Mahendranath Datta (1869-1956) – Second Surviving son of Vishwanath and Bhuvaneswari, younger brother of Swamiji in his pre-monastic life. Lifelong bachelor, tireless seeker of knowledge, possessed extraordinary learning in diverse subjects. Born on 1.8.1869, had seen the Master in his boyhood. The saintly “Gopal’s Mother” was fond of him. Having passed the Entrance examination from Mitra Institution, Calcutta (1888), and F.A. from General Assemblies Institution (1891), went to London to study Law (April, 1896). At Swamiji’s bidding devoted himself to the study of History, Philosophy, and other disciplines instead. Spent a considerable length of time in the company of Swamiji at London. After extensive travels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East returned to India in July 1902 on learning of Swamiji’s demise. Besides thoughtprovoking treatises on many subjects, his sensitive accounts of his experiences and of events having to do with the Master, his monastic disciples and Swamiji in particular, are now considered valuable source material for Ramakrishna–Vivekananda literature. After the Master’s demise frequented the Baranagore monastery, was loved by the monks and associated intimately with them. Was called “Mahin” at home and “Mahim Babu” by others. Author of about 90 books of which 35 English and 36 Bengali books have been published. In his advanced years a sizeable number of devotees and admirers gathered round him in his ancestral home at 3, Gourmohan Mukherjee Street to hear him discourse on the arts, sciences, literature and a wide of range of subjects. Students of the Art College visited him regularly for guidance. His works include many travel-accounts besides numerous biographies. After his demise his devotees set up the “Mahendra Publishing Committee” in the premises occupied by him in the ancestral house. Presently they have moved to a new address on Sahitya Parishad Street, the old house having been converted to a memorial of Swamiji. Was regarded with affection and respect by the monks of Belur Math. Received new silk cloths from them on his birthday every year. Died on 14.10.1956 in his ancestral home.