Swami Nirmalananda is not recognised by Belur Math, it seems, as a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna despite reference in 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna' that he was so. Belur Math apparently adheres to Swami Gambhirananda's account in his 'History of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission' where Swami Nirmalananda has not been accorded discipleship of Thakur. The matter remains unresolved still and the President Maharaj's room continues to be adorned by the photographs of 16 monastic disciples of the Master with Nirmalanandaji being the notable exception. Why this ought to be so is not clarified by Belur Math and devotees remain in the dark as to this contentious issue. Swami Gambhirananda's Bengali biographical book on the direct disciples of Thakur, 'Sri Sri Ramakrishna Bhaktamalika' has left out Swami Nirmalananda from the list of the studies and so has Swami Chetanananda in his much sold book 'God Lived With Them' where he chronicles the lives of all the direct disciples of Thakur save Nirmalananda Swami. In 'The Story of Ramakrishna Mission -- Swami Vivekananda's Vision and Fulfilment' as well Swami Nirmalananda is a forgotten figure in so far as being a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna is concerned. In countless lectures delivered by the monks of the Ramakrishna Order that were heard by this author over three decades there was never a single instance to his reckoning when the name of Swami Nirmalananda was mentioned by way of being a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. Other disciples like Swamis Premananda, Turiyananda, Ramakrishnananda, Akhandananda, Vijnanananda, Shivananda, Adbhutananda and the rest he has heard by way of frequent reference but never Swami Nirmalananda, never ever even once. This seems strange in the light of the fact that 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna' records him as a direct disciple of Thakur.
The proper chronicling of the history of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission demands that the truth about the matter be revealed just as Swamiji ever averred that truth ought to be as clear as daylight and that there should be no mystery-mongering about it. As such it is time that the Belur Math authorities make a clear statement as to their official stance in this matter. Mere conjecture in this regard confuses more than it clarifies and creates unnecessary differences among devotees leading to bickering which may be and must be avoided by clarification provided by Belur Math by way of final clearance of all doubts. Such clarification must be founded on fact and not hearsay, documented evidence and not unsubstantial narrative. Moreover, it must be here mentioned that whenever a discussion like this comes up, there are those who apparently care overmuch for Tulsi Maharaj who cannot bear this discussion at all out of their superlative devotion for the Master and his apostles (Tulsi Maharaj excluded, of course) and who would wish to sweep these 'nasty' things under the carpet in their bid to exhibit their great devotion to the holy lot. These diversions notwithstanding, truth must come out and see both the light of day and discussion prior to its discovery or revelation. May Mother bless us all as we bring home this forgotten apostle of the Master and offer our worship to him for being what he was and doing what he did for his divine Guru!
Written by Sugata Bose
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