His Holiness, Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavananda ji Maharaj was born in 1896, in the village Bajitpur (Bangladesh) of undivided India. ‘BINOD’, as was called in his childhood days, was often found to be immersed in serious thoughts that culminated into deep meditation, aimed at ‘Self Emancipation’ and ‘Upliftment of Human Beings’, through spiritual development and selfless Services. As a brahmachari, he spent countless hours in meditation, spiritual trances and Seva (service to people).

He became the disciple of Baba Gambhiranathji and eventually attained the Divine Power, which illuminated His life. Those who wounded him were also endued with the same. Gradually, many people influenced by the ideologies of the Acharya, continued to extend and hold aloft His banner “BHARAT SEVASHRAM SANGHA”, (the Ashram founded in 1917) as His disciples, (irrespective of caste, colour or religion). The Sangha is dedicated for the all round well being of people indulged in raising them to the Level of Divine Standard.

Acharya Srimat Swami Pranavanandaji Maharaj was an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He founded (the Bharat Sevashram Sangha), an organization which would bring new energy, life and pride to the Hindu masses and the world. He was only 44 when he attained Maha Samadhi on January 8th, 1941. He left his imprint on India in various ways. From his very childhood he would always remain immersed in meditation and self contemplation.

This organization is headquartered in Kolkata and has about fifty branches and associates throughout India and around the world. Today the Sangha undertakes relief work during natural calamities, runs school, Orphanage, student homes and hospitals.

The ideology behind the name Bharat Sevashram Sangha, as explained by Acharya:- The word Bharat indicates that the Sangha’s primary object is emancipation of the Indian people on the basis of its eternal ideals; the word Seva imports the idea that the Sangha, includes those who are true servants of the nation and who have dedicated their lives to the service of the people – physical, mental, moral and spiritual; the word Ashrama will at once suggest the ideals of the ancient ‘Varnashrama’ system which was based and disciplined on the ideals and practice of renunciation, self-control, truth and continence; Sangha means organisation; Acharya himself being the torch bearer of the Sangha; the Sangha through its ideals and practice will infuse an organisational spirit amongst the disintegrated masses, towards building up of a well-compact and powerful nationality.