On February 28, 2018, Pujya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, passed from his mortal body. While mourning this colossal loss to the Hindu society, Hindu Students Council honors & celebrates the contributions of his atman (eternal energy) in this janma (birth cycle). Pujya Shankaracharyaji was the 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Sankara Mutt in Kanchipuram, assuming this position at the age of 19. Under his tutelage, the Mutt established several schools, hospitals, and other social clinics for the local community. He worked effortlessly to provide seva (service) to the poor.
Pujya Shankaracharyaji saw seva as a way to bridge colonial divisions across jatis and varnas, and worked hard to fight against social discrimination. His slogan, “Jana Kalyan, Jana Jagaran,” was to “serve the people and awaken the masses.” Hundreds of thousands trusted him as a leader who looked beyond social status, which helped reduce conversions among the poor and propagate widespread pride in Hinduism.
Pujya Shankaracharyaji was also active in societal issues, playing an important role in attempting to resolve the Ayodhya disputes between Hindus and Muslims.
In 2003, Pujya Shankaracharyaji was a keynote speaker at HSC’s Global Dharma Conference, where he provided valuable insights on the timeless and universal teachings of Hindu Dharma. Hindu Students Council is honored to have interacted with this celebrated & powerful atman. We learned about his wonderful contributions to help reform distorted social practices that pervade modern Hindu society and are inspired by his tireless efforts to serve the Hindu society.
As his atman moves from this mortal world, we strive to provide seva to those in need and retain his pure vision for Sanatana Dharma moving forward.
Aum Shanti Shanti.