January 12, 1963 saw the birth of Narendranath, son of Biswanath Dutta, a well known lawyer of the then Calcutta, and Bhuvaneswari Devi, a pious and accomplished lady. In his childhood Naren learnt the Epics of India from his mother, who was a good story teller. An extra-ordinary child as he was, he exerted a magnetic charm on all those who came in contact with him. It was but natural that such a child, endowed with exceptional qualities, should become the leader of his group. He learnt singing, was good at sports, had ready-wit, a rational mind and he loved to help others.

Narendranath passed Entrance Examination from the Metropolitan Institution and First Arts & Bachelor of Arts Examinations from the General Assembly's Institution (at present Scottish Church College in North Calcutta). Principal Professor Hastie was highly impressed by Naren's philosophical insight and acumen. It was from Prof. Hastie that he first came to know about Shri Ramakrishna of Dakshineswar.

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