Surendra Nath Jauhar

Surendra Nath Jauhar
India Post stamp released in memory of Surendra Nath Jauhar, 2011
Born
Sikandar Lal[1]

(1903-08-13)13 August 1903
Died2 September 1986(1986-09-02) (aged 83)
New Delhi, India
EducationD.A.V. College (Lahore),[2] National College, Lahore
Occupations
  • Freedom fighter
  • Spiritual leader
SpouseDayawati
ChildrenNarendra, Anil, Tara, Chitra, Lata, Purnima.

Surendra Nath Jauhar (13 August 1903 – 2 September 1986) was an Indian freedom fighter, social worker, educationist, and spiritual leader associated with the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. He participated in the Indian independence movement, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement,[3] and later founded the Delhi Branch of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Early life and education

Surendra Nath Jauhar was born on 13 August 1903 in Vahalee village, Jhelum District, Punjab Province, British India (now in Pakistan).[4] He received his education at D.A.V. College (Lahore) and National College, Lahore. During his student years, he became involved in the Indian freedom movement.

Freedom movement

Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Jauhar joined the national movement at a young age.[3] He participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement and organized the boycott of foreign cloth in Delhi's Chandni Chowk area.[2]

During the Quit India Movement of 1942, he took part in underground activities and worked alongside nationalist leaders including Aruna Asaf Ali. He was arrested and detained for nearly two years before being acquitted in 1944.[5]

Association with Sri Aurobindo

In 1939, Jauhar visited the Sri Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry.[4] The visit marked a turning point in his life and led him toward spiritual pursuits under the guidance of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.[3] He became a devoted follower and dedicated himself to spreading their teachings.

After India's independence, Jauhar gradually withdrew from active politics and focused on spiritual and educational work. With the blessings of The Mother, he founded the Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Delhi Branch on 12 February 1956.[3]

Jauhar founded The Mother's International School in New Delhi in 1956 and contributed to the establishment of Mirambika Free Progress School in 1982.[3]

Legacy

In 2011, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp to honour his contribution.[3][6]

Death

Surendra Nath Jauhar died on 2 September 1986 at the age of 83.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Surendra Nath Jauhar: A Pictorial Homage". Overman Foundation. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Surendra Nath Jauhar". sri-aurobindo.co.in. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Kapil Sibal Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp on Surendra Nath Jauhar". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 18 June 2026.
  4. 1 2 "Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch Trust". sriaurobindoashram.net. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Our Founder | S.N. Sunderson & Co". snsunderson.com. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal on Friday released a postage stamp in commemoration of freedom fighter and philanthropist Surendra Nath Jauhar". Hindustan Times. 2 September 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2026.