The Divine Call
The Search Begins
So far as I can remember, it was in early 2002 – a few months after I was dramatically pulled in towards Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in September, 2001 – that I sought to know whether there was any centre of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother in Guwahati or not. Eventually, it turned out that there was a centre which, though formed in 2000, had neither any place to gather together nor any activity as such.
As was to happen or as ordained by the Divine Will, there arose the need to get organized and systematically do whatever was possible to secure a place of our own and, simultaneously, study, practice, and raise awareness of the relevance of Sri Aurobindo and Mother's Work on Conscious Evolution of humanity in this part of the country. By this time, the Work had started gaining momentum with each passing day in the world scenario. Till then, there were no serious discussions or deliberations in Guwahati regarding this transformative vision.
Formation of the Inner Circle
By this time, I had been to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, along with my wife, Ellora, with high aspiration and brought a rucksack full of Sri Aurobindo and Mother's books. As the days passed by, gradually a group of our colleagues in the office of Indian Oil Corporation (Assam Oil Division) gathered around us, as we started discussing about the great Work and the Path of Integral Perfection.
This group, consisting of myself, Ellora, Anu, Dikshit, Ranjana, Dipti and Bhabesh on one side and Mansi and Mahua, who were earlier there, then formed a cohesive group and started discussing various issues relating to the progress of the centre.
Formation of the
Centre at Harabala Path, Ulubari
"Where There is an Aspiration, the Divine Surely Answers"
We discussed amongst ourselves the ways and means to get a space, even if it be a small one, at least to begin with. And as the adage goes, "where there is a will, there is a way", or we may, in our parlance, modify it a little by saying "where there is an aspiration, the Divine surely answers".
Yes, after persistent efforts, we could lay our hands on a small space of around 400 sq ft. in the ground floor of a flat situated at Harabala Path, Ulubari, Guwahati, consisting of a small meditation room and a small office and finally on 4th July, 2004, we could say that there is a centre of Sri Aurobindo Society in Guwahati.
Beginning of Regular Activities
Immediately after this, we started cleaning the premises on a daily basis and started meditation sessions, Swadhyaya, and discussions and deliberations on Savitri, Sri Aurobindo's epic poem. Now we could organise, though on a small scale, all Darshan Days in our centre itself. We also started organising an annual event of 'Collective Savitri Reading', which would start on Saturday morning and end on Sunday evening.
Mother's Magic Wand: Land Acquisition
The Thought That Came Floating from the Mother
However, with the passing of days, it was increasingly felt that we needed a larger space to start our activities and the Work to continue, which afterwards has to inevitably extend and embrace people and spaces. As has always been, this time too, Mother's Guidance and Will came in like a magic wand.
It so happened that during a visit to Pondicherry, while we were sitting in the office of Jt. & International Secretary of Sri Aurobindo Society, and discussing about the inadequacy of the present space of the centre, suddenly it dawned on me that regarding getting a government plot of land in the city, I could try to meet an existing key minister of that time with whom I had once worked together and had a brotherly relationship. It was as if the thought itself had come floating from the Mother.
Mother's Birthday - The First Divine Sign
Immediately after reaching back Guwahati, I took an appointment and visited him in his office, and apprised him of our need. He first opined that it would be difficult to get it within the city and suggested acquiring a plot on the outskirts. However, he finally advised me to apply to the Deputy Commissioner for a plot with a copy to him.
As advised, we applied through the proper channel in 2004. I then approached him once again with the copy on the body of which he advised the then DC to look into the matter favourably and forwarded it. Incidentally, his endorsement to DC was dated 21st February, 2004 (Mother's birthday). Through him, the ball started rolling.
Sri Aurobindo's Birthday - The Land Allotment
Then help chipped in from other higher dignitaries like the then Additional Chief Secretary, the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, the Settlement Officer, etc. And finally, on the 6th of August, 2006 (Sri Aurobindo's birth anniversary!), a plot of government land measuring 1 and ½ Kathas was allotted to us near Shilpgram, Panjabari, for which we had to pay a premium.
"My Dear Child, Tell Me Your Plans and Dreams..."
Then popped up before us the task of garnering a huge amount of money for the project, i.e., Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, which by then we could envisage in the future, to be the gateway of Sri Aurobindo and Mother's Consciousness of bringing about a new world-order in this part of the country, i.e., Assam and the North-East.
Although it was a mammoth task, we relied on the Mother on Her forceful and assuring words: "My dear child, tell me your plans and dreams…" – and accordingly, fortified by Her strong assurance, we ventured into meeting people and organizations for this. It was not surprising that, being Her Work, She manages all provided that the prerequisites in this regard, i.e., right attitude, aspiration, right action, and trust are there in us.
