The Mother was born Mirra Alfassa in Paris on 21 February 1878. As a child she was always immersed in thoughts, her mother commented as if she carried the burden of humanity. From a young age, she was an accomplished artist, pianist and writer. Her real objective though was spiritual development. Through her inner vision she formed spiritual relation with a being, whom she called Krishna without knowing who Krishna really was.

In 1914, The Mother voyaged to Pondicherry to meet Sri Aurobindo, whom she at once recognized as the Krishna of her visions. After a brief stay in Pondicherry, she had to return to Paris as World War I broke out. In April 1920, the Mother returned to Pondicherry. When Sri Aurobindo Ashram was formed in November 1926, Sri Aurobindo entrusted its complete responsibility to the Mother. He declared to the ashramites that Mirra is The Mother, the executive Force of his Yoga.

Under her guidance, which continued for nearly 50 years, the Ashram grew as a spiritual center. In 1952, she established Sri Aurobindo International Centre of Education to promote Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Education.

From the smallest insignificant detail to the overseeing of every aspect of maintaining the Ashram, from interacting with the children of the Centre of Education to the supervising of the athletic competitions in the sports ground—she was there, fully present, to see that everything is raised to its utmost perfection.