About Guruji

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Shri. Dileepkumar Thankappan, internationally known as "Avadhuta H.H. Jagat Guru Dileepji Maharaj" (Spiritual Name) and otherwise known as "Guruji," is a world-renowned Yogi and Interfaith Minister from Tripunithura, the erstwhile capital of the Cochin kingdom in Kerala, India. His Interfaith family is ancient and well-respected for its Vedic knowledge of Yoga, Vedanta, Universal Spirituality, Kalaripayattu (the origin of martial arts), Ayurveda, and other natural self-healing systems, as well as expertise in Sanskrit, Literature, Art, Social & Cultural Activities, and Interfaith teachings for Peace and Harmony.

Guruji's mother, Devaki Kanakamma, played a vital role as his first guru and spiritual teacher. She, along with his father Dr. Thomas Thankappan, began training him in yoga from an early age. Devaki came from a Hindu family, specifically the Kavil family, while his father hailed from a Christian background, the Nadayil Family. From his school days, Guruji was not just immersed in yoga but also engaged in a diverse range of activities including sports, martial arts, dance, music, singing, acting, drawing, and painting. He embraced adventure through climbing and trekking, explored alternative medicines, and was actively involved in gardening and organic farming. Additionally, he participated in interfaith spiritual discussion groups and dedicated himself to various selfless community service initiatives.

Guruji's parents recognized his potential early on and sent him to different masters to learn advanced yogic techniques as well as various art forms. His passion for both sports and the arts led him to represent his schools, colleges, and university at the national level. Throughout his journey, he earned numerous certificates, medals, and awards, including first prize for a cultural program during the national-level Annual Leadership Course and Rock Climbing camp organized by the National Cadet Corps (NCC), which is part of the Indian Military. Guruji dedicated seven years to the NCC, where he held several positions, progressing from Cadet to Corporal, Sergeant, Sergeant Major, and ultimately Senior Under Officer, earning A, B, and C certificates along the way.

Guruji was a spiritual traveler from a young age. Throughout his yogic life journeys, he met and learned from self-realized Himalayan masters, saints, honored yogis, and Sidhas from South India, as well as artists and alternative medical doctors. With over 50 years of experience in a yogic lifestyle, Guruji has lived in Himalayan caves, ashrams, and palaces, while also being part of the Gurukula (guru-shishya-sampradaya) tradition and modern educational systems. He is recognized as a scholar in both modern and ancient techniques of yoga, meditation, and other yogic healing practices. Over the years, Guruji has received numerous spiritual and religious honorary titles from different spiritual masters and organizations. Notably, in 1989, on the day of Guru Purnima, he was ordained as a "Guru" (Spiritual Master) by Avadhuta His Holiness Sadguru Paul Muni Bharath, who then sent Guruji to various masters and spiritual centers to promote Universal Spirituality.

Guruji had the great privilege to interact with many esteemed international spiritual grandmasters, religious leaders, and community figures. Notable encounters include Avadhuta H.H. Jagatguru Shri. Prabhakara Siddha Yogi, Avadhuta Siddha Yogi H.H. Poonthura Shree Thakkalaswamikal, H.H. Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yeti, and H.H. Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas. He also had interactions with Mother Teresa, H.H. Swami Chinmayananda, Bishop H.G Mor Geevarghese Polycarpus, Rabbi Dr. Joseph Gelberman, and H.H. Swami Mridananda, among others. Additionally, he learned from H.H. Swami Chaitanyananda, Yogiraj Rajan Menon (who lived over 100 years), H.H. Swami Vishnudevananda, H.H. Swami Satchidananda, H.H. Swami Chidananda, H.H. Sathya Sai Baba, Yogini Indira Devi, and Yogacharya Shri. Krishnamacharya. A significant part of his journey includes living and caring for Yogiraj Jagatguru His Holiness Swami Bua Ji Maharaj, who lived beyond 120 years, during his final years in New York City, which resulted in countless blessings for Guruji.

On June 23rd, 2007, during the "World Yoga Festival / World Yoga Day" celebration at the Consulate General of India in New York, Yogiraj Jagatguru His Holiness Swami Bua Ji Maharaj proclaimed that "Guru Dileepji is a great spiritual master for the World." He highlighted how Guruji's yoga, interfaith, and culture of peace initiatives are making a significant impact on the global community. Later, on July 29, 2007, which marked Guru Purnima Day, His Holiness Swami Bua officially ordained Guruji as his successor, bestowing upon him the title of "Jagatguru" (Universal Master) from his esteemed traditional and spiritual lineage. Notably, Guruji is recognized as the only individual to have received "Sanyasa Diksha" (monkhood) from Yogiraj Jagatguru His Holiness Swami Bua Ji Maharaj.

