KDP
Spiritual Leader

Kamlesh D. Patel

Born 28 September 1956 · Gujarat

Leading Shri Ram Chandra Mission as its president since 2014, promoting Sahaj Marg spiritual practice worldwide.

Kamlesh D. Patel also known as Daaji among his followers, is a spiritual leader, author and the fourth in the line of Rāja yoga masters in the Sahaj Marg system of spiritual practice. He has been the president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, a non-profit organization founded in 1945 and associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information, since 2014.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Kamlesh D. Patel maintained a successful pharmaceutical career in New York City while simultaneously rising through the ranks of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

The Story

1
In 1976, while a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, Kamlesh D. Patel began practicing Sahaj Marg Raja Yoga meditation under Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, marking his first step into spiritual leadership.
2
🌍 After graduating with honors from L M College of Pharmacy in 1980, Patel moved to New York City, where he built a pharmaceutical business while continuing his spiritual practice.
3In 1983, following the mahasamadhi of his first Guru Babuji, Patel became a disciple of Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), deepening his role in the Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
4🎤 In October 2011, Patel was nominated as Chariji's successor and took on the presidency of Shri Ram Chandra Mission after Chariji’s death in December 2014, becoming the spiritual guide of the Sahaj Marg system.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 1976, while still a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, Patel encountered Sahaj Marg meditation, a detail that shaped his simultaneous careers in pharmacy and spirituality.

📸 Through the Years

📷

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Gujarat, India
Kamlesh D. Patel was born in Gujarat, laying the geographic and cultural foundation for his future spiritual path.
1956
⚡
Career
Begins Sahaj Marg meditation
Started practicing Sahaj Marg Raja Yoga meditation under Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur during pharmacy studies in Ahmedabad.
1976
📚
Education
Graduates from L M College of Pharmacy
Graduated with honors and subsequently moved to New York City to pursue a pharmaceutical career.
1980
⚡
Career
Becomes disciple of Chariji
After the death of his first Guru Babuji, he followed Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), the second president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.
1983
⚡
Career
Nominated as Chariji's successor
Officially named successor to Chariji, marking the beginning of his leadership in Sahaj Marg.
2011
⚡
Career
Becomes president of Shri Ram Chandra Mission
After Chariji’s death, he became the third president and spiritual guide of the Sahaj Marg system.
2014
📖
Publication
Publishes The Heartfulness Way
Co-authored a key book with Joshua Pollock to spread Heartfulness meditation globally.
2018
🏅
Award
Receives Padma Bhushan award
Awarded one of India’s top civilian honors for distinguished service in spirituality.
2023
🏅
Award
Named Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding
Recognized by the Commonwealth and granted Freedom of the City of London for his peacebuilding efforts.
2024
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Patel was appointed Vice-President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission in August 2012 with full powers of the President before officially succeeding Chariji in 2014.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2024, he received the Freedom of the City of London, an honor rarely given to spiritual leaders, linking his influence with civic recognition.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

Despite a thriving business career in the USA, Patel chose to devote himself fully to the global expansion of Sahaj Marg meditation after 2011.

“

"As we move higher and higher, the need to be recognised becomes less and less, until we become one with infinity and dissolve in infinity and become infinity."

— Kamlesh D. Patel

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
With #daaji | Padma Bhushan Kamlesh D. Patel | Spirituality, Meditation & Life
·YouTube
More from this archive
With #daaji | Padma Bhushan Kamlesh D. Patel | Spirituality, Meditation & Life
01
With #daaji | Padma Bhushan Kamlesh D. Patel | Spirituality, Meditation & Life
YouTube
Awaken Your Soul Power & Journey Towards Spirituality । Soul Family & Karmic Cycle । Kamlesh D Patel
02
Awaken Your Soul Power & Journey Towards Spirituality । Soul Family & Karmic Cycle । Kamlesh D Patel
YouTube
Spiritual Guru Kamlesh Patel 'Daji' told who is the highest Guru
03
Spiritual Guru Kamlesh Patel 'Daji' told who is the highest Guru
YouTube
Kamlesh D Patel Awarded As India's Most Admirable Leader 2020
04
Kamlesh D Patel Awarded As India's Most Admirable Leader 2020
YouTube
Daaji - Kamlesh D. Patel (english subtitles)
05
Daaji - Kamlesh D. Patel (english subtitles)
YouTube
Interview Kamlesh D. Patel - Lyon 16 may 2015
06
Interview Kamlesh D. Patel - Lyon 16 may 2015
YouTube
Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji) – Introspect for Better Prospect
07
Kamlesh D Patel (Daaji) – Introspect for Better Prospect
YouTube
BeWithYogaMasterseries with Shri. Kamlesh D. Patel
08
BeWithYogaMasterseries with Shri. Kamlesh D. Patel
YouTube
"People Don't Understand Yoga": Padma Bhushan Awardee Kamlesh Patel | Left, Right & Centre
09
"People Don't Understand Yoga": Padma Bhushan Awardee Kamlesh Patel | Left, Right & Centre
YouTube
The Truth about Yoga, Spirituality, and Making Your Own Destiny | Hybiz tv
10
The Truth about Yoga, Spirituality, and Making Your Own Destiny | Hybiz tv
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Kamlesh D. Patel’s leadership transformed Shri Ram Chandra Mission into a globally recognized spiritual organization, linking Raja Yoga meditation with modern wellness practices. His authorship of key Heartfulness books and international workshops helped popularize meditation across diverse cultures, influencing spiritual seekers and youth worldwide. His recognition by the Indian government and international bodies reinforced meditation's role in peacebuilding and mental health.

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