Construction and Preparation (2010-2011)
And before our eyes, it all happened – swiftly and systematically all – people, money, and other help started pouring in, and the Bhavan started taking shape. Finally, almost all the remaining works related to construction, fitting, and fixture could be completed between the last couple of months of 2010 and the first few months of 2011. When it seemed to us that it could now be offered at the Lotus Feet of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, we fixed the date of inauguration on 31st July, 2011.
Inauguration of Sri
Aurobindo Bhavan
On 31st July, 2011, Late Janaki Ballav Patnaik, the then Governor of Assam inaugurated the 4-storied building which has Office Room and Reception/Sale Counter in the ground floor; Sri Aurobindo's Relics Shrine/Meditation Hall and Caretaker's Room in the first floor; Meeting Lobby, Library etc. in the second floor; and finally the Auditorium and Children's Corner in the third floor.
Boon from Sri
Aurobindo and Enshrinement of Sacred Relics
The Hour of God
Although we had applied for Sri Aurobindo's Sacred Relics for installation in Sri Aurobindo Bhavan in the latter part of 2010 itself, in spite of efforts, it could not materialise. Perhaps, we were not ready to receive that kind of a boon then.
However, when the Divine Grace descends and chooses the place, the people, and the moment, it becomes the 'Hour of God' and it flows and works through these most fortunate ones who cannot even imagine when and how and why they are being chosen and steeped with the afflatus.
The Call from a Senior Sadhak
On an evening as I was taking a rest, I heard my cell phone ringing. I picked up the call, which was from a very senior sadhak from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, who would every now and then, call, inspire me, and exchange pleasantry. That day, without losing time, he asked me whether we have Sri Aurobindo's Relics there in our place. As I replied in the negative, he told me to write a personal letter immediately to Ashram, citing the sorry state of affairs of the State of Assam through which it had been going for a long time, to be followed by an official letter.
I felt something stirred in me which could not be expressed in words and probably the next day itself, I wrote to Ashram explaining the urgent need for the State to have Sri Aurobindo's Sacred Relics which had been plagued by terror, consequent derailment of the developmental process and the fact that we firmly believe that with His physical presence (the Sacred Relics) the State would once again regain its aspiration and His working would undoubtedly trigger the process of development and eventually helping a section of people, to start with, to consciously collaborate in the spiritual evolution – gradually engulfing more and more people to participate in the 'new world order' which would gather momentum in the times to come.
Accordingly, after my personal letter, an official letter also followed suit. We left it at that, keeping our fingers crossed. In between, we got engaged with works relating to the upcoming event – the Darshan Day: Sri Aurobindo's Birthday, 15th August.
The Phone Call at 9:30 PM (August 16, 2015)
It was the next day of Sri Aurobindo's Birthday, 15th August 2015. We just came back home from Bhavan after arranging and putting back in place everything that was needed after yesterday's Darshan. We just started relaxing a little after our dinner. Suddenly, my cell phone started ringing; it was an unknown number. Although normally it was unusual for me to pick up an unknown call and that the time too was somewhat late for us – 9.30 PM, without any mental calculation, instantly I reached out for the cell phone and said hello.
To my utter disbelief, a very slow and contemplative voice came in flowing: "Am I speaking to Indrajit Goswami please?" to which I said, yes; then he continued again: "…Indrajit, this is Dr. Dilip Dutta from Sri Aurobindo Ashram; we have received your letter and I am delighted to tell you, though unofficially, that Sri Aurobindo's Sacred Relics will be granted to you all. However, this will be finalised at next Monday's meeting, after which your centre will be officially informed."
For split seconds, I was dumbfounded, then recollected myself and thanked him immensely. After the call, I somehow told Ellora whose call it was and what it was all about. Tears rolled down our cheeks, and an unknown joy of gratitude reverberated from within. I don't remember now whether we could sleep that night or not. The next day, it was for us to share the boon the Lord and the Mother granted us with all our inner circle friends, and then I felt for sure that the fate of the State of Assam is soon going to be changed; for the Lord's physical Presence is the tangible sign of transformation, the progressive evolution that was awaiting its hour.
Receiving the Sacred Relics (October 29, 2015)
Meanwhile, we were intimated by an official letter from the Managing Trustee, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, about the giving away of Sacred Relics to Sri Aurobindo Society, Guwahati. In this connection, a series of meetings took place back-to-back between the Managing Committee of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, and a few of us from Sri Aurobindo Society, Guwahati, in Pondicherry around October 2015.
