OUR STORY · SINCE 1955
From Jamalpur to a worldwide movement.
A history shaped by spiritual practice, courage, social service and a universal vision of humanity as one family.
JAMALPUR · BIHAR · INDIA
A movement begins with a universal ideal.
In 1955, Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar organized the first chapter of Ánanda Márga in Jamalpur, Bihar. He taught spiritual practices for self-development while rejecting dogma, superstition, caste discrimination, exploitation and corruption.
The guiding ideal—“Self-realization and service to humanity”—soon attracted people seeking both inner transformation and meaningful social change.
KEY MILESTONES
The movement expands through practice and service.
Within fifteen years, the seed planted in Jamalpur grew across India and then around the world.
1955
The first chapter
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar organizes the first chapter of Ánanda Márga in Jamalpur and begins teaching a practical path of spiritual and social development.
1962–1966
A dedicated order
The first monk is initiated in 1962, followed by the order of nuns in 1966. Dedicated workers join lay members in spiritual practice and full-time social service.
1963
Education and welfare
The Education, Relief and Welfare Section—ERAWS—is established, and the first Ánanda Márga schools open. Service expands to children’s homes, clinics and feeding programs.
1965
AMURT begins
The Ánanda Márga Universal Relief Team is established to provide organized disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
1970
A global movement
Branches are active across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, carrying the twin ideal beyond national, economic and ideological boundaries.
TODAY
A living worldwide network
Meditation and yoga centers, schools, medical units, children’s homes, relief work and rural development projects continue serving communities around the world.
A DIVERSE SPIRITUAL FAMILY
Lay members, monks and nuns—one shared purpose.
Most members of Ánanda Márga (Márgiis) are lay people: students, families, professionals, workers and people from every walk of life. They learn spiritual practices and contribute to society through local activities and service projects.
Monks and nuns dedicate their lives to spiritual practice, teaching and full-time social service. Together, these complementary forms of participation sustain the movement’s diverse worldwide work.
A LIVING LEGACY
The story continues wherever people serve.
What began in Jamalpur now lives through a worldwide network of people committed to meditation, ethical living and service. Schools, relief teams, health initiatives, rural projects and spiritual centers adapt that enduring ideal to local needs.
Across Northeast and Central Asia, Hong Kong Sector continues this work through communities, Master Units, conferences, meditation programs and social service.
THE PHILOSOPHY
About Ánanda Márga
Explore the meaning of the “Path of Bliss,” its practical system and its universal outlook.
THE FOUNDER
Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar
Discover the life, ideas and far-reaching contributions of Shrii Shrii Ánandamúrti.