Brahmachari Shri Shri Buddha Debbarma, a founding member of Shri Shri Shanti Kali Mission Ashram at Burakha, died late on July 2 at the age of 55. A lifelong social worker and spiritual leader, he dedicated more than two decades to tribal welfare, education and humanitarian service, leaving behind a lasting legacy across the State.
Agartala: The Shri Shri Shanti Kali Mission Ashram fraternity and thousands of followers across Tripura are mourning the death of Brahmachari Shri Shri Buddha Debbarma. He passed away at around 11 pm on July 2, just a day after celebrating his 55th birthday.
Born on July 1, 1971, Buddha Debbarma devoted his life to serving poor, underprivileged and marginalized communities through the Ashram’s welfare initiatives.
His demise marks the end of a chapter in the growth of one of the most influential tribal socio-religious movements in Tripura, which has combined spiritual guidance with education, rural development and humanitarian outreach for decades.
A Life Dedicated to Service
Buddha Debbarma played a key role in establishing the Shri Shri Shanti Kali Mission Ashram at Burakha in 2003. Since its inception, he remained actively involved in expanding the Ashram’s social initiatives, especially in remote tribal areas where access to education, shelter and basic necessities remained limited.
People associated with the mission described him as a humble spiritual guide who believed that religious values must translate into meaningful social action. Under his leadership and guidance, the Ashram extended educational assistance, food support, accommodation and humanitarian relief to economically weaker families.
His compassionate approach and commitment to serving vulnerable communities earned him immense respect among devotees and local residents alike. Followers said his life reflected the ideals of selfless service, social responsibility and spiritual discipline.
Tributes have continued to pour in from devotees, social organisations and well-wishers, who remembered him as a leader whose work touched countless lives across the state.
What is the Shanti Kali Mission Ashram?
The Shri Shri Shanti Kali Mission Ashram occupies a unique place in socio-cultural landscape of the State. More than a religious institution, the Mission has evolved into a broad-based movement dedicated to preserving indigenous traditions while promoting education, social welfare and community empowerment.
The movement traces its origins to 1979 when revered tribal spiritual leader Gurudev Shanti Kali established the first Ashram on the auspicious occasion of Shiv Chaturdashi. His vision extended beyond religious practice. He sought to preserve the customs, traditions and spiritual identity of the indigenous Tripuri people while addressing their educational and social challenges.
Over the decades, the single Ashram grew into a network of branches spread across different parts of the state. Today, the Mission works extensively in backward and remote tribal regions through educational programmes, welfare projects and spiritual activities.
A Legacy Forged Through Sacrifice
The journey of the Ashram has not been without hardship.
During the period of insurgency that affected Tripura in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gurudev Shanti Kali openly advocated social harmony and the voluntary preservation of indigenous faith and culture. His stand against coercive influences and extremist violence made him a respected but vulnerable figure.
On August 27, 2000, the spiritual leader was assassinated inside the Ashram by insurgents. His killing shocked the state and became one of the darkest chapters in the history of the Mission.
The tragedy severely affected the organisation. Several educational institutions and orphanages operated by the Ashram were forced to suspend their activities. Despite these setbacks, the Mission survived and gradually rebuilt its institutions with the support of devotees and volunteers.
Continuing the Mission Under Padma Shri Chitta Maharaj
Following the death of its founder, the Mission continued under the leadership of Padma Shri Chitta Maharaj, who expanded its focus on education, rural development and humanitarian service.
Today, the Ashram functions not merely as a place of worship but also as a decentralised centre for community development. It supports poor families, encourages education among tribal children and undertakes various welfare initiatives in rural areas.
The Government of India recognised these decades of social and spiritual service by conferring the Padma Shri upon Chitta Maharaj. The national honour acknowledged his contribution to spiritual leadership, rural education and tribal welfare.
The Mission has also accelerated its infrastructure development.
A modern 100-bed Shri Shri Shanti Kali Scheduled Tribe Hostel was recently inaugurated at the Sarbong Ashram in Gomati district. The hostel provides safe accommodation to students from economically disadvantaged tribal families, enabling them to pursue uninterrupted education.
In another ambitious initiative, the Mission has announced plans to establish 108 temples across the State. According to the organisation, the project seeks to strengthen indigenous spiritual values while preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage.
Buddha Debbarma’s Contribution to the Movement
Although the Mission has grown into a large organisation, many followers believe that its success also rests on the tireless efforts of leaders such as Brahmachari Buddha Debbarma, who worked quietly behind the scenes for decades.
From expanding humanitarian programmes to strengthening the Ashram’s grassroots activities, Buddha Debbarma remained deeply involved in the organisation’s social initiatives. His commitment helped transform the Ashram into a trusted institution for many tribal families seeking education, shelter and assistance.
His colleagues recalled that he consistently placed community welfare above personal recognition and remained devoted to the Mission’s founding ideals throughout his life.
Followers Remember a Dedicated Spiritual Worker
Devotees across the state have described his passing as a major setback for the organisation.
“It is a huge loss for the holistic movement of the Ashram. His lifelong commitment to society and the Mission will always inspire future generations,” said devotee Putul Debbarma of Amarpur.
Many believe Buddha Debbarma’s contributions will continue to guide the Mission as it expands its educational and social outreach in the coming years.
His death comes at a significant phase in the Ashram’s evolution, when the organisation is strengthening its educational infrastructure while continuing efforts to preserve indigenous culture and promote rural development.
Even as followers mourn the loss of one of its founding members, they maintain that the ideals championed by Brahmachari Shri Shri Buddha Debbarma—selfless service, compassion, education and spiritual commitment—will remain central to the continuing journey of the Shri Shri Shanti Kali Mission Ashram.
