Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar alias Bharatji was born in Maharashtra on 2nd September 1968 in a respectable Saraswat Brahmin family of Attri Gotra. He was a student of the Commerce stream from Mumbai university. Since childhood, he was a very bright student, an avid reader, writer, and poet. He was a devoted and dedicated disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa, Holy Mother Sri Sri Ma Sarada, and Swami Vivekananda.
In May 1989, immediately after his final B.Com exams, Bharatji went to Dubai (U.A.E.) to pursue his professional career. He made considerable progress during his 7 years of employment in a reputed Multinational Textile Enterprise as an accountant cum Executive secretary. In 1994, he married Kavita. Soon after, the couple relocated to Toronto, Canada. During his stay in Canada, his meetings with Swami Pramathananda, President of “The Vedanta Society of Toronto,” were very productive, and Swamiji was a great admirer of Bharatji’s active participation in discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. Bharatji realised during this time that the ideas of Swami Vivekananda should first be established and shared in his motherland. On Swamiji’s encouragement, he and his wife decided to return to India in 1996 with the ambition to work towards social causes and the welfare of society based on the principles of Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sarada, and Swami Vivekananda. The harsh cold of Canada also compelled them to return to India.
Bharatji's first novel in Hindi, titled “Anuthey Rishtey” (unique relationships), was published in 1998. This book, a combination of prose and classic poetry with deep meaning, depicts the tragedy of the India-Pakistan partition in a unique and expressive manner. The book is dedicated to the Centenary year celebrations of Sri Ramakrishna Math to show his gratitude towards the Guru Parampara of Sri Ramakrishna Math, and he also shows humble gratitude towards unnamed revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee year of India's independence. 1998 was a special year for him, not only for his book's publication but also because he was blessed with a daughter named Tushti, meaning Ultimate contentment and being one of the names of the Divine Universal Mother or Devi.
Before taking Sanyas, Bharatji was initiated by Param Pujya Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj, the 12th President of Ramakrishna Math And Mission, around 1989. Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj's Guru was Swami Shivananda, who was a direct disciple of Bhagwan Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. Bharatji has been in regular contact with Swami Vaghishanandji Maharaj since his early college days in 1985. Swami Vaghishanandji Maharaj was at that time President of Ramakrishna Math, Khar, Mumbai, and is currently Vice President of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Belur-Howrah. He is also in contact with a number of senior monks of Belur Math. Bharatji was fortunate enough to serve as a personal attendant to the then Vice President, Swami Ranganathanandji Maharaj, at the Kumbh Mela in Kankal, Haridwar in 1998. He also attended the All-India Devotees convention held on 7th and 8th February 1998 on the occasion of the Centenary Celebrations of Ramakrishna Mission. He regularly attended spiritual retreats and utilised the valuable guidance and experience of many monks for his work. He has had detailed discussions with Pujya Dr. Swami and Pramukh Swamiji Maharaj of Swami Narayan Sanstha (BAPS) and many other religious heads and scholars. He has met Hindu, Jain, Buddhist monks, Sufi Saints, Catholic Priests and Nuns, and other different religious heads.
Swami Yogeshwaranandaji took Paramhamsa Parampara Sanyas from Samvit Swami Som Giriji Maharaj. Samvit Swami Som Giriji Maharaj is the Peethadishwar of Laleshwar Mahadev Mandir Bikaner, Rajasthan, India, as well as President of Samvit Sadhnayan Trust, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India. The Sanyas initiation took place on Saturday, 21st March 2020, on the auspicious day of Shani Pradosh in the Hindu month of Chaitra, 12th Tithi (Krishna paksha), vikram samvat 2077, Shaka Samvat 1941 and yugabda 5121, on the holy banks of Gangaji at Sadhna Sadan Ashram, Haridwar. His Paramadarsha Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Shri 108 Swami Shri Vishwatmananda Puriji Maharaj personally blessed him along with other sadhus and sanyasis.
This Sanyas lineage can be traced back through Samvit Som Giriji to Swami Ishwarananda Giriji, then to Swami Narsinhananda Giriji, who was given Sanyas diksha by H.H. Swami Girishananda Giriji. This lineage is stated to be under the Parampara of Totakacharya, who was one of the four primary disciples of Shri Adishankaracharya. The Guru parampara is traced from Sri Dakshinamurthy to Shri Narayana, then to Brahmaji, Rishi Vashishtha, Rishi Shakti, Rishi Parashar, Ved Vyasji, Shukdev, Shri Gaudpadhacharyaji, and Acharya Govind Bhagawadpadji, who gave Diksha to Shri Adishankaracharya. Adishankaracharya's four primary disciples established Maths earmarked for the study of specific Vedas and meditation on Mahavakyas: Shri Hastamalakacharya at Govardhan Math Puri (RigVeda, "Prajnanam Brahma"), Shri Sureshwaracharya at Srinegeri Sharda Peetham (Yajurveda, “Aham Brahmasmi”), Padmapadacharya at Dwarka Math (SamaVeda, “Tat Twam Asi”), and Shri Totakacharya (previously Giri) at Jyotir Math (Atharva Veda, "Ayam Atma Brahma").
