Meet man who studied at Calicut University, later quit high-paying job in Middle East, went to Himalayas due to…, now he is…

Success Story: Mohanji is a contemporary spiritual leader, philanthropist, and humanitarian known for his teachings on selflessness, mindfulness, and living a life rooted in love and compassion. Recently, the spiritual leader Mohanji was awarded a prestigious environmental recognition by Deputy Minister Narend Singh of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment, Government of South Africa. But do you know who is Mohanji? or what he has studied? To know more, read this detailed story below.
Mohanji firmly believes that humanity is the best religion for humans, and the best practice is ahimsa, or non-violence—in thoughts, words, or actions towards fellow beings across all species.
His core teaching is simply “Be”You”—accept, understand, recognise, and express your uniqueness in the world.
Meet man who studied at Calicut University, later quit high-paying job in Middle East, went to Himalayas due to…, now he is…
He was born on February 23, 1965, in Kerala. Mohanji’s full name is Rajesh Kamath, though he is widely known and revered by the spiritual name Mohanji. Speaking of his educational qualifications, like any ordinary youth, Mohanji received his early education from a simple school in Kerala. However, his vision was always focused on achieving something greater. He pursued a BA in Economics from Calicut University but soon realized that mastering English was essential to fulfilling his aspirations. Consequently, he went on to complete a postgraduate degree in English Literature.
After a postgraduate degree in literature, Mohanji made a career in the shipping industry as a dynamic leader with twenty-four years of senior management experience in the Middle East. As time passed, his career progressed rapidly, and he climbed the corporate ladder. Eventually, he secured the position of Divisional Head in a company, earning a monthly salary in the range of lakhs. Mohanji got married to Saritha in 1992. A daughter Ammu came into their life in November, 1995. A loving family, a successful career, financial security – life couldn’t have been better.

However, everything changed. His journey of transformation began with the passing away of daughter Ammu in a tragic road accident on August 23, 2000. The loss of his only child left a huge void in his life. Mohanji said, “Ammu was a divine soul. Despite her age, her relationship with me was that of a companion and friend. In those four years, she taught me many things. Firstly, she made me experience fatherhood. She gave me immense love and affection, often even scolding or chiding me like an elder. Her nature was one of love. She made me aware of the possibility of deeper love, beyond all man-made barriers. She loved every being. Little wonder that hundreds of people of various age groups came to pay respects at the funeral of this four-year-old child! Her abrupt demise left me totally empty and devastated. We were completