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.

Chachaji was a visionary and a hero-warrior treading the high and difficult path all his life. He was a self-made man — a penniless boy who came to Delhi in 1921 and became a legend in his lifetime. Patriotism coursed through his veins; way back in 1919, as a schoolboy in Lahore he braved lathis and whips for defying British Martial Law Regulations. During the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930, he organised the boycott of foreign cloth and bravely read out the historic pledge of Purna Swaraj at Chandni Chowk Clock Tower. Arrested and tried on six different counts, he was put in the Central Jail at Multan for 15 months, most of the time in solitary confinement with fetters.

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.

The seed cast that day has now blossomed into The Mother’s International School — a center of excellence that has a distinctive ethos of its own.

Chachaji was a gifted storyteller and created a lively and compelling atmosphere, often a little fiction or imagination mingled with facts. Tales told by him were interesting and often carried a ring of higher truth. He inspired countless people through his unique storytelling art, guiding and leading them towards higher life values – moral and spiritual.

He was influenced by the teachings of several saints and sages and had imbibed the essence of Indian culture. He had a huge store of experiences which he freely offered to all for their benefit. His observant eye missed nothing, he had a genius for spotting the unusual, the exceptional, and the droll, and he found the right words to invoke the odd fact that had caught his eye.

Chachaji 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’. And as he always practiced what he preached, he could inspire thousands to follow his ideal.

Surendra Nath Jauhar ‘Faquir’, who consecrated All of himself and All he had: Soul, Life, Work and Wealth…..

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

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.