By this time, we had started all kinds of preparation relating to receiving and enshrining the Lord's Sacred Relics in Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Guwahati. And then, on the 29th October, 2015, Ellora being the Secretary of SAS, Guwahati Branch received the Sacred Relics sealed in a wooden box placed on a tray full of flowers from Mona-da in Sri Aurobindo's Room which was then carried by one after another by all of us present there and after placing It on the Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, prayed and meditated with gratitude, then carried It to Society House hall where all arrangements were made beforehand for placing It there and as an offering read aloud Savitri till the next morning and finally leave by a beautifully floral-decorated car arranged by SAS, HQ, Pondicherry for travelling to Chennai Airport from where we boarded the Indigo Flight bound for Guwahati on 30th October, 2015.
A Scene Never To Be Forgotten: Candles, Rose Petals, and Sacred Chants
As soon as we landed down in the Guwahati Airport at 6.30 PM, our own members and well-wishers were there to respectfully welcome the Advent of the Divine Grace or the physical Presence of Sri Aurobindo along with a lot of media channels.
Then we reached Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, Panjabari. It is worthwhile mentioning here that it was getting dark in the evening, and the moment we turned from the main road of Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala Road towards Sri Aurobindo Marg, leading to our Bhavan, it was a scene never to be forgotten: on both sides of the road, people from all walks of life were holding candles and throwing Rose petals towards our car with reverberating chants – "Om Anandamayi Chaitanyamayi Satyamayi Parame, Om Name Bhagavate Sri Aurobindaya" inside which I was holding the tray of Sri Aurobindo's Sacred Relics and felt as if I was transported altogether to a different world.
As we stepped out of the car, our Shri Bhabesh Sharma took it from me and held the Sacred Relics-tray and handed it over to the then Mayor of Guwahati City, who finally respectfully placed the tray on the Shrine of Sri Aurobindo Bhavan, on the first floor.
The Enshrinement (November 1, 2015)
After sometime, non-stop reading of Sri Aurobindo's epic poem, Savitri was started in which besides our own members, other people also participated and it continued through the night of 30th October till 1st November, when Shri Pradeep Narang, the Chairman of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry enshrined the wooden box containing the Sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo along with invocation of Sri Aurobindo and The Divine Mother.
Along with him rose upwards the unspoken but long-cherished aspiration of the people of the State of Assam through the representative section to Sri Aurobindo and The Divine Mother for bringing Peace, Light, Love, Consciousness, Progress, and Bliss to the State.
Living with the Sacred Presence (2015 - Present Day)
Since that blessed day in 2015, the presence of the sacred relics has transformed our Bhavan into a powerful center of spiritual force. Devotees from across the Northeast and beyond come to meditate in the presence of these relics, seeking guidance, peace, and transformation.
The shrine room has become the heart of our Bhavan—a sacred space where the veil between the material and the spiritual seems thinner. Regular meditation sessions, special Darshan days, and important spiritual occasions are all conducted in the presence of these relics.
Many devotees have reported profound experiences while meditating near the relics—moments of clarity, waves of peace, sudden insights into their spiritual journey. The relics serve as a constant reminder of the living presence of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, guiding us on our path of transformation.
The enshrinement has also elevated the spiritual significance of our Bhavan in the broader community of Sri Aurobindo centers worldwide. We are now recognized as one of the few places outside Pondicherry where seekers can connect with the physical presence of the Masters through these sacred relics.
"The relics are not objects of worship, but anchors of consciousness—physical points through which the infinite Grace of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother flows into our material world, available to all who approach with openness and sincerity."
As we continue our journey, the sacred relics remain the luminous center of our spiritual practice—a constant source of inspiration, strength, and divine grace, guiding us ever forward on the path of Integral Yoga.
Arrival of
Mother's Slippers (Paduka)
The Inner Certitude
After the enshrinement of Sacred Relics of Sri Aurobindo, our aspiration seemed to grow with a steady certitude. Meanwhile, once again, we started aspiring for Mother's Paduka. Even after the Sacred Relics Enshrinement, although we had travelled to Pondicherry a few times, at least once in a year - cutting it short from what it used to be earlier – it was only in our February 2018 visit to Pondicherry that the second boon was granted in the form of Paduka.
In fact, just before leaving for Pondicherry, while arranging things at Guwahati, I told Ellora, "Take along our letterhead pad, seal, etc., which we might need" – adding quickly, "because this time we would be given Mother's Paduka". Perhaps, something touched me at that moment – a kind of certitude! And lo and behold! It became true.
