The first student was Birupakshya Sur who took Sanyas from Belur Math and was named as Swami Gourinathananda Maharaj. And the second one was Hiralal Sarkar.
Then joined another devotee who decided to work for poor people and subsequently took Sanyas from Belur Math and was named Swami Ameyananda.The ashram was shifted to the present place in the year 1954.The then Chief Minister, Sri Prafulla Chandra Sen visited this Ashram in 1962. Subsequently, the then Industry Minister, Sri Bhupati Majumdar and freedom fighter Sri Barin Ghosh, brother to Rishi Aurobinda, visited the Ashram. In the year 1972 the Mandir was shifted to the present Mandir which has one of the largest Natmandir in South 24 Parganas. Srimat Swami Ranganathanandaji Maharaj, the 13th president of the Ramakrishna Math& Mission, laid the foundation stone of this Mandir.
The images of Sri Thakur, Sri Maa and Swamiji that we used to worship for such a long time was carefully brought by Srimat Swami Bhuteshanandaji, the 12thpresident of the Ramakrishna Math& Mission, and Srimat Swami Gahananandaji, the 14th president of the Ramakrishna Math& Mission, from old mandir to the newly constructed mandir together.
In 1956, to spread the light of education to the poor and backward people of this area Sachin Maharaj built a primary school ‘Vivekananda Vidyamandir’ within the Ashram campus. This school got affiliation to Junior High School (1965), then High School (1992) and subsequently to Higher Secondary School (2003) and ranamed as ‘Batanagar Sri Ramkrishna Ashram Vivekananda Vidyamandir Higher Secondary School’.
But the primary section of this school bears the previous name ‘Vivekananda Vidyamandir Free Primary School’ till date. In 1977 he also established one girl’s school ‘Saradamani Valika Vidyalaya’ at Phulbagan, 1.5 Km away from this Ashrama, which is nonfunctioning since 2017.
He got the support of Bata India Limited and many other local businessman as well as many devotees of Sri Thakur in the formative years.
Our Mission
To serve God in humanity by offering compassionate service, spiritual nourishment, and holistic well-being to all—especially the underprivileged. Inspired by the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda, we are committed to blending spiritual upliftment with selfless service through daily worship, education, and accessible healthcare for all.
Our Vision
A world where spirituality and service walk hand in hand, where every individual is empowered to realize their divine potential, and no one is denied care, compassion, or dignity. We envision a society rooted in harmony, inclusion, and inner growth, guided by the timeless teachings of Vedanta.
Our Core Values
Seva (Selfless Service): We serve all as manifestations of the Divine, with love and humility.
Spiritual Growth: Daily worship, meditation, and scriptural study are the heart of our path.
Compassion in Action: From free medical camps to affordable healthcare, we offer relief to the body and peace to the soul.
Inclusiveness: Our doors are open to all—regardless of caste, creed, or background.
Integrity & Simplicity: Rooted in truth, we strive to live and serve with authenticity and grace.
Unity of Religions: We honor all faiths as valid paths to the Divine, promoting mutual respect and universal brotherhood.