Kolkata witnessed the launch of TRIKALDARSHI – Shri Shri Lokenath Brahmachari : The Boundless Mahayogi , a new book by young author Jitavati Das that explores the life, philosophy and enduring influence of one of Bengal’s most revered spiritual figures.
At 20, Jitavati Das has already authored Visuddha Prema , a book exploring the relationship between love and bhakti, and has received recognition including the Young Adult Author of the Year honour at the Kolkata Literary Carnival and a place in the India Book of Records. Launched on the occasion of Guru Purnima, the book launch brought together personalities from public life, literature, art and cinema, including Agnimitra Paul, Swapan Dasgupta, Kumar Sanu, Uma Nair, Raima Sen, Jaya Ahsan, Sushmita Chatterjee, Yash Dasgupta and Shaheb Chatterjee, among others.
The work seeks to look beyond a conventional biography and present his philosophy in the context of the modern world, according to the author. Speaking at the launch, Jitavati Das said that Guru Purnima was a fitting occasion to introduce her second book and the first publication of Shilpayan Foundation. “Through this book, I have attempted to place Baba Lokenath at the centre of contemporary discourse, exploring how his philosophy speaks to modern society while celebrating his universal legacy,” she said.
Described as a visual documentary, TRIKALDARSHI brings together rare visual narratives with reflections on psychology, philosophy and political thought. The book traces the journey of Shri Shri Lokenath Brahmachari, while also examining the relevance of his teachings of compassion, service, meditation and universal harmony in contemporary society. The book documents Baba Lokenath’s association with generations of Bengali households and follows the places connected with his life, from his birthplace in Kachua to Baradi in present-day Bangladesh, where he attained Mahasamadhi. The book has been curated by journalist and photographer Kounteya Sinha, with visual documentation by Rajendra Mohan Pandey, Snehadeep Das and Nilayan Chatterjee. The cover has been designed by Aniket Mitra. Art critic Uma Nair described the book as a timely exploration of spiritual freedom, noting its attempt to connect Baba Lokenath’s teachings with contemporary ideas surrounding psychology, philosophy and humanism. With TRIKALDARSHI , Das turns her focus towards documenting and interpreting the life of Shri Shri Lokenath Brahmachari through a blend of history, philosophy and visual storytelling, introducing his legacy and teachings to a new generation of readers. Looking for trusted parenting advice? Follow TOI Parenting Circle on Instagram for expert guidance, relatable stories, and practical tips delivered every day.