Shraddhananda, Swami (Bimal Maharaj, 1907-96)—Distinguished monk of the Order, “torchbearer of Vedanta” in America. Disciple of Swami Shivananda (1925), joined the Order (1930) at Belur Math. Served at Belur Math, Bhubaneswar, Calcutta Students’ Home and Mysore centres. Ordained into sannyasa by Swami Virajananda (1939), his personal secretary-cum-attendant for 12 years (1939-51). Editor of the Udbodhan (1952-56), a brilliant tenure of 4 years marked by numerous thought-provoking articles and some excellent poems, that continued long after his departure for America, being sent to San Francisco (1957) to disseminate Vedanta. Minister-in-charge at the Sacramento Centre (1970-96). Said to have “totally Vedantized the whole ambience” at Sacramento. Possessing a sweet temperament, witty, was a source of inspiration to numerous devotees. Died at Sacramento on 19.7.1996 leaving behind him a host of friends and admirers. Author of Narendranath Hoite Vivekananda and Atiter Smriti, a memorable work which besides being a biographical sketch of Swami Virajananda documents a contemporary history of the Order (Udbodhan, 98.9.542-43).