Golden Jubilee Year – Gayatri Teerth, Shantikunj

Commemorative Postage Stamp

Overlooking the holy city of Haridwar and nestled along the banks of the sacred River Ganga, Shanti Kunj Ashram stands as a beacon of spiritual awakening and social upliftment. In June 2021, this revered institution celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of service as a centre of peace, pilgrimage, and global harmony.

Birth of a Spiritual Movement

Founded in 1971 by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, Gayatri Teerth, Shanti Kunj became the living heart of the All World Gayatri Pariwar (Global Gayatri Pariwar)—a spiritual movement with over 100 million followers worldwide. The Ashram embodies the age-old Vedic vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the world is one family”—while adapting timeless wisdom to the needs of modern society.

The divine vision of Acharyaji was nurtured and expanded by his spiritual consort, Vandaniya Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma, who ensured that Shanti Kunj flourished as a model of unity, equality, and social transformation.

Life and Legacy of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya

Born on 20 September 1911 in Anwalkheda village, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya dedicated his life to the ideals of service, self-discipline, and spiritual progress. A freedom fighter in his youth, he participated in India’s non-violent independence movement under the guidance of Mahatma Gandhi and endured multiple jail terms.

Guided by his spiritual quest, Acharyaji performed 24 Mahapurashcharans of Gayatri Mantra at the age of 15, and later undertook a monumental task of translating the entire Vedic Vangmaya into simple Hindi with profound introductions. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 2,400 books, covering philosophy, spirituality, and social reform. His visits to the Himalayas deepened his spiritual foresight, and his life of simplicity and devotion continues to inspire seekers globally.

After his Samadhi on 2 June 1990 (Gayatri Jayanti), Mata Bhagwati Devi Sharma courageously carried forward the mission, ensuring its continued growth and relevance.

The Ashram Today

Spread across vast acres, Shanti Kunj, Haridwar welcomes seekers from all faiths and walks of life. Its vibrant campus houses shrines, meditation and yoga halls, libraries, lecture theatres, Ayurvedic clinics, farms, recording studios, and simple residential quarters. At any time, nearly 3,000 sadhaks and their families reside here, living by the principle of selfless service.

The Ashram and the Gayatri Pariwar are sustained entirely by voluntary contributions—symbolized by one rupee, one handful of grain, and one hour of seva (service) from each devotee.

Mission and Outreach

Shanti Kunj is the centre of a silent revolution launched by Acharyaji for social and spiritual transformation. Its work spans seven major areas:

• Inner Transformation
• Village Self-Reliance
• Reform of Religious Understanding and Practice
• Health and Well-Being
• Environmental Protection
• Women’s Empowerment and Education
• Disaster Management

Through these initiatives, the institution has touched millions of lives, not just in India but across the world.

India Post Tribute

To honour this extraordinary journey, India Post issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp in 2021 marking the Golden Jubilee of Gayatri Teerth, Shanti Kunj, Haridwar. This stamp immortalizes the Ashram’s contribution to fostering universal peace, cultural values, and human upliftment.