“At the Service of Truth” so read the blessings to the Bhavan by the Mother. This is Sri Aurobindo Bhavan Plaque. It stands as a testament to Sri Aurobindo’s enduring legacy.
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, located at 8 Shakespeare Sarani, marks the birthplace of Sri Aurobindo. This building has been renovated. It now serves as a memorial shrine. The sacred relics of Sri Aurobindo were enshrined here on February 16, 1973. Since then, it has become a pilgrimage site for those seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment.
In 1972, the Government of West Bengal established the Sri Aurobindo Samiti and the Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. This was done through a Special Act. The Governor of West Bengal is the ex-officio Chairman. The Chief Minister of West Bengal is an ex-officio member. The membership includes nominees from the State Government and Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust, Pondicherry.
The primary goal of Sri Aurobindo Bhavan is to spread the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. This helps people to improve their mental and moral outlook. It also aids them in solving their cultural and spiritual problems.
Inside Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, you will find a permanent exhibition. It showcases photographs and portraits of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. The exhibition hall is open at specific times. It welcomes visitors to explore the lives and works of these spiritual figures.
The Bhavan also houses a library. It is one of the largest of its kind in Kolkata. It contains about 35000 books in English, Bengali, and Hindi. An up-to-date Reference Service is available. It has nearly 1400 members. The library offers Reading Room and Lending facilities. Various competitions are held annually as part of its activities. A children’s corner or park has been set up in front of the library. Recently, a multimedia corner has been opened for children. The library is open from Monday to Saturday.
Weekly lectures are held. They focus on the works and teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. These lectures cover related topics as well.
Several significant events have marked the history of Sri Aurobindo Bhavan. The Mother handed over Sri Aurobindo’s Sacred Relics to Bolanath Sen and Himanshu Niyogi on January 15, 1973. The relics were received at the Bhavan on January 16, 1973. The enshrinement of Sri Aurobindo’s Relics occurred on February 16, 1973.
Other milestones include the installation of Sri Aurobindo’s bust by the then President of India. Fakuruddin Ali Ahmed performed this honor on December 30, 1974. A statue of Sri Aurobindo was installed in front of Victoria Memorial. The then Vice President of India B. D. Jatti did this on August 16, 1975.
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan actively engages in various cultural and intellectual activities. It collaborated with Doordarshan Kendra, Kolkata. Together, they made two documentaries on Sri Aurobindo.
The Bhavan also participates in events like the Kolkata Book Fair and flower shows. These events align with the Mother’s teachings on the spiritual significance of flowers. A national seminar on “Aspects of the Constitution of India – Some Aurobindonian Perspective” was held in August 2000.
An open-air stage was opened in 2001. These initiatives reflect the Bhavan’s commitment. It promotes the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
Standing before this plaque, we are reminded of Sri Aurobindo’s profound impact on spirituality and Indian thought. His birthplace, now a memorial, continues to inspire. It guides countless individuals on their quest for inner peace and self-realization.