Pitambar Deva Goswami Biography 
Pitambar Deva Goswami was a spiritual leader, Hindu philosopher and social reformer from Assam who lived during 10 June 1885 – 20 October 1962. He was a scholar proficient in Sanskrit grammar, literature, philosophy, religion and theology, and also taught English and Assamese languages. He learned Ayurveda, vocal music as well as music instruments like sitar, violin and harmonium. He was a patron of arts and music, and used to invite artists for performances. National award winning short film, Yugadrashta: The Visionary is based on his life.
Pitambar Deva Goswami was born on 10 June 1885 in Majuli, a river island in the Brahmaputra River, Assam. He accepted monastic order of the Garamur Satra when he was only 6. At the Satra, he learnt Sanskrit. Soon after the death of Jogachandra Deva Satradhikar Goswami, he was appointed as the head of Satra. He was 21 years old then. Pitambar had quest to learn more things about religion, spirituality, music as well as languages, and he was a scholar as well, who taught students.
Later he turned a social reformer as well, and most of his reforms were related to the social life of Assam. He promoted many things which improved the life style of people and society, and never stayed away from modern technology. Introduction of tractors for improvement in farming, martial arts and acrobatics for physical training, discipline and self-defence etc are among those reforms. He also reformed taxation, laws and duties. He also started a theatre.
He opened Satra (Kirtanghar) for public, provided assistance during famine, freed monks from celibacy and also supported a few tribal societies. He also supported freedom struggle movement, taught swaraj and performed Satyagraha in 1941, for which he was jailed for two years since 1943. He opened 20 primary schools in the rural areas after he got released from prison. He died on 20 October 1962.
Published: January 28, 2019
Updated: January 28, 2019
