Mangaluru/Mumbai: Octogenarian spiritual leader Niranjan Swami, who hailed from Dakshina Kannada District and established educational institutions in Sunkadakatte, passed away in Mumbai on Thursday. He was 84. He had a heart attack was rushed to Breach Candy hospital where he breathed his last. He is survived by two sons.
Niranjan Swami delivered spiritual discourses at his ashram in Sunkadakatte near Bajpe and also in Mumbai. His followers include veteran Hindi actors like Praan and Anil Kapoor.
Sri Niranjana Swamy had founded Sri Kshetra Sunkadakatte near Bajpe in Dakshina Kannada district and Ambika Annapoorneshwari Temple at Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta in Mumbai.According to his followers, the guru believed in providing education to a large section of society. He had established N S Educational Trust in 1981, based on this belief.
Under this trust, he founded several educational institutions including Sri Niranjana Swamy first grade college at Sunkadakatte for the benefit of rural youth. Sri Niranjana Swamy Polytechnic Sunkadakatte became operational on October 7, 1984. This institution has been imparting technical education to young rural populace towards enabling them to contribute to the country’s progress.
Hundreds of students from underprivileged sections of society received free education in their institutions. The donations he received from his disciples were passed on to the trust for providing education.
Sri Niranjana Swamy had lacs of followers, both in Dakshina Kannada district, neighbouring districts, and Mumbai. Swamiji was not only an educationist but was also a social reformer. He never wanted to see the discrimination against the poor. He wanted the rich people to help the poor. He was revered by all in Mumbai. He was called ‘Saath Rastedha Swamilu’which meant sage from Saath Rastha in Mumbai.
The body of Sri Swamiji is kept at Ambika Annapoorneshwari Temple at Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta in Mumbai on Thursday. His body will be brought in a special flight to Mangaluru International Airport around 10 a.m. on Friday. The body will be taken in a procession from the airport to the Ashram, where it will be kept for public homage till 3 p.m. Then the last rites will be performed, said a member of the trust.
