Patna: Acharya Kishore Kunal, the revered secretary of Mahavir Mandir Nyas and a former 1972-batch IPS officer, passed away on Sunday morning at 8 am following a cardiac arrest. He had been admitted to Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital at 2 am after complaining of breathing difficulties.
The 74-year-old’s body has been kept at his residence, Sayan Nilayam, in Gosain Tola, Patna, where family members, officials, and dignitaries paid their respects. His last rites will take place on Monday at 2 pm at Kaunhara Ghat in Hajipur. The funeral procession will begin from his residence at 9 am and will pass through Mahavir Mandir, Patna, for devotees to pay their final tributes.
A Legacy of Religious and Charitable Endeavours
Acharya Kishore Kunal was a devout follower of Lord Hanuman and a transformative figure in Bihar’s religious and social landscape. Under his leadership, Mahavir Mandir was rebuilt and became a hub for charitable activities. He spearheaded the establishment of nine hospitals, including Mahavir Cancer Sansthan, Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital, and Mahavir Netralaya, offering affordable and accessible healthcare.
In June 2023, he initiated the construction of the Virat Ramayan Mandir in East Champaran, which is set to become the world’s largest Ramayan temple. Recently, on December 12, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for Mahavir Bal Cancer Hospital, the nation’s first cancer hospital dedicated to children, a project driven by Kunal’s vision.
His philanthropic contributions extended beyond Bihar. The Mahavir Temple in Patna, under his guidance, operates the “Ram Rasoi” in Ayodhya and “Sita Rasoi” in Sitamarhi, where an average of 10,000 devotees are served free meals daily.
Tributes Pour In
By 9.30 am on Sunday, the news of Acharya Kishore Kunal’s passing had spread, drawing a steady stream of visitors to his residence. His wife, Anita Kunal, son Sayan Kunal, daughter-in-law and Samastipur MP Sambhavi, and other family members were joined by prominent political and administrative figures, including ministers Ashok Chaudhary and Sumit Kumar Singh, DGP Vinay Kumar, and District Magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, currently in Delhi, sent his Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar and Secretary Kumar Ravi to pay respects. Deepak Kumar noted the Chief Minister’s disbelief at the news of Kunal’s death.
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar paid floral tributes at 12.30 pm, joined by former Governor Ganga Prasad, former Union Ministers Dr. CP Thakur and Ashwini Choubey, and several MPs, judges of the Patna High Court, and senior government officials.
Final Farewell
On Monday morning, Acharya Kishore Kunal’s mortal remains will be placed in the courtyard of Mahavir Temple at 10 am for devotees to offer their final respects. The funeral procession will then proceed to Kaunhara Ghat in Hajipur. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and other dignitaries are expected to attend the cremation.
Acharya Kishore Kunal’s unwavering commitment to religious upliftment and social service has left an indelible mark on Bihar and beyond, inspiring countless individuals with his vision and compassion.
