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Nestled in the serene town of Bishnupur in West Bengal’s Bankura district stands a little-known yet deeply revered heritage site—the ancestral home of Dr. Bashishwar Sen, popularly known as Dr. Boshi Sen. A pioneering scientist and spiritual seeker, his life was a remarkable confluence of scientific innovation and inner quest. This unassuming house holds profound spiritual significance—it was graced on multiple occasions by the Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi, during her travels between Jayrambati and Dakshineswar.

A devout follower of Sri Ramakrishna, the Holy Mother, and Swami Vivekananda, Dr. Boshi Sen dedicated his life to the harmonious blending of science and spirituality. He eventually donated this ancestral home to the Sri Sri Sarada Devi Trust, intending it to serve the cause of humanity. Today, as India seeks to rediscover the contributions of such visionary souls, this house calls not just for preservation but for reverence—as a sacred landmark, a symbol of service, and a bridge between scientific progress and spiritual heritage.

Dr. Boshi Sen (1887–1971), a Padma Bhushan awardee and a pioneer in agricultural science, established the Vivekananda Laboratory in Kolkata on July 4, 1924—the 20th death anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. What began humbly in a small kitchen on Bosepara Lane soon blossomed into a major scientific endeavor. Boshi Sen was profoundly influenced by Sister Nivedita, the Irish disciple of Swami Vivekananda, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue scientific research in the service of the nation.

Inspired by her guidance and Swamiji’s ideals, Dr. Sen shifted the laboratory to Kundan House in Almora in 1936, seeking a more conducive environment for research. There, he made pioneering contributions in hybrid seed development and high-altitude farming—work that would later prove crucial to India’s agricultural resilience.

Despite his scientific achievements, Dr. Sen remained deeply connected to the spiritual path. His ancestral home in Bishnupur was especially significant, as the Holy Mother often rested there during her travels. In keeping with her wishes, he executed a legal deed to establish a trust in her name—Sri Sri Sarada Devi Trust. This deed included prominent members such as his wife, Gertrude Emerson Sen, and Gokul Chandra Ghosh, a respected educator. The deed specified that the property would serve as a permanent site to preserve sacred relics and mementos after the demise of Dr. Sen and his wife.

One particularly invaluable con-tribution of Dr. Sen was the final known photograph of Sri Sarada Devi, taken during her visit to the Sen family home in February 1920. This image holds immense historical and spiritual value.

After Dr. Sen’s passing, his wife Gertrude—a writer, intellectual, and educationist—continued to manage the trust and even started a small play-school on the premises. Sadly, after her demise, the school closed and the property gradually fell into neglect. Although a few dedicated residents of Bishnupur attempted to restore it, the effort lost momentum following the demise of the original trustees. Presently, a few individuals—appointed earlier as caretakers—continue to reside on the premises, even as the structure deteriorates.

Recognizing the immense historical and spiritual significance of this site, the author began writing a series of articles to draw the attention of the Government of West Bengal toward preserving this forgotten gem. These articles, published in Business Economics, catalyzed a broader con-versation and administrative action. In response, the author was invitedby the Deputy Secretary to the Government of West Bengal (Memo No. 1122-LP75  M-32/22, dated 24-03-2023) to a meeting with the Land Secretary on 13-04-2023. After re-viewing submitted do-cuments, the Land Secretary ordered an on-site inquiry.

Following persistent follow-up, the Land and Land Revenue Department completed its inquiry and confirmed that the property was indeed donated to the Sri Sri Sarada Devi Trust. Subsequently, an official order (No. 2973-LP75M-32/22, dated 18-09-2023) directed that the property be recorded in the name of the trust. As of 24-04-2024, the house has been officially documented under “Sri Sri Sarada Devi Trust” (JL No. 101, Khatian No. 31934).

The author has since appealed to the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, requesting that the government facilitate the formal takeover of this heritage site and consider transferring its stewardship to either the Ramakrishna Mission or the Sri Sarada Math, both of which are well-equipped to preserve such sacred spaces and conduct welfare activities in line with Dr. Sen’s vision. The Chief Minister’s office has responded, assuring that a designated officer will follow up with further discussions. Meanwhile, the Sub-Divisional Officer of Bishnupur has also confirmed that steps will be taken in accordance with prevailing rules.

It is worth noting that, under the Chief Minister’s leadership, the state government has successfully acquired and handed over the land adjacent to Swami Vivekananda’s ancestral home and Sister Nivedita’s residence in Bagbazar to Ramakrishna Mission and Sarada Math, respectively. With all original trustees now deceased, it is hoped that the Sri Sri Sarada Devi Trust’s property in Bishnupur will receive similar attention and support.

This house—blessed by the Holy Mother’s presence—holds the potential to become a major spiritual destination. It stands not merely as a structure, but as a sanctuary of divine memory and national inspiration.

Where the Holy Mother once walked, may peace and purpose bloom again. From the silence and dust of this neglected house, may arise a living testament to devotion, knowledge, and service—a true sanctuary of the soul.