Swami Gahanananda
(1916-2007)
(14th President 2005 - 2007)
Pt. Sanjay Rath
Vedāṅga Guru
Dr. Ajayh Zharotia
Dr. Ajayh Zharotia is a distinguished artist, educator, and spiritual practitioner whose life weaves together the threads of creative expression, academic excellence, and profound spiritual exploration. Born on the evening of March 28, 1968, in New Delhi, he inherited a rich artistic legacy from his father, a renowned painter and art educator, and carries forward his family's cultural and spiritual heritage.
A Heritage of Art and Spirituality
Dr. Zharotia's lineage is steeped in both mysticism and devotion. Family legends speak of a great-grandfather blessed with the extraordinary ability to travel instantaneously over long distances. At the same time, his grandparents were devoted followers of the Mother Goddess Kalika, their family deity. This unique heritage has profoundly shaped his worldview, blending artistic sensibility with spiritual depth.
Spiritual Journey
Unlike many children of his generation, young Ajay was drawn to ancient mythologies, immersing himself in sacred texts such as the Mahabharata and the Vishnu Purana. His spiritual quest took a transformative turn in 2001 with the commencement of his Gayatri Sadhana, opening doorways to inner peace and self-realisation. This path deepened further through initiation by the esteemed Swami Gahananandaji, the 14th head of the Ramakrishna Order.
Astrology has been a lifelong companion in Dr Zharotia's spiritual journey. In 2005, he was formally initiated into the Jyotish lineage of Shri Achyuta Dasa from Orissa by his Jyotish Guru, Pandit Sanjay Rath. His intensive study of Jaimini Upadesha Sutras from 2007 to 2011 established him as a certified Jaimini Scholar. Seeking deeper wisdom, he later spent many years in the Himalayas, immersing himself in the teachings of the Shiva Purana and studying secret Jyotish scriptures that reveal the hidden dimensions of Vedic astrology. He now shares this ancient wisdom through teaching, bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary understanding.
Academic Excellence
Dr Zharotia's formal education began at Saraswati Bal Mandir, where he absorbed the values of Saraswati Vandana and the Gita alongside his academic curriculum. He pursued his passion for visual arts at the College of Art, New Delhi, graduating in Applied Arts in 1990, followed by a master's degree in Drawing & Painting. His commitment to continuous learning led him to complete a PhD in Social Media Marketing at the University of Delhi, bridging traditional artistry with contemporary digital landscapes.
Professional Achievements
Dr Zharotia's creative vision flourished in the advertising world, where he served as Creative Director for prominent agencies. His portfolio includes impactful campaigns for major brands such as Maruti, Domino's, and Motorola, as well as meaningful social initiatives for organisations such as UNICEF and WHO. His work demonstrates a rare ability to merge commercial effectiveness with social consciousness.
Academic Contributions
Committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, Dr Zharotia has devoted significant years to teaching. He has served as a visiting Assistant Professor and later as an Associate Professor at the College of Art, New Delhi, and at the FMG Group of Institutes, Mahamaya Technical University, Uttar Pradesh. Beyond classroom teaching, he has contributed to curriculum development for Applied Arts programs, shaping educational frameworks that benefit countless students.
Artistic Expression
Dr Zharotia's artistic work is deeply influenced by mythological themes, reflecting his lifelong engagement with ancient wisdom traditions. His paintings have been showcased in numerous art camps and exhibitions across India, where his unique vision, informed by both technical mastery and spiritual insight, continues to captivate audiences.
Dr Ajay Zharotia embodies a rare synthesis of artist, scholar, teacher, and spiritual seeker. His journey, spanning over three decades, stands as a testament to the possibility of integrating creative excellence, intellectual rigour, and spiritual depth into a harmonious and meaningful life.
Currently residing in New Delhi, he continues to inspire through his multifaceted contributions to art, education, and spiritual practice.
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