Bhubaneswar: Forces opposed to Dharma may believe that eliminating great personalities dedicated to Dharma awakening, protection, and service to society and the nation will halt such efforts. However, this is not possible in Bharat. Such acts will neither weaken nor stop the nation. If Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, who sacrificed his life for the protection of Dharma in Odisha, was killed by aggressors, many more like him will emerge to carry forward the mission of Dharma and nation-building. This is a resilient and eternal Bharat that neither bows nor breaks.
These remarks were made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale Ji while addressing a gathering at the Railway Auditorium in Bhubaneswar during the release of “Vedanta Keshari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati: Kriti evam Vyaktitva,” a book published by the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Smriti Nyas.
The event was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, former Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan, President of the Nyas Swami Jeevan Muktananda Puri, along with numerous saints, social workers, and distinguished citizens. The program was conducted by trustee Mansukh Lal Sethia.
A Long Tradition of Sacrifice for Dharma
Hosabale highlighted Bharat’s long and rich tradition of sacrifice for Dharma. From Guru Tegh Bahadur and Swami Shraddhanand to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, countless individuals have laid down their lives for the protection of dharma and society. He pointed out that attacks on individuals working for the nation have occurred in various parts of the country, including violence by Leftist groups in Kerala and Naxalite terrorists in several states.
However, he emphasized that such attacks have never succeeded in halting the movement. Instead, they inspire more individuals to step forward and continue the work with even greater dedication. According to him, the spirit of service and sacrifice only grows stronger in the face of adversity.
A Life Dedicated to Society and Dharma
Hosabale stated that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati dedicated his entire life to the protection of Dharma, social organization, and fostering harmony within society. He not only worked tirelessly himself but also trained and inspired thousands of volunteers who continue to carry forward his mission.
He remarked that the book released on the occasion is not merely a tribute or a collection of praise but a source of inspiration. It provides valuable insights into Swamiji’s life and ideals, enabling readers to draw lessons and motivation for their own lives. Congratulating the authors and publishers, he said the book is not just a work of admiration but a document with the power to inspire society at large.
He further emphasized the importance of such literature in shaping the minds of the younger generation. Books that highlight the lives of individuals dedicated to the nation and Dharma play a crucial role in motivating youth to contribute to nation-building.
Spiritual Strength and Sacrifice Combined
Hosabale noted that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati renounced worldly life and material attachments, dedicating himself entirely to the upliftment of tribal communities, cow protection, dharma jagaran, and social service. He worked tirelessly to alleviate suffering and guide people toward a path rooted in values and faith.
Referring to the message written by Puri Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati for the book, Hosabale pointed out that terms like “Veer” (brave) and “Tapasvi” (ascetic) perfectly capture Swamiji’s personality. He explained that there are broadly two kinds of great personalities: those who achieve spiritual heights through penance and discipline, and those who attain martyrdom while protecting Dharma and the nation.
Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, he said, embodied both these qualities. He was a spiritually elevated personality as well as a courageous figure who made the ultimate sacrifice for dharma and the nation. His life stands as a rare example where deep spirituality and active service coexisted seamlessly.
Inspiration for Future Generations
Hosabale stressed that for Bharat to continue its role as a guiding force for the world, the present generation must draw inspiration from the life and philosophy of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati. He described Swamiji not merely as an individual but as an idea, a philosophy, and a powerful source of inspiration for national life.
He stated that the true measure of a great personality lies in the lasting impact of their work—how long their influence continues to inspire future generations. Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, he noted, is one such figure whose legacy will continue to guide and motivate people for decades to come.
On the eve of Guru Purnima, he urged people to honor such great personalities by taking a pledge to fulfill their dreams and carry forward their mission as a form of “Guru Dakshina.”
CM Majhi: Swamiji’s Life a Guiding Light for Youth
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that the life of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati marked by sacrifice, struggle, service to tribal communities, and dedication to the nation will remain a major source of inspiration for future generations.
ଆଜି ଭୁବନେଶ୍ୱରଠାରେ ପୂଜ୍ୟ ବେଦାନ୍ତ କେଶରୀ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ ଜୀଙ୍କ ଜୀବନୀ ଆଧାରିତ ପୁସ୍ତକ "ବେଦାନ୍ତ କେଶରୀ ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ: କୃତି ଓ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିତ୍ୱ" ପୁସ୍ତକର ଉନ୍ମୋଚନ ଉତ୍ସବରେ ଯୋଗଦେବାର ସୌଭାଗ୍ୟ ପ୍ରାପ୍ତ ହେଲା । ସ୍ୱାମୀ ଲକ୍ଷ୍ମଣାନନ୍ଦ ସରସ୍ୱତୀ ସ୍ମୃତିନ୍ୟାସ ପକ୍ଷରୁ ପ୍ରକାଶିତ ଏବଂ ଶ୍ରୀ… pic.twitter.com/PZc1zcgtYx
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 28, 2026
He emphasised that the life stories of great personalities are not merely records of past events but serve as guiding lights for the youth. Swamiji’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of marginalized communities and his efforts to spread national consciousness will continue to enrich Bharat’s cultural and social fabric.