The Second Boon Granted
On reaching Pondicherry, we approached Manoj-da with our request. Although initially there was a hitch, by Divine Mother's sheer Grace, we were granted the second boon too, i.e., Paduka. After returning to the International Guest House, Pondicherry, with the box containing Mother's Paduka, we started reading Savitri as an offering. We were joined in the reading by Sugandha and Manab of Guwahati (who were stationed in Pondicherry then) and Ramanand, Soudamini, and Aurokamal from Pondicherry itself.
Installation in Glass-Paneled Wooden Box
After returning on 8th March to Guwahati, the box containing Mother's Paduka was kept for Darshan, till on the auspicious day of 24th April, 2018, we installed It in a glass-paneled semi-circular wooden box.
Activities of SAS, Guwahati
Branch
Publications and Conferences
Over the years, since its inception, the Guwahati Branch has embraced different spheres of activities besides shouldering the role and responsibility of being a peer for other branches and centres on most of the occasions. While we published Assamese translations of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's original English books, numbering almost 40, we organized State Conferences twice in 2010 and 2012.
Outreach and Book Distribution
It did not lag behind in bringing awareness by visiting various remote places of the State of Assam besides Society's other branches and centres, discussed and explored possibilities of opening new centres, distributing all the published books by us and also other books published by the Ashram in English, Bengali and Hindi languages etc. to schools, colleges and other institutions and organisations and also bookstalls.
From time to time, we have been organising meetings on the importance and relevance of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother's Work in different cities and towns and even remote locations, as a result of which people have been increasingly feeling a little more opening.
Regular Collective Programs
Sri Aurobindo Bhavan premises are cleaned on a daily basis by our own members, in rotation. Collective programmes like Meditation sessions on Sunday (from 6.30 to 7.00 PM), Swadhyaya on different Works of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother on Wednesday (from 6.30 to 7.30 PM), and Savitri reading on Friday (from 6.30 to 7.30 PM) are the regular features of the Branch besides other official works.
All Darshans and important days, as observed by the Ashram in Pondicherry, are also observed here in our Branch. Proficient speakers on Sri Aurobindo's Yoga of Transformation are invited from Pondicherry to our Branch for in-depth deliberation/speech from time to time.
Digital Outreach and Educational Visits
Online/Offline in-house sessions on Sri Aurobindo and Mother's Works, i.e., on Integral Yoga, are held regularly and uploaded to the YouTube channel 'AUROMIRRA'. We are invited by the State's premier colleges and schools like Handique Girls' College, B. Borooah College, BRM Law College, Bajali Higher Secondary School, and also youth camps organized by other centres to deliver talks on Sri Aurobindo and The Mother and their Yoga of Integral Transformation.
A magazine by the name of 'Divine Grace' is also published by the Guwahati Branch of SAS. To bring awareness about the relevance of Sri Aurobindo's visionary work, we publish articles in the premier newspapers of Assam in both English and Assamese languages from time to time.
The Destiny Bequeathed
The Journey of Joy Through Hurdles
As it has been a long journey since then and we had to evolve through a lot of hurdles and suffering too, which can undoubtedly be called the stepping stones on the way, it is our experience of joy all through to grow in the Consciousness of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother with Their constant help, guidance, protection and certitude and we gratefully feel humbled to aspire and lay ourselves more at Their Feet for Them to carry us on the path.
The Work Yet to Be Done
Although there is always a tendency in human beings to feel complacent with developments the cause of which can be attributed to the fact that, we are still within the ambit of forces operating in the lower nature, it is felt that we have still a lot more to do in us as well as in the spaces we are born – especially so when our home State, Assam is concerned. Perhaps it is so because here, the aspiration towards a higher, or to be specific, a spiritual life, is not yet so intense compared to a comfortable material life.
The Irreversible Way of the New Force
However, it can be safely presumed that the irreversible way in which the New Force has been working and hewing its way forward on earth, no corner of it can remain clutched to dark powers holding their sway till now. Only we have to understand this much clearly that whether one likes it or not, one has to choose to live consciously and thereby progress, precipitating the process of evolution of consciousness, or otherwise the Force itself will bring in catastrophic incidents which no one can avert and consequently be swept away inevitably. This will become evident in the near future.
The Imperative Choice: Building a New World
So the choice has become imperative now, here too, in the eastern part of the country, to consciously participate in the Work, the work of building a New World – integrally perfect in nature. And for this, the divine help is there, unmistakably, beckoning always with assurance.
So, let us embark with certitude towards this great destiny bequeathed to us by the dual Avatars which await us…
— Indrajit Goswami
Sri Aurobindo Society, Guwahati Branch
"The irreversible way in which the New Force has been working and hewing its way forward on earth means that no corner of it can remain clutched to dark powers. So, let us embark with certitude towards this great destiny bequeathed to us by the dual Avatars..."