Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, expressed deep grief over the passing of Swami Sadananda Das Ji, the Mahant of Kathia Baba Ashram at Nagicherra, Agartala, describing the loss as irreplaceable and extending heartfelt condolences to the saint's disciples, devotees, and admirers.

Context

In a post on X, Dr. Saha wrote in Bengali: 'আগরতলা নাগিছড়াস্থিত কাঠিয়া বাবা আশ্রমের মহন্ত, পরম শ্রদ্ধেয় স্বামী সদানন্দ দাস জীর প্রয়াণে আমি গভীরভাবে শোকাহত।' — translated: 'I am deeply grieved by the passing of the most revered Swami Sadananda Das Ji, Mahant of the Kathia Baba Ashram at Nagicherra, Agartala.' The Chief Minister conveyed that Swami Sadananda Das Ji's selfless service and unique contributions to the spread of education, the awakening of spiritual consciousness, and the overall welfare of society would be remembered forever.

Dr. Saha also prayed that the Almighty grant eternal peace to the divine soul of Swami Sadananda Das Ji and give strength to his followers and family members to bear this grief, concluding his message with the traditional invocation 'Om Shanti' — meaning 'Peace be upon him.'

Policy Backdrop

Indian chief ministers routinely issue formal condolences on the death of heads of prominent ashrams and religious institutions, acknowledging the social and spiritual roles such figures play in their states. In Tripura, such statements reflect the BJP government's sustained engagement with Hindu religious networks in the Northeast, a region where spiritual institutions often serve as pillars of community life, education, and cultural preservation.

The Kathia Baba Ashram in Nagicherra, Agartala is associated with the Kathia Baba lineage and has historically been recognised for its work in education and spiritual propagation in the state. Swami Sadananda Das Ji, as its Mahant, was regarded as a central figure in that tradition.

Stakeholders and Impact

The passing of Swami Sadananda Das Ji is a significant moment for the ashram's community of disciples and the broader Hindu devotee network across Tripura. Ashrams of this lineage often function as centres of education and social welfare, meaning the loss of its head carries implications beyond the purely spiritual sphere.

The local community, students and beneficiaries of the ashram's educational initiatives, and followers of the Kathia Baba tradition across the Northeast are among those most directly affected by this bereavement.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the arrangements for the last rites of Swami Sadananda Das Ji and any announcement regarding succession at the Kathia Baba Ashram. How the institution charts its course under new leadership will be closely watched by the ashram's devotees and by the wider religious community in Tripura. Dr. Saha's public tribute underscores the state government's recognition of the ashram's role and signals that official support for the institution is likely to continue.