The period from 2007 to 2014 is referred to as Bandhan-Yog Sadhna, described as a journey for the ultimate transformation from Bharatji to Swami Yogeshwarananda Giri. During this time, he was allegedly victimised and trapped in a "false case of Saffron Terrorism" designed by the UPA Government led by Congress in 2006. He was reportedly kept in illegal custody and tortured mentally and emotionally by various state ATS units, IB, and other agencies for 8 months, and later arrested by Rajasthan ATS, followed by NIA. He was held in different central jails for over 7 years and was ultimately given a clean chit by all courts. He referred to this forceful custody period as Bandhan-yog sadhna, attributing it to the blessings of Mahaavtar Babaji. He reportedly never complained about this episode, although it changed everything in his personal and social life. Rishi Som, his disciple, is writing a book about this period, detailing conversations between Swamiji and Mahaavtar Babaji, which ultimately led to the transformation from Shri Bharatji to Swami Yogeshwarananda Giriji, also known as Swami Yo.
Between 1996 and 2000, Bharatji spent considerable time on his productive growth, travelling extensively throughout India and attending seminars, retreats, youth conventions, and networking with like-minded people. He conceived the idea of Swami Vivekananda Sanskar Kendra and devotedly started working towards it, feeling it was the right time to turn this dream into reality. Around 1998, he bought a piece of land measuring about 1000 Sq. yards (approximately 9000 Sq.ft) in Malad, Mumbai, with guidance from Smt & Shri Dhansukh Mistri, an initiated disciple of H.H. Swami Vireshwaranadji Maharaj, the 10th president of the Ramakrishna Order and a direct disciple of Holy Mother Sri Sri Sarada.
By March 2000, Bharatji and his family established themselves 140 kms from Malad (Mumbai) in the Valsad district of Gujarat. Their house, “Thakur Ghar,” was constructed on the banks of the northwards flowing (Uttar Vahini) river Auranga in a serene part of Valsad. The bhoomi poojan was performed by Swami Asimanadji. Around the same time, Sri Sarada Math started its first Gujarat state presence, using Thakurghar as their temporary camp.
Bharatji, along with founder trustees Shri Jigneshbhai Vasani, Advocate Shri Deepakbhai Desai, and Kavitaji, soon established Swami Vivekananda Sanskar Kendra (SVSK) as a registered charitable trust with Thakurghar as its headquarters. The prime objective of SVSK is to work on principles of the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Philosophy for the upliftment of the tribal community and to support the underprivileged through a holistic approach. This includes providing free healthcare, women empowerment awareness camps and trainings, sponsoring education, and vocational training for youth. The organisation is based on principles preached by Swami Vivekananda. SVSK's approach is non-sectarian, focusing purely on religious harmony, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. There is a strong belief in serving the poor and needy (Narayan seva).
Under Bharatji's leadership, SVSK took up various educational and health-related projects. Activities included a public lecture by Sadhvi Shiva Saraswati (December 2000), earthquake relief work in Gujarat (January 2001) with Shri Rajendrabhai Acharya and Shri Makrandbhai Dave, a public lecture by Sadhvi Amitpranaji (October 2001), development of Vivekanada Udyan (March 2002), free T.B. camps in tribal areas (March 2002), free "Blood Grouping" camps (May 2002), a discourse by Swami Satyarupananda (May 2002), a Gita Gyan Yajna conducted by Swami Brahmabutanandji (May-June 2002), and the launch of a monthly Gujarati magazine, Vivek Kesari, with Bharatji as editor (July 2002 - June 2003).
In 2003, SVSK exhibited a Pictorial Collection on the Life of Swami Vivekananda, consisting of 40 panels officially printed by Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Mysore. This exhibition, visited by over 1 lakh people, bagged 5th position nationally in the list of Top 10 Exhibits. Bharatji prepared an audio CD in his own voice for the benefit of visually impaired children at a Blind School near Valsad where the exhibition was held, accurately depicting each picture.
During 2004, SVSK started a Gaushala at Thakur Ghar under Bharatji’s personal care, demonstrating his sense of responsibility and kindness towards flora and fauna. In April 2004, SVSK celebrated its 5th anniversary, Panchamrut, attended by dignitaries.
Annually, SVSK conducts events like a short Pushpanjali programme at Swami Vivekananda’s circle in Valsad on 12th January (Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary/National Youth Day), distributing calendars with inspiring messages to spread universal brotherhood. Van Bandhu Divas is an annual event on 14th January (Makar Sankranti) where volunteers interact with tribal communities, distributing essentials and bridging the gap between rich and poor.
