Rameshwar Gahira Guruji

Rameshwar Gahira Guruji: Saint Rameshwar Gahira Guruji, hailing from the Sarguja region, strove to awaken consciousness and foster development among the forest-dwelling communities. Guruji was born at night in the year 1905, during the month of Shravan—a season characterized by torrential rains. He was born into the Kanwar Painkra tribe, a forest-dwelling community; his native village, Gahira, is nestled amidst the rugged and inaccessible hills of Chhattisgarh. Guruji’s full name was Rameshwar Kanwar. Due to his birth in the village of Gahira, he came to be known as “Gahira Guru.” Throughout his life, Rameshwar Gahira Guruji worked tirelessly for the welfare and protection of the forest-dwelling people. He was the first sage among the forest-dwellers to emphasize cleanliness, advanced collective farming, the establishment of an addiction-free and meat-free society, cattle rearing, the tradition of etiquette, the planting of *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), the construction of temples, and residential education.

He rose to prominence under the name “Gahira Guru” starting in 1943. In 1953, he established the Kailash Gupha Ashram, followed by the establishment of a Sanskrit school in the same year. Between 1973 and 1974, working in collaboration with the villagers, he made significant contributions toward transforming barren land into arable farmland. Furthermore, from 1943 until his passing, he dedicated himself to social service and the propagation of *Sanatan Dharma*, playing a pivotal role in instilling religious values ​​and fostering exemplary conduct among the tribal communities.

In 1986–87, he was honored with a National Award by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. In 1990–91, Guruji undertook the noble task of promoting primary education by establishing the “Vanvasi Korwa Seva Ashram Primary School.”

The ashrams operated by Gahira Guru—located at Shrikot (in Ambikapur), Samar Bahar (in Raigarh), Gahira village, and Lailunga—all provide Sanskrit education; this initiative stands as his greatest contribution to the tribal community. Following his passing in the village of Gahira on November 21, 1996, the ashrams have been managed by his children. In recognition of his significant contributions to the field of education, Sarguja University has been renamed in honor of Sant Gahira Guru, and extensive efforts are currently underway to promote and disseminate higher education.

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