Surendra Nath Jauhar, a freedom-fighter, writer and a devotee of The Mother, fondly known as "Chachaji" (uncle), is the founder of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Delhi Branch. Surendra Nath Jauhar was born on 13-Aug-1903 in Vahalee, a village in that part of the Punjab which is now in Pakistan. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, he entered the freedom struggle at the age of 18, took part in Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement, sentenced to Rigorous Imprisonment in the Central Jail, Multan. He was actively involved in the freedom struggle till India became independent in 1947.

While on a tour of the country in 1939, he made an 'unplanned' visit to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, with one of his friends, Dr.Indrasen, who was a Professor of Philosophy and Psychology at the University of Delhi, which gave a new direction to his life. When they came to know about Pondicherry they went and saw in The Mother a fairy descending from heaven, and both the friends became her devotees. Through his visit to Pondicherry, Chacha-ji discovered the mission that was to engage him for the rest of his life. After the country became free in 1947, he wanted to use all his time and energy, and the property near Mehrauli, to further the work of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother. With his efforts and the Mother's blessings on 12th February 1956 was formally established Sri Aurobindo Ashram - Delhi Branch.

Chachaji now entered another freedom struggle, the struggle to liberate humanity from its ignorance so that it could fulfull the vision of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, the vision of a revolutionary upward shift in conciousness. The higher consciousness would engage human nature, which in turn would make the world a much better place to live in. Surendra Nath Jauhar gave his all to the cause of the Aurobindonian thrust in education, life and yoga.

Austere to a fault, he lived the life of a true 'Faquir'. Many remember him for his genuine love, concern and care for others, for his humour and sparks of wisdom. And as he always practiced what he preached, he could inspire thousands to follow his ideal.

We can form an idea of the value the Mother attached to his work from her following message :

"Wonderful!....You are doing very good work in Delhi. You are the only person who has created something."

He had left behind a glorious history and a shining example of a true Karmayogi to inspire generations to come.

Some of the books written by Chachaji are given below :

• My Mother
• A Fiery Patriot speaks
• Charming Vignettes
• Inspiring Reminiscences
• Sparkling humour
• His Life, Work and Thought


• Chachaji ka Aathmakatha
• Chachaji ka Madhur Kahaniya aur Prerak Prasang
• Chachaji ka Sanidhya Mein
• Akkavana - Kahavatha

See below the interview of Surendra Nath Jauhar with The Mother on 11-May-1967.