From 2005, SVSK introduced the Vivek Ratna Rastriya Samman to honour those who spread knowledge through words and works. Awardees have included Shri Kanti Bhatt (2005), Late Shri Rajiv Dixit (2006), Shri Haribhai Kothari (2007), and Shri Hariprasaddasji Maharaj (2008). This practice was temporarily discontinued due to Bharatji's physical absence (Bandhan Yog) but resumed from 2018 when Bharatji returned and guided as Swami Yogeshwaranandaji. Recent awardees include Swami Sambit Som GiriJi Maharaj (2019), Dr. Mahesh Acharya (2020), and Swami Chaitanaya Kirtiji (2021).
Bharatji is greeted with respect in Valsad and seen as a role model. He is described as a responsible son, husband, father, brother, friend, mentor, and neighbour, playing every role with perfection and sincerity. His personality is likened to the calmness of karmic energy flow, the depth of the sea, the radiance of the Sun, and the beauty of the moon. He has unknowingly shaped many lives. Bharatji has been to Tibet Kailash Mansarovar and is noted as one of the first from Valsad to complete the inner Cora (Antar Parikrama) of Atma lingam.
He is naturally inclined to help in social causes and takes the lead in solving common people's problems. He participates in health and medical camps and has a personal rapport with various professionals and people from all sections of society.
By the grace of Maa Saraswati, Bharatji holds good command over English, Hindi, Gujarati, Sindhi, and Marathi. His in-depth knowledge of scriptures from major religions (Sanatan Dharma, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism) and Indian culture allows him to speak fluently on various topics. His views were highly appreciated by scholars at a seminar on “IS RELIGION RELEVANT?” in Toronto, Canada in 1996. He confidently justifies his explanations, uses real-life experiences, and can hold the audience's attention, making people eager to hear him speak, especially for the youth.
Bharatji gave a series of lectures on Swami Vivekananda's life for almost a year at Ramakrishna Math, Worli (Mumbai) in 2003. He was appreciated for his simplicity in explaining difficult spiritual matters and is known as an authentic authority on Ramakrishna literature and Shrimad Bhagwad Gita. He has given lectures in schools, colleges, and institutions in Valsad and tribal areas, inspiring youth with Swami Vivekananda's thoughts and the importance of science and spirituality. He is the main comparer for SVSK functions and seminars. He has been invited to speak at various organisations, including Brahmakumari’s Headquarter at Mount Abu (2010), Acharya Ram Sharmaji's Gayatri parivar, Bangalore Satyasai Mission, and Osho Commune Pune.
To spread Swami Vivekananda’s messages, particularly for the visually impaired, Bharatji recorded 30 lectures in his own voice, creating a set of 2 MP3 Audio CDs in Hindi in 2007, titled Lectures From Colombo To Almora. He also contributed to ballets for Vallabh Ashram school in Valsad, writing the script in Hindi and coordinating direction for Amrutputra Vivekananda (2006), also providing Swami Vivekananda's voice-over. He wrote the script and provided Lord Krishna's voice for another ballet, Krishna Samvad, the following year
n June 2010, Bharatji joined Vaidik Dental College as an Administrator, overseeing its inception and bringing recognition despite having minimum knowledge of the field, demonstrating dedication and managerial skills. He ensured a secured and comfortable atmosphere for students and staff. On 27th March 2017, he became Director of WiFY (world of iitians for you) Academy, dedicating himself to coaching students for competitive exams (Medical NEET, Engineering JEE). As Executive Director, his team achieved three-digit results in the South Gujarat region. As President of SVSK, he motivated the WiFY team to join the non-profit Sanskar Academy to serve tribal students at Atul Vidhya Mandir (AVM). The team achieved excellent results, with a good number of students selected for JEE and NEET exams for the first time in the history of South Gujarat. AVM continues to perform excellently, aided by the Sanskar E Gurukul online portal, which SVSK is relaunching free of cost across India from January 2024.
Bharatji is a devoted follower of Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, and Maa Sharda, considering them his guiding force. He has read extensively from religious epics and the lives of Indian saints and philosophers. He has a great yearning for Sanskrit and loves chanting mantras from the Vedas and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. His long hours of japam Anushthan, meditation, and singing glories give him inner strength and vision for working for the human cause. He has not only read the entire Ramakrishna Vivekananda literature but has implemented its moral values and the importance of meditation, chanting, and regular prayers in his daily life.
He consistently seeks to bring awakening among the young generation, encouraging them to divert from materialistic pursuits towards spirituality with a rational mind, moving from the social (samajik) to the spiritual (adhyatmik). He has a collection of over a hundred letters from monks across India appreciating his thinking and blessing his humanitarian endeavours.
In essence, the profile highlights the journey of Bharatji, a dedicated disciple and social worker guided by Ramakrishna-Vivekananda principles, who became Swami Yogeshwarananda Giri (Swami Yo) following a transformative period, continuing his service to humanity through various initiatives under the banner of Swami Vivekananda Sanskar Kendra and beyond.