Founder’s Journey
Sree Sarada Ashrama
Our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings and lives of our revered founders, Bani Devi and Mira Devi. Both were inspired by the divine philosophy and humanitarian works of Holy Mother Sarada Devi, Sri Ramakrishna, and Swami Vivekananda. Their lives exemplify unwavering dedication, selfless service, and spiritual devotion.
Bani Devi
Bani Devi was born in 1903 at her maternal uncle’s house in North Kolkata. Her father, Sri Rakhal Krishna Ghosh, and mother, Pramila Ghosh, imbued her early years with spiritual teachings and the essence of Ramakrishna’s divine thought. Raised in her maternal uncle’s house after losing her parents in childhood, Bani Devi was nurtured by her elder maternal uncle, Swami Prajnanananda, a distinguished monk of the Ramakrishna Math & Mission, and her younger aunt, Bhagini Sudhira Devi, a close attendant of Holy Mother Sarada Devi.
Educated at a school run by Bhagini Nivedita and other devoted followers of Ramakrishna, Bani Devi demonstrated remarkable dedication and independence from a young age. She completed her education from Nibedita School, Brahma Balika Vidyalaya, and Bethune College, eventually working to support herself and completing her graduation privately.
Throughout her life, Bani Devi was closely connected to the Ramakrishna Order and received divine affection from Holy Mother Sarada Devi and respected elders like Golapma and Joginma. She took sannyasa (renunciation) in 1954, embodying the ascetic spirit in her heart.
In 1951, Bani Devi, along with Mira Devi, took charge of the Sree Sarada Ashrama at Lansdowne Road, Kolkata, fulfilling the wish of Holy Mother. They established a school in New Alipore in 1957, realizing their dream to provide quality education to orphaned and underprivileged girls. Bani Devi’s relentless efforts and systematic approach laid the foundation for the school’s success.
Bani Devi’s dedication to her work continued until her last breath. On April 25, 1966, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and spiritual devotion.
Mira Devi
Mira Devi was born in 1891 at Brahmin Dora village in Sylhet, Bangladesh, to Kamini Kumar Choudhury and Shyama Sundari Devi. Her upbringing in a respected landlord family was marked by courage, dedication, and a profound love for music and education. Despite societal constraints, Mira Devi pursued her studies and learned Bengali and Sanskrit, authoring “Sanskrit Kishalaya,” which became part of the school syllabus.
Inspired by the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Holy Mother Sarada Devi, Mira Devi left her home at 22 to live a spiritual life and serve humanity. She joined Nibedita School, where she taught Bengali and Sanskrit and learned from the distinguished women running the school.
After the demise of Holy Mother and Bhagini Sudhira Devi, Mira Devi and Bani Devi took over the school’s administration. Mira Devi’s extraordinary leadership and dedication helped the school flourish, setting a unique example of selfless service. She cherished the dream of establishing a women’s organization to propagate the ideals of the Holy Trio.
In 1951, Mira Devi, along with Bani Devi, took charge of the Sree Sarada Ashrama at Lansdowne Road. Their vision led to the establishment of a new school in New Alipore in 1957. Despite her continuous ailments, Mira Devi remained dedicated to her work. On October 1, 1969, she passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, spiritual strength, and unwavering dedication to the service of humanity.
Our Legacy
Bani Devi and Mira Devi’s lives are a testament to their unwavering faith, resilience, and dedication to the ideals of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda. Their legacy continues to inspire and guide our mission, as we strive to promote spiritual growth and serve humanity with compassion and selflessness.
