Baburam  first heard about Sri Ramakrishna from the great devotee BALARAM BOSE to whom his elder sister was married. While studying at the Metropolitan Institution, Rakhal (later known as Swami Brahmananda) was his classmate. One day Rakhal took Baburam to Kakshineswar. Sri Ramakrishna recognized Baburam to be an extraordinarily pure soul ('pure to the marrow of his bones'), and ISHVARAKOTI. Soon Bahuram lost interest in his studies and came to live with Sri Ramakrishna as his attendant. During the Master's last illness at Cossipore, Baburam was one among those who nursed him round the clock. After the Master's passing, when the new Monastic brotherhood was formed at Baranagar, Baburam joined it. He underwent sannyasa ordination and assumed the name PREMANANDA. Except for shot pilgrimages, he spent his days mainly at the monastery when it was in Baranagar and also when it was shifted to Alambazar. When Belur Math was established, Swami Premananda took charge of worship in the shrine. Later he became the Manager of the Math. The pure unconditional love that he radiated exerted tremendous influence on those who came into contact with him, and hundreds of devotees flocked to see him. HE had a motherly interest in feeding people, but he also inspired them with his spiritual exhortations which flowed out from the depths of his heart. Towards the end of his life he went on a tour of East Bengal. There his radiant personality and inspired talks created great enthusiasm, particularly amount the youth. On his return, he fell seriously ill, and passed away at Balaram Babu's house on 30 July 1918.

       Jogin was one of the six disciples whom Sri Ramakrishna regarded as ISHVARAKOTIS. He was spiritually inclined from boyhood. He first met the Master when he was studying for school final examination. Since he lived in the neighborhood of KALI TEMPLE, he started visiting Sri Ramakrishna frequently.

     After the Master's passing, Jogin accompanied HOLY MOTHER on her pilgrimage. At Vrindavan she initiated him by giving a sacred Mantra. After his return from the pilgrimage he joined Baranagar Math and took the vows of sannyasa, assuming the new name YOGANANDA. However, he dedicated his life to the service of HOLY MOTHER. Whenever Mother visited Kolkata, Swami Yogananda would arrange for Mother's accommodation, usually in rented premises, and stayed with her to look after her needs. He also spent some time in Varanasi and other places doing severe austerities which told on his health. 

        When Swami Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission on May 1 1897, he made Yogananda its VICE-PRESIDENT (Swami Brahmananda was made the President). Owing to his delicate health, he did not live long. He passed away on 28 march 1899 at the age of 38, causing much sorrow to Holy Mother and disciples of Sri Ramakrishna.