Jogindra nath Thakur, a disciple of Swami Brahmananda as well as a freedom fighter is the man who first started an orphan house at Panja Bhaban in Alam bazar. This orphan house in course of time developed into an orphan Ashrama. This number increased gradually. And the ashrama next shifted to Nil kuthir on account of some difficulties relating its management. Again the house changed its address being shifted to kuthighat road, near Joy Mitra’s kalibari in Baranagar. Then Bhutnath Chattopadhyay a dedicated man who got the blessings of Holy Mother came forward to look after the orphan boys. In the mean time the Ashrama had spread out its fragrance in all directions. It came to be known as Brahmananda Balakashrama. By leaps and bounds it was progressing. In 1924, the management made an appeal to Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission for taking over its all round charge. Then Belur Ramakrishna Math being most considerate to their appeal, consented to take over its management. Since then it came to be known as Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama. In the meantine the Zaminder of Narail, now in Bangladesh donated 12 bighas of land. The Ashrama shifted to this new land and Ramakrishna Math & Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math supervised it posting Sadhus and Brahmacharies under the Secretary-ship of Swami Aparnananda. The Ashrama was progressing well, with one hostel, a Junior High School, a Primary School, a Charitable Homeopath Dipensary and a relief centre. After a few years Swami Bhairabananda came here replacing Swami Aparnananda. Bhairabhananda made no remarkable change. He simply did routinewise work. But the third man Bhabani Chaitanya in later life known as Swami Nirantarananda did wonder here. All the development works here, we see at present, are his own achievements. Higher Secondary School, Primary School, Hostel, Play Ground , Temple, Extension of Ashrama area are his own achievements. Since 1947, this Ashrama got a new life. Central & Provincial Government sanctioned grants and many other benevolent persons made donations for the welfare of this Ashrama. A managing Committee was there to supervise all matters and for making plan for future activities. In all affairs the Secretary remained involved.
