By Harasankar Adhikari Ramakrishna Paramhansa, the 19th-century mystic of Bengal, remains one of the most remarkable spiritual figures of India—not only for his profound devotion and teachings but for the depth and breadth of his human friendships. He forged emotional and spiritual bonds that transcended caste, class, gender, education, and religious dogma. His life was a living message of unity, compassion, and inclusivity—qualities painfully absent in today’s fragmented society. Despite being an unlettered temple priest from humble origins, Ramakrishna drew into his circle thinkers, scholars, elites, and reformers of all stripes. One of the most well-known friendships was with Keshab Chandra Sen, a Western-educated, affluent leader of the Brahmo Samaj. The bond between a God-intoxicated temple priest and a rational, modernist reformer was not only unique—it was transformative. Keshab, who initially emphasized a formless God, came to deeply revere the Kali-worshipping mystic. Thi...