Hindu leadership event rebuts Rutgers report claims
At a time when Western media outlets and ideologically driven academics are working to discredit Sanatan Dharma and its contemporary expressions—Hinduism and Hindutva—a powerful countercurrent is emerging[1]. This was evident at the “Global Hindu Leadership” event held at the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, a venue where spiritual statecraft, cultural pride, and dharmic leadership took center stage.
This celebration stands in stark contrast to the deeply flawed and politically motivated Rutgers University report on Hindutva in America[2]. While the report seeks to divide Hindu identity and delegitimize its public expression, the Oslo event advanced a more truthful and empowering narrative: that Hinduism is not a threat, but a civilizational force rooted in peace, universalism, and inner awakening.
Who is Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi?
Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Modi, with no relation to Prime Minister Modi, is an entrepreneur, author, and spiritual visionary, whose mission centers on reviving the core tenets of Sanatan Dharma and promoting global unity through dharmic leadership. On January 2, 2024, during his 75th birthday celebrations, he was conferred the title of ‘Rajarshi’ by all four Shankaracharyas—Bharat’s highest spiritual authorities—a rare and profound honor.
Modi has long combined business leadership with spiritual inquiry. He is the author of Hinduism: The Universal Truth (1993) and India and Hinduism (2002). His recent initiatives seek to bridge ancient wisdom with modern global challenges. In early 2025, during the Maha Kumbh, he was ceremonially entrusted with the Dharma Dand—a sacred staff symbolizing his duty to serve and unify Hindus globally.
At the same event, he launched the Rajarshi Palace at the Kumbh, an unprecedented spiritual hospitality hub that welcomed over 7,000 guests from around the world. Embodying the spirit of Atithi Devo Bhava, the initiative was a striking demonstration of Sanatan Dharma’s hospitality, universality, and grandeur.
Global mission: Conscious leadership, not political power
Following these efforts, Rajarshi Modi founded the Jagadguru Adi Shankara Math in Rampur, a spiritual and educational institution dedicated to spreading the teachings of oneness, peace, and eternal consciousness. One of his most visionary projects is the Global Hindu Leadership Initiative, which seeks to recognize 500 “New Age Hindu Kings and Queens”—individuals over 75 who are stewards of consciousness rather than rulers of land.
“They lead global businesses, generate wealth with purpose, and promote peace through dharmic leadership. They are guardians of tradition, carriers of wisdom, and ambassadors of harmony—entrusted with carrying Adi Shankara’s legacy into the 21st century,” Rajarshi Modi said.
The Oslo recognition ceremony
The first four “Hindu Kings” were honored on June 20, 2025, in a landmark ceremony at the Nobel Peace Center. While the event was independent of the Nobel Peace Prize, it carried profound symbolic significance, highlighting Hinduism’s potential to contribute to global peace and leadership.
The four honorees included:
- Dr. Sudhir Parikh – A Padma Shri recipient, physician, philanthropist, and founder of Parikh Worldwide Media, which serves as a voice for the global Indian diaspora.
- Dr. Deepak Chopra – Renowned spiritual teacher, author, and global wellness pioneer, known for integrating Vedantic and Ayurvedic teachings into mainstream health discourse.
- Dr. Romesh Japra – A prominent Indian-American community leader, cardiologist, and interfaith advocate who has helped build cultural bridges across the United States.
- Princess Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi – A distinguished member of the Travancore royal family, celebrated for preserving India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
In a press conference, Rajarshi Modi emphasized that this initiative is not about glorifying the past but about catalyzing a new dharmic future:
“This is a call for dharmic action and a moment for global Hindu leaders to step forward—not to rule, but to serve. Not to divide, but to unite. The age of spiritual statecraft has returned—and with it, a vision of peace that the world deeply needs.”
He outlined three foundational tenets of Sanatan Dharma that anchor this movement:
- Rebirth is the eternal truth, recognizing the soul’s evolutionary journey.
- The Sun is the only visible God, symbolizing life, light, and universal consciousness.
- Hindus are global citizens, defined not by geography but by a dharmic consciousness rooted in timeless values.
A timely civilizational response
The timing of this movement is no accident. Just weeks after the release of Rutgers University’s misleading and anonymous report on Hindutva, the Oslo ceremony offers a dignified, visionary, and deeply spiritual rebuttal. While the Rutgers report attempts to frame Hindu identity as exclusionary and dangerous, Rajarshi Modi’s initiative reclaims it as inclusive, elevating, and universal.
This contrast could not be clearer. On one hand, we see academic institutions distorting a great civilization’s contributions under the guise of activism. On the contrary, we witness genuine leadership of Rajarshi Modi and the awardees rooted in dharma, committed to peace and awakening, not just for Hindus, but for humanity at large.
Conclusion: A moment of awakening
The Oslo event is more than a recognition ceremony—it is the opening salvo of a global civilizational awakening. Rajarshi Modi is emerging not merely as a spiritual leader but as a catalyst for redefining global leadership through the lens of Sanatan Dharma. By linking ancient wisdom with modern needs, this movement calls upon Hindus—and humanity—to rise in unity, dignity, and service.
In a world fractured by ideological extremism and identity politics, the dharmic vision offers an alternative that champions consciousness over conflict, self-realization over division, and unity over fear. At this historic juncture, where misinformation threatens to distort the essence of Hindu identity, the efforts of leaders like Rajarshi Modi are not just relevant—they are essential.
Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.
3. The author acknowledges the use of ChatGPT in researching topics and the meaningful improvement of content.
Reference:
[1] Rutgers University Part 3: Hinduism and Hindutva: Two Currents, One Civilization – Jul 03, 2025, New India Abroad
[2] Hindutva in America: A Threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism – Rutgers
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
Formerly, a researcher in Italy, Japan, and France, he has widely travelled and came to the US in 1978. He was a faculty and academic administrator in several different universities in PA, TX, NJ, MN, WI, and NY, and an Executive Fellow in the White House S&T Policy during the Clinton administration.
- Reviving Sanatan Dharma: Global Hindu Leadership - July 6, 2025
- From “India is Indira” to “India is Bharat”: 50 years since the Emergency - June 27, 2025
- International Yoga Day: Honoring its Hindu roots - June 22, 2025
