In a moment marked by spiritual symbolism and global aspiration, Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and champion of Sanatana Dharma—hosted an event in Oslo that honored four prominent individuals who embody the values of dharmic leadership, cultural revival, and world peace. The ceremony took place on June 20, 2025, at the Nobel Peace Center, a venue historically associated with promoting international harmony, where Modi conferred the honorary title of “Hindu King” upon each of the awardees.
Rajarshi Modi, who is the founder of the Adi Shankara Math in Rampur, India, presented this symbolic honor to four individuals renowned for their dedication to spirituality, service, and global cultural harmony. The recipients were:
Dr. Sudhir Parikh, a U.S.-based physician and recipient of India’s Padma Shri, known for his philanthropic efforts and as the founder of Parikh Worldwide Media, which serves as a major voice of the global Indian diaspora.
Dr. Deepak Chopra, a world-renowned author and spiritual figure, who has played a pivotal role in bringing Vedanta and Ayurveda into mainstream global wellness and philosophical discourse.
Dr. Romesh Japra, a notable community leader in the United States, recognized for building interfaith bridges and promoting pluralism.
Princess Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, a member of the Travancore royal family and a respected author who has played a crucial role in preserving the traditions of Indian temples and the legacy of her royal heritage.
Organizers of the event emphasized that this ceremony was not merely a recognition of individual achievement but a “symbolic moment” representing the global relevance and resurgence of Sanatana Dharma. The honored leaders are being presented as “spiritual trustees of global harmony, dharma, and peace.”
“This is a call for dharmic action,” Rajarshi Modi declared in a press release issued by the organizing body. “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.”
Rajarshi Modi has for years led efforts to revive Hindu culture and spiritual leadership through a global lens. His movement seeks to reintroduce Hindu Dharma’s universal principles to the world stage and to inspire new forms of leadership rooted in ancient wisdom.
His recognition as a “Rajarshi” occurred on January 2, 2024, during his 75th birthday celebration, when all four Shankaracharyas—India’s most revered spiritual authorities—jointly conferred the title upon him. This rare recognition was later reaffirmed at the Maha Kumbh in 2025, further solidifying his role as a key figure in the spiritual reawakening of Hinduism.
At the Maha Kumbh, Rajarshi Modi was also presented with the Dharma Dand, a sacred staff that symbolizes spiritual responsibility and his role in uniting Hindus around the world. This significant honor marked a new phase in his journey as a spiritual statesman.
To commemorate this moment, Rajarshi Modi attended the Maha Kumbh in his new role, establishing what came to be known as the Rajarshi Palace—a unique hospitality hub offering spiritual and cultural immersion to global visitors. The palace welcomed 7,200 guests from various parts of the world, with all accommodations provided free of cost.
Described as a “first-of-its-kind spiritual hospitality hub,” the Rajarshi Palace exemplified the traditional Hindu ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” or “the guest is God.” It embodied Hindu values of openness, generosity, and magnificence. A spokesperson for the initiative stated, “The palace was not just a structure. It was a spiritual statement—showcasing Hinduism not as rigid or regional, but as global, inclusive, and elevated.”
Following the Kumbh, Rajarshi Modi founded the Jagadguru Adi Sankara Math in Rampur. This spiritual and educational institution was created with the vision of uniting Hindus globally and disseminating the teachings of Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta is a non-dualistic school of Hindu philosophy emphasizing the oneness of existence, inner peace, and self-realization.
Building on these foundational efforts, Rajarshi Modi initiated a worldwide campaign known as the Global Hindu Kings Movement. This project seeks to identify and honor 500 exceptional individuals—both men and women above the age of 75—who have significantly contributed to dharma, peace, and cultural leadership in various fields such as business, spirituality, media, medicine, and philanthropy.
“These individuals are being recognized as the flagbearers of Hindu values in the contemporary world,” said the organizers of the movement. Unlike historical rulers, these honorees are envisioned as modern-day spiritual leaders who influence society through wisdom and ethical governance rather than political power.
“New Age Hindu Kings and Queens are not rulers of land but stewards of consciousness,” said Rajarshi Modi. “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 Sankara’s legacy into the 21st century.”
This initiative, according to Dr. Modi, reaffirms a uniquely Hindu worldview—one that is both timeless and profoundly universal. It upholds three central philosophical tenets:
First, the belief in rebirth is core to Hinduism. It presents life as a journey of the soul through multiple existences, each one offering opportunities for spiritual evolution and learning.
Second, the Sun is revered as the only visible form of God. It represents life-giving energy, the illuminating force of knowledge, and the unifying symbol of universal consciousness.
Third, Hindus are described as global citizens. Their identity is not confined by geographical boundaries but shaped by an expansive spiritual consciousness. As Rajarshi Modi puts it, they are “rooted in dharma, yet open to the world.”
In organizing this event in Oslo and launching the broader movement, Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi is not merely honoring individuals; he is initiating a larger global vision that connects ancient wisdom to modern challenges. Through symbolic acts, spiritual recognition, and international outreach, he is working to establish a dharmic model of leadership in an era increasingly defined by fragmentation and conflict.
As this movement gains momentum, its leaders hope to spark a global awakening—one in which Sanatana Dharma’s eternal values of peace, unity, and self-realization can illuminate new paths toward coexistence and collective well-being.