JIn a remarkable tribute to his lifelong dedication to spiritual guidance and tribal welfare, Shri Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, popularly known as Chitta Maharaj, has been conferred the Padma Shri in the category of Spiritualism.
Born in Borokathal, a remote tribal village in Tripura, Chitta Maharaj began his journey in public service as a Panchayat Secretary. After the death of his guru, Sri Sri Santikali Maharaj, he renounced his government job and adopted sanyas, dedicating his life to spiritual pursuits and community upliftment.
As the head of the Sri Sri Santikali Ashram, he has expanded its mission to serve the underprivileged. The ashram now runs 24 spiritual and social service centres across Tripura, including residential schools, hostels, and an old-age home, directly benefiting more than 700 tribal children and elders.
In 2019, he established the Sri Sri Santikali English Medium School, which offers modern education while retaining traditional values. His work has empowered hundreds of tribal families, bringing hope, discipline, and direction to rural youth.
Chitta Maharaj has also been honoured with several regional awards, including the Karmayogi Award, the Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Smriti Award, and the Krishna Chandra Gandhi Award, for his tireless service to society.
Receiving the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu in April 2024, Chitta Maharaj said:
“This recognition is not mine alone. It belongs to the children of the ashram, to my community, and to the spirit of service that guides us.”
His recognition stands as a shining example of how spiritual devotion, when paired with social commitment, can transform lives and build resilient communities.
