Origins & Early Life

Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar (21 May 1921 – 21 October 1990), also known by his spiritual name Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti (Ánanda Múrti meaning "Bliss Embodiment"), and known as Bábá ("Father") to his disciples, was a spiritual guru, philosopher, social reformer, linguist, author and composer of 5,018 songs mostly in the Bengali language. He founded Ananda Marga (the Path of Bliss) in 1955 as a spiritual and social organisation that continues to offer instruction in meditation and yoga and runs numerous social service and disaster relief projects throughout the world. Sarkar developed his system of spiritual practice as a synthesis of Vedic and Tantric philosophies. He denounced religious dogmas, casteism, materialism and capitalism, considering all of these as impediments to social harmony, progress and spiritual growth.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He described the universe as a manifestation of consciousness coming under the bondage of its own nature, resulting in creation. His spiritual and social philosophies embraced diversity as the law of nature; a result of Singular Consciousness expressing itself in numerous forms. Sarkar advocated for the welfare of humans and the planet through his socio-economic philosophy of...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Akio Morita — Contemporary (Born in 1921) (1921): Visionary Japanese entrepreneur and co-founder of Sony.
• Alex Haley — Contemporary (Born in 1921) (1921): Pioneering author of 'Roots,' who brought Black American genealogy to global prominence.
• Alexander Dubček — Contemporary (Born in 1921) (1921): Slovak statesman known for leading the Prague Spring and advocating 'Socialism with a human face'.
• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Aaron Copland — Contemporary (Died in 1990) (1990): Pioneering American composer, conductor, and critic, known as the "Dean of American Music".
• Aishwarya Lekshmi — Contemporary (Born in 1990) (1990): Acclaimed Indian actress working primarily in Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Shared historical date (05-21 · Died) (2025): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• Albrecht Dürer — Shared historical date (05-21 · Born) (1471): Master of the German Renaissance, renowned painter, printmaker, and theorist.
• 5th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (10-21 · Born) (1617): Spiritual and political unifier of Tibet, establishing the Ganden Phodrang.
• Alfred Nobel — Shared historical date (10-21 · Born) (1833): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• 1921 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1921
• May 21 (05-21) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on May 21
• 1990 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1990
• October 21 (10-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 21