Gurudev

The Journey

Forty-four placeholder years, told in milestones.

1956

Born in Nabadwip

Born on the bank of a river that floods every monsoon and teaches everyone nearby about impermanence.

1974

Physics, then a detour

Completes a degree in physics; leaves a research post after eighteen months to teach breathing in mill towns.

1981

Ojas Kriya and the Foundation

Ten days of silence produce the Ojas Kriya rhythm. Oikantika Foundation is registered the same winter with nine volunteers.

1986

First prison program

A six-week pilot in a district jail; the warden asks for a second batch before the first one ends.

1993

Crosses the sea

Teachers begin training abroad. The first non-Indian teacher certifies in Lisbon.

2001

Trauma relief begins

After a major earthquake, volunteers run free relief camps combining food, shelter and breath work.

2008

Rural schools

The hundredth free school opens. Enrolment is deliberately weighted toward girls.

2014

Rivers

A river rejuvenation model built with hydrologists and farmers is copied by four state governments.

2019

World Culture Gathering

A three-day festival draws musicians and dancers from sixty countries.

2026

Today

Programs run in 180 countries, entirely on volunteer labour and donated time.

Forty-four years, still volunteer-run

Join a program, or give a few hours a month.