125th Birth Anniversary Ram Chandra

Ram Chandra (Babuji Maharaj) Stamp: Celebrating a Spiritual Pioneer

Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (1899–1983), affectionately known as Babuji Maharaj, was a revered spiritual Master and the guiding light of the Sahaj Marg tradition, a globally recognized system of Raja Yoga meditation. In 1945, he established the Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) in memory of his Guru, Shri Ram Chandra Ji of Fategarh, introducing the practice of Sahaj Marg, or the natural path to self-realization, to seekers worldwide.

Early Life and Spiritual Inclination

Babuji Maharaj was born on 30th April 1899 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. From a young age, he displayed a deep yearning for spiritual realization. At the age of 22, he met his Guru, Lalaji Maharaj (Shri Ram Chandra of Fategarh), whom he wholeheartedly accepted. Babuji Maharaj believed that the home and family were the ideal training grounds for spirituality, and he approached his familial and professional responsibilities with devotion. For over thirty years, he served as a clerk in the district court of Shahjahanpur while nurturing his spiritual mission.

Teachings and Spiritual Philosophy

Babuji Maharaj emphasized the ultimate goal of human life: attaining complete oneness with the Divine—a state achievable within a single lifetime by sincere seekers. He taught that material and spiritual life should coexist, like two wings of a bird. His simplified and perfected system of Raja Yoga meditation made spiritual progress accessible to ordinary people.

He believed in the simplicity of God and encouraged seekers of all cultures and nationalities to embrace Sahaj Marg meditation, now widely known as Heartfulness meditation. By making yogic and spiritual practices simple, he opened the doors of spirituality to all, advocating universal harmony through inner peace.

Global Outreach and Legacy

Babuji Maharaj traveled extensively across India, Europe, and America, offering spiritual guidance free of cost. He sent envoys abroad, wrote extensively, and distilled meditation into a simple method suitable for everyone. His message emphasized that world peace begins with individual peace.

In 1957, he addressed the United Nations, proposing practical solutions to global challenges, emphasizing love and spiritual principles as remedies to violence and conflict.

Shri Ram Chandra Mission and Modern Heartfulness

Under Babuji Maharaj’s vision, the Shri Ram Chandra Mission—known today as the Heartfulness movement—continues to flourish under the leadership of Shri Kamlesh D. Patel (Daaji). The movement focuses on personal growth, meditation, and universal brotherhood, reaching millions across the globe.

Heartfulness programs extend to:

• Children and youth: promoting relaxation, focus, and positive growth
• Schools and universities: value-based self-development programs
• Corporate sector: stress management, mindfulness, and enhanced productivity

The Heartfulness Institute integrates ancient yogic practices with modern scientific research, studying physiological and neurophysiological effects of meditation to validate its benefits.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

From its humble beginnings in 1945, the Shri Ram Chandra Mission has spread globally, offering meditation training to millions through centers in over 160 countries and remote learning via the Heartfulness App.

To honor the 125th birth anniversary of Ram Chandra (Babuji Maharaj), the Department of Posts is proud to issue a commemorative postage stamp. This stamp celebrates his lifelong dedication to spiritual upliftment, meditation, and universal harmony, immortalizing his teachings and his gift of Heartfulness meditation to the world.