Promesse, or Samvit Kumar Jauhar — fondly known as Kake — first came to the Ashram at the tender age of two. From the day of his birth, he belonged to the Mother.
In his book My Mother, his father, Surendranath Jauhar, recalls:
“Even after my contact with the Ashram, Promesse was born on 23rd December, 1946. I came to the Mother and, with great hesitation, shared the news with her. The Mother said, ‘It is all right. His name will be Promesse.’ Then she added, ‘This is now a promise!’ — which, for me, meant that I was not to have any more children.”
Yet, as destiny would have it, another son followed — whom the Mother herself named Victor.
As a small child, Promesse often sat at the Mother’s feet, perched on a tiny stool. When he once fell and hurt himself, he instinctively ran to her for first aid. His bond with the Mother was tender, intimate, and lifelong.
He consecrated his entire life to her service. One of his letters beautifully captures this spirit:
“Sweet Mother, give me the strength, the force, the energy, the will and the illumination, the enlightenment, so that I can do my work better and better than before.”
Your child, Promesse
A brilliant student, Promesse was awarded the Sports Star, a recognition reserved only for the most meritorious. Later, he became the beloved Group Captain and a teacher of the Free Progress System.
His joie de vivre (joy of living), tireless enthusiasm, warm concern, and ever-helpful nature endeared him to all. Many of his students still cherish the memory of their early morning classes with him. He was always there long before the bell rang, ready to help students who needed extra support or who sought stimulating discussions on subjects close to their hearts.
His home, too, reflected this spirit. He opened it up to all as a place of discovery and learning, where students gathered to explore new interests, such as watch repair and other hobbies.
Promesse was an early riser, faithfully walking to the Ashram each morning while the world still slept. He checked every clock on the premises, ensuring precision and order. With equal devotion, he escorted elderly members of the Ashram community, keeping them company on their morning walks. One elderly lady never forgot how he faithfully walked beside her, day after day, to the Samadhi.
Middle 1 — Bhagwat, Mahendra Patel, Dilip Agrawal, Montu
Middle 2 — Ramu, Prabhakar, Madhusudan, Ranjit Zoga
Sitting — Vivek, Benimadhav, Kabul, Ajay Sharma, Kamal Shah
He embodied the Mother’s vision for teachers: always available to guide, counsel, and support. His care went far beyond the classroom walls; teaching, for him, was a living practice.
Sports was another passion of Promesse. A keen sportsman, he played tennis with a zeal so great that even the fiercest afternoon sun couldn’t deter him. Basketball, too, was a favourite. He encouraged others to stay active — walking, playing, or exercising — even when dealing with minor injuries. He believed deeply in the body’s natural capacity to heal and regenerate, inspiring many through his example to overcome limitations and embrace life with vitality. His passion for sports was such that he played a full tennis match just a few hours before his passing.
Sitting on the Floor — Promesse & Victor
In this collection, we share memories that reveal his caring nature, his boundless affection for all — especially the less fortunate — and his unwavering faith in the Mother. We also include anecdotes of his childhood with Her, recollections by relatives, friends, and students, as well as excerpts from his writings on education. In a letter to our father in 1968, he expressed his guiding philosophy:
“Our main aim is to widen the consciousness of the student so that he can face the new world with an open mind, leap into it, and not be held back by the ideas of the past.”
Through this kaleidoscope of stories, reflections, and heartfelt tributes, we remember Promesse — a radiant soul whose love, faith, and dedication continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Significance of ‘Samvit’
Kake’s name
सम्वित : यज्ञोपवीत से आवेष्टित व्यक्ति।
The one surrounded & protected
by the sacred thread.
Andhra Vachaspatyam
आंध्र वाचस्पत्यम से
सम्वित : (‘वीतिः’) हवन कुण्ड में समर्पित होने वाली सामग्री से संबंधित।
Pertaining to the offerings made
into the sacred fire.
Amar-Kosh (Telugu)
अमर-कोष (तेलुगू)
