Brahmabandhab Upadhyay (1861-1907) – Renowned patriot, journalist and intellectual. Born at Khanyan in Hooghly district on 11.2.1861, son of Devicharan and nephew of Reverend Kalicharan Banerjee, pre-monastic name Bhavanicharan Banerjee. An intelligent and meritorious student, passed Entrance examination from Hooghly Collegiate School. Classmate of Narendranath while studying F.A. at the General Assembly’s Institution. Finally plunged into active campaigning against British rule in India. Prevented from taking military training. In his youth had set up the “Youngmen’s Nest”, an organization of young men interested in religion and moral values. With them he often visited Dakshineswar where after enjoying the day in the waters of the Ganga, or otherwise, they sat in the verandah adjoining the Master’s room where he welcomed them with refreshments. Association with Keshab Chandra Sen (1881). Visited the Master at Dakshineswar with him (1882), heard his discourse and witnessed his dwelling in an ecstatic mood. Initiated to the Brahmo faith (6.1.1887) by the New Dispensation priest Gourgobinda Rai. Conversion to Christianity (1891), took monastic vows, put on ochre cloth and assumed the name Upadhyay Brahmabandhab (December 1894). Was at once a Brahmo, a Protestant, a Roman Catholic and ultimately a Vedantist-Catholic. Belonged to the Hindu community, with leanings towards Christ. Taught for some time at the Brahmacharyashram founded by Rabindranath at Bolpur. In the vicinity of the Hedua met Swamiji about six months prior to his demise and in course of conversation the latter indicated his preoccupation with setting everything to do with the Math and the Mission in order as his own end was drawing close. After Swamiji’s passing, inspired by his ideals Brahmabandhab went to England (5.10.1902) where he delivered several lectures on Hinduism, Philosophy, Culture and Social Sciences at Oxford and Cambridge. Upon his return to India (June 1903) founded the daily Sandhya. Through fiery editorials and stirring articles in the Sandhya attacked the British Government. Was at the forefront of the movement against the partition of Bengal. Editor of the weekly Swaraj. Arrested on 10.9.1907 for subversive activities as Editor of the Sandhya. Suffered from orchitis which aggravated due to his standing in the courtroom for long hours and died at Campbell Hospital on 27.10.07. Two months earlier had assumed the sacred thread after going through an expiation ceremony according to Hindu rites, his devotion to Jesus Christ remaining unaffected. Throughout his life expressed the highest sentiments regarding Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother and Swamiji in moving articles and talks.