Sharatchandra Chakravarty (1868-1942)—Well-known lay disciple of Swamiji, author of the famed Swami Shishya Samvad. Born on 21.2.1868 in Kotapara (or Kurashi) village of Madaripur in Faridpore district, to Ramkamal and Bidhumukhi. Meritorious student, graduated with Sanskrit (Hons.) from Metropolitan College (1888). Acquainted with Nag Mahashay while studying F.A. and accompanied him to Dakshineswar and Alambazar Math. Employee of the Post and Telegraph Department. First met Swamiji at Priyanath Mukherjee’s residence in Baghbazar and initiated by him at Alambazar Math (1.5.1897). Enjoyed the blessed company of his Master off and on and much of the latter’s invaluable discourses, deep reflections expressed aloud, addressed to him and recorded by him in his immortal work Swami Shishya Samvad (1902-1912). Composed Bengali songs, poems, Sanskrit hymns. Good singer. Retired from service (1933) and died at birthplace on 23.8.1942 leaving behind wife, five sons, and two daughters. Younger brother Ramesh Chandra, highly educated, disciple of Santdas Babaji, renounced the world, Head of the Vrindavan Math of the sect as Rasikdas Babaji. Died at the Kumbh Mela at Allahabad (1954). Eldest son Jaichandra married Sri Ram Thakur’s niece and the couple disciples of Swami Brahmananda.
Works: Kavyakusumanjali (1882-83), Sadhu Nag Mahashay (1912), Swami Shishya Samvad (1912), Sri Sri Ramakrishna-Panchali, Sri Sri Thakurer Namamrita (1939), Sri Sri Ramakrishnadya-stavamala (1913), Vedanter Vivekbhashya (incomplete, Introduction published in the Udbodhan (1364, according to Bengali calendar). Bequeathed the copyright of the second and third books to Sri Ramakrishna Math and Mission. A biography by Swami Sadashivananda, Sri Vivekananda Shishya Sarat Chandra, published in 1980. Vivekananda Shishya Saratchandrer Jibani O Rachanabali brought out by his sons (1983).