Shriram Sharma Acharya, revered as “Gurudev'' by his disciples, was born in Anwalkheda village in Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India, on Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi Vikrami Samvat 1967 (September 20, 1911).

His concerns for the welfare of the common masses was evident from a young age; as a small boy, he bravely nursed an elderly ‘untouchable’ woman suffering from leprosy, despite disapproval from his family and society.

[7][25] At the age of fifteen, on the auspicious day of Vasant Panchami festival, January 18, 1926, Shriram's Guru, Swami Sarveshwarananda, appeared before him in astral form from the flame of the deepak during his Gayatri Upasana.

[2][7] This divine encounter revealed his past three births as Sant Kabir, Samarth Guru Ramdas and Ramakrishna Paramhansa, as well as the objectives of his present life, igniting his spiritual journey.

[7][16][26][27] Following his Guru's instructions, he devoted the next 3 decades to intense spiritual practices with the strictest of disciplines, performing 24 Mahapurushcharans, each consisting of rhythmic recitation of 2.4 million Gayatri mantras.

Shriram Sharma Acharya ascended the challenging and mystical heights of the Himalayas four times, engaging in specific sadhanas and planning for the future under the guidance of his Guru, Swami Sarveshwarananda.

[3] Realizing the potential of inspiring literature and its relevance in the current era of intellectual evolution, he chose writing as the primary tool for uprooting evil tendencies and blind faith from people's minds, while also awakening their indwelling wisdom, strength and spiritual bliss.

[2] After his first Himalayan journey, he published the inaugural issue of a magazine called "Akhand Jyoti" (translated: An Eternal Flame) in 1938 to articulate the scriptural and scientific aspects of spiritual philosophy.

The mission of the Akhand Jyoti is for every lion to recognize his true nature...”[34]This marked the beginning of the "Vichar Kranti Abhiyan" (translated: Thought Revolution Movement).

), aimed to guide seekers in exploring the reality of the ‘Self’ through specific disciplines of meditation and contemplation.“There is only one highway to true happiness and peace in life, and that is ‘Self-Knowledge’.”[37]In 1943, he married Bhagwati Devi, and together they dedicated themselves to the mission of spiritual upliftment for humankind.

[2] This center, built at the place of penance of Maharishi Durvasa, aimed to spread theism, spiritual philosophy, and the teachings of Gayatri throughout the world, helping individuals recognize the dignity of human life and liberating society from distortions.

In the March 1964 issue of Akhand Jyoti, he wrote,“There is a need for an educational institution that can mold its students into noble and enlightened human beings – selfless, warm-hearted, compassionate, and kind.”[44]In 2002, his admirers and followers fulfilled his vision by establishing “Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya” in Haridwar, India.

After returning from his fourth and final Himalayan journey, Shriram Sharma Acharya initiated the practice of Sukshmikaran sadhana (peak of spiritual efforts) on Rama Navami in 1984, guided by his Guru.

This practice aimed at (1) purifying of the atmosphere, (2) refining the subtle environment, (3) ushering in a new era, (4) neutralizing the threat of mass destruction, and (5) creating and developing divine humans (Dev-manav).

Understanding the profound problems and crises of the era, Shriram Sharma Acharya focused on eradicating the root causes hidden within the subtle environment (sukshma vatavarana).

Together, they promote goodwill and virtuous conduct, serving as pathways to global peace and human welfare, thereby enhancing the prospects for the well-being of all living beings.”[51]Numerous small and grand yajnas have been organized since the launch of the Yug Nirman Yojana.

The “Sahastranshu Brahm Yajna” performed on Gayatri Jayanti in 1953 after the completion of his 24 Mahapurushcharans, marked the first major spiritual experiment that included widespread participation from all sections of society.

Shriram Sharma Acharya, through rigorous penance, invoked Ritambhara Prajna—a flow of supreme knowledge and wisdom—to address contemporary crises, instill faith within, and inspire transformation through the Vichar Kranti (Thought Revolution) campaign.

Following this, Shriram Sharma Acharya initiated the Yug Nirman campaign to spark an intellectual and moral revolution, supported by intense austerity and dedication.

Shriram Sharma Acharya continued his legacy by establishing the Brahmvarchas Shodh Sansthan (now part of Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya) to integrate science and spirituality and explore and unfold the greatness within humanity.

Following this path, Shriram Sharma Acharya established and managed thousands of spiritual energy centers, known as Gayatri Shakti Peeths and Pragya Sansthans, to awaken cultural consciousness.

Key activities include raising mass awareness and promoting cultural values through both small and large-scale Gayatri Yajnas, as well as collective social transformation projects that encourage voluntary participation.

Other accomplishments include elevating the social status of women, providing moral education for children through Bal Sanskar Shalas, advocating against oppressive traditions, supporting de-addiction efforts, and fostering integrated, self-reliant village development.

In this era of intellectual evolution, Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya chose writing as a key means to combat the prevailing evil tendencies and blind faith in society.

He authored over 3,000 books[2][3] covering a wide array of topics, including religion-spirituality,[76] Gayatri Mahavidhya,[77] scientific spirituality,[15][78] life management,[79] holistic health,[80] self,[37][81] family,[82][83] social development,[84] Indian culture,[85] transformation of the era,[86] women,[87] etc.

Subsequently, he launched several other publications, including Yug Nirman Yojana in 1964 and Pragya Abhiyaan Pakshik, both of which emphasize family issues, social affairs, and women's empowerment.

In this process, true spirituality plays a crucial role, transcending religions and sects while inspiring individuals to take righteous actions that contribute to a sustainable and brighter future.

Regarding the body as the Temple of God, we will be ever watchful to keep it healthy and full of vitality by adopting the principles of self-restraint, order, and harmony in our daily lives.

With a view to keeping our minds free from the inrush of negative thoughts and emotions, we will adopt a regular program of study of ennobling and inspiring literature (swadhyaya) and strive to be in the company of saints/noble people (satsang).

[3] – A National Waterway Project training center was established at Shantikunj, where he was tasked with conducting programs for land and water conservation across 3600 blocks in 350 districts nationwide.