In 1979, Guruji began sharing his yoga knowledge with sports team members and friends in his hometown of Tripunithura. By 1988, he had transitioned to a freelance yoga master and founded the "International Gurukulam" spiritual movement in India. He later established "International Gurukulam, LLC DBA / Yogabhavan" in New York City, where he served as founder and director. Additionally, Guruji managed Crag Management LLC, which operated the Extra Vertical Climbing Center, known for having the "Tallest Rock Climbing Wall in New York City" on 62nd Street on Broadway. At the climbing center, Guruji trained numerous individuals in rock climbing, organized competitions, and worked with a wide range of community members. His impact extended to children from public schools, members of the JCC, participants from New York Cares, scouts, Hollywood artists, FDNY and NYPD officers, as well as those who had climbed Mount Everest, journalists from major media outlets, and tourists who visited the area.

Guruji is the Founder, Global Chairman, Spiritual Head, and CEO of the World Yoga Community, which is recognized as a social, cultural, and religious NGO associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC) and has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC). He serves as the Secretary of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the UN, Vice President of the UNSRC Salus Well-Being Network, Chair of the NGO Committee of Yoga at the UN, Chair of the NGO Committee of Meditation at the UN, Chair of the NGO Committee of Media at the UN, Chair of the World Meditation Day Committee at the UN, Vice President of the Global NGO Executive Committee (GNEC), and the Main NGO Representative of the World Yoga Community at the United Nations. Furthermore, he founded the International Gurukula Community and acts as Secretary-General of the Global Yogasana Sports Association. He is also a Trustee of the All Faiths Seminary International & New Light temple, and provides guidance as an advisor or patron for numerous international organizations.

Guruji is actively engaged with various NGOs globally and serves as a mentor to countless individuals. From 2004 to 2010, he held the position of International Ambassador for the International Yoga Federation and the World Yoga Council. Currently, he represents the US at the Universal Parliament of Religions in Argentina and serves as an Honorary Advisor for the World Yoga Foundation. Additionally, he is an Advisor for the Global Yoga Alliance in India and is the Patron, Guru, and Founder of the Comunidad Mundial de Yoga Federal A.C. Depto. in Argentina. Guruji frequently performs mantras and prayers at Borough halls and maintains continuous interactions with international politicians, artists, Rabbis, Swamis, Gurus, Bishops, Imams, Monks, and diplomats, including high officials from the United Nations.

Guruji is the founder and president of "World Yoga Community Inc." and "International Gurukula Community, Inc.," both of which are not-for-profit organizations. He played a pivotal role in initiating the "International Day of Yoga" movement for the global community. Since 1979, he has been on a mission to promote Universal Spirituality, Yoga, Ayurveda, and Natural Self Healing Techniques. His work encompasses advocating for Interfaith Harmony and Peace, Vedic Teachings from India, and the promotion of Human Values and Rights.

Guruji is committed to Global Citizenship, Total Literacy, Gender Equality, Non-violence, Healthy Living, and Environmental Protection, particularly in the face of Climate Change. He fosters the ideals of Oneness Wisdom Fellowship, encourages Spiritual Fine Arts and Sports, and champions Global Social, Cultural, and Economic Development. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of Indigenous Knowledge, Sustainable Development, and the eradication of Poverty, making a significant impact wherever he travels.

Guruji is an esteemed guest speaker at various international conferences, events, and festivals, and has served as a judge in numerous international yoga asana competitions. He has received multiple peace awards and titles for his dedicated yogic services to humanity. Recognized as a new-age celebrity yogi and humanitarian, he possesses diverse talents and maintains a broad range of friendships, from the homeless individuals he assists to high-ranking diplomats. Guruji frequently delivers discourses and participates in interviews with media outlets across the globe. Presently, he is hosting social, cultural, and yogic lifestyle classes, events, workshops, meetings, and festivals in New York City. His mission centers around fostering global peace and harmony through the teachings of yogic living.

Guruji's vision is to embody the ancient Vedic wisdom of the great masters from India, aiming to create a global family united under the principle of “Vasudaivakudumbakam.” He draws inspiration from the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, embracing the philosophy of "Simple Living and High Thinking." Additionally, he follows the wisdom of Swami Sivananda Saraswati, which promotes the idea of "Love All, Serve All," and the heartfelt message from Mother Teresa that "A Smile Can Change The World." Through these principles, Guruji strives to foster connections and harmony among people worldwide.