Sureshchandra Datta (1850-1912)—Prominent lay disciple of the Master. Born in an aristocratic family of Hatkhola in Calcutta in 1850. An ardent devotee of the Brahmo Samaj, learned about the Master from Keshab Chandra Sen. With Durgacharan Nag, a close friend and neighbour, visited Dakshineswar in April or May, 1883. Received warmly by the Master, visited him many times though did not believe in idol-worship. Honest, simple, a man of principles and unable to accept wrong-doing had to change jobs several times, even hawking vegetables from door to door to maintain his family. Having a flair for English, wrote an essay on tea and won a prize of Rs. 500 from the Lipton Tea Co. who also gave him a job in their Calcutta Office on a monthly salary of Rs. 250. Having no faith in mantras had refused initiation from the Master. Went to Quetta in 1885 with a military posting, there under adverse circumstances realized the need for initiation. On returning to Calcutta met the Master at Cossipore but could not ask for initiation. After his passing received initiation from him in a dream. Kept touch with Swamiji and the Alambazar Math.
Played an important role in disseminating the teachings of the Master by writing or editing numerous books based on his life and teachings, the most important one being Sri Sri Ramakrishnadever Upadesh, a compilation of 950 teachings of the Master and a brief life-sketch. Part-I was published in 1884. Other works: Sadhak Sahachar, Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna O Brahmo Samaj, Sri Ramakrishna Lilamrita, Sri Ramakrishna Samalochana, Veda O Bible, etc. Died on 18.11.1912 having led an intensely spiritual life of purity, nonattachment, unselfishness and adherence to truth.