for using the prefix “Swami” while paying tribute to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa on his birth anniversary, calling the move “culturally insensitive.”
In a post on X, Banerjee accused the Prime Minister of displaying “cultural insensitivity to great figures of Bengal.” She stated that Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was traditionally revered as “Thakur,” and that the prefix “Swami” was historically used for his disciples, not the spiritual master himself.
She further explained that after Ramakrishna’s passing, his followers established the Ramakrishna Math and the Ramakrishna Mission, and monks within the order were given the title “Swami.” According to Banerjee, the spiritual tradition refers to the core figures as “Thakur” for Sri Ramakrishna, “Ma” for Sarada Devi, and “Swamiji” for Swami Vivekananda.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi paid tributes to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa on social media, praising his teachings and spiritual legacy. He said Ramakrishna’s emphasis on spirituality and meditation would continue to inspire humanity and remain relevant across generations.
Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, born in 1836, served as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple in Kolkata and is widely known for promoting religious harmony and spiritual unity. The Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, founded by him and his disciples, continue to carry out spiritual, humanitarian, and social service activities worldwide.