The Chief Minister also expressed confidence that the book “Vedanta Keshari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati: Kriti evam Vyaktitva” will find a place in school and college libraries, thereby reaching a wider audience and inspiring students.
Swamiji: Protector and Spiritual Guide of Tribal Communities
The Chief Minister further noted that Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati was not just a seer but a protective force and a beacon of spiritual awakening for the tribal communities of Kandhamal. Through institutions such as the Chakapada and Jaleshpata Ashrams, he worked to educate tribal girls and empower them to become self-reliant.
He also vocally opposed issues such as illegal religious conversions, cow slaughter, and anti-national conspiracies, demonstrating his firm commitment to both social and cultural values.
Development Initiatives in His Memory
Highlighting steps taken to preserve Swamiji’s legacy, the Chief Minister announced that the Odisha Government has named the Government Medical College and Hospital in Phulbani after Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.
In addition, Rs 13 crore has been sanctioned for the preservation of the heritage of Jaleshpata Ashram, the construction of a 300-seat hostel, and the development of essential infrastructure such as water supply. Work on these projects is expected to begin soon.
He also informed that Swamiji’s birth centenary celebrations will commence on August 21. During this period, seminars and workshops will be organized across villages in Odisha and in universities nationwide to disseminate his ideals and teachings.
Strong Remarks on the 2008 Murder Case
Referring to the murder of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati on the night of Janmashtami in 2008, the Chief Minister strongly criticized the then government, alleging failure and appeasement politics. He described the disappearance of the Justice Naidu Commission report and related files from Lok Seva Bhavan as a “well-planned conspiracy.”
He stated that the responsibility of investigating the missing files has been handed over to the Crime Branch to uncover the truth. Assuring the people of the state, he said that the truth will emerge and those responsible for the murder will not be spared under any circumstances.
Dharmendra Pradhan: Following Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati’s Path is the Highest Tribute
Former Union Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the most profound tribute to the revered Vedanta Kesari Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati is to emulate his lifelong dedication to service. He emphasized that it is our collective responsibility to embrace the values, social commitment, and national service for which Swamiji made the ultimate sacrifice, thereby guiding Odisha forward.
Historical Concerns Raised by Harekrushna Mahatab
Pradhan highlighted that nearly four decades ago, former Odisha Chief Minister Harekrushna Mahatab expressed deep concern over the accelerating pace of religious conversions in Kandhamal.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Mahatab contacted the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) through senior functionary Bhupen Basu, urgently requesting a seer be sent to Phulbani (now in Kandhamal district). He stressed that without timely intervention, the region faced irreversible change.
More Than Just a Biography
Speaking at the event, organized by the Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati Smruti Nyas, Pradhan described the newly released book as more than a mere publication; it is an immortal testament to the penance, struggle, and dedication of a remarkable individual. He noted that such a comprehensive work had long been needed, and its publication effectively fills that void.
Pradhan also extended gratitude on behalf of the people of Odisha to RSS Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale for his guidance and for inaugurating the book.
A Revered Figure in Odisha and Sanatan Society
Paying homage to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, Pradhan characterized him as a deeply respected figure throughout Odisha and the broader Sanatan society. Recalling his childhood memories, Pradhan noted that Swamiji’s influence extended beyond spiritual pursuits to active involvement in grassroots development, including irrigation and social welfare initiatives in rural areas.
Pradhan shared a personal anecdote from approximately 1986, when he served as president of the Talcher College student union. He recounted his first encounter with Swamiji, which occurred when the then-government attempted to arrest Swamiji. Following information from RSS saha prant pracharak Shyam ji Gupta, Pradhan and his colleagues reached Paniora Ashram at night.
Remembering His Sacrifice
Pradhan reflected on Swamiji’s sacrifice, stating that the memory of his brutal killing on Janmashtami night still evokes shivers. He described Swamiji as someone who “burned like a lamp to illuminate the lives of others.”
He emphasized that true honor for Swamiji lies in internalizing his values, following his path of service and truth, and actively contributing to the development of Bharat.
Vision for the Future and Call to Action
On the occasion of Swamiji’s birth centenary, Pradhan called upon saints, spiritual leaders, and society at large to dedicate themselves to shaping Odisha and Bharat according to Swamiji’s ideals between 2026–2036, leading up to 2047.
He urged the youth of Odisha to cultivate self-respect, develop the courage to achieve greatness akin to the creators of Konark, and embrace the universal philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” inspired by Mahaprabhu Jagannath, thereby fostering a spirit of global harmony.
The program was conducted by Shri Mansukhlal Sethia, trustee of the Swami Laxamananda Smruti Trust.
Additionally, the respected co-authors, Shri Bipin Bihari Nanda and Shri Banchhanidhi Panda, who gave literary form to Swamiji’s invaluable life and spiritual practices, were also present on the occasion of the unveiling of this work.
