It is not quite frequently that we come across a sanyasi hailing from Dalit community and that too serving his community for decades. Swami Sahajananda of Chidambaram is one such. In 1930s he founded Nandanaar institutions named after the great Shaivaite saint Nandanaar in Chidambaram. People remember him even today. The city of Chidambaram witnessed a solemn procession by disciples of Swami Sahajananda carrying a palanquin mounted with a decorated portrait of great Sadhu. It was his 124 birth anniversary. Sahajananda did not neglect the portals of power. As an MLA (1952 and 1957) he enabled benefits from the Government reach the deserving Dalits.
(VSK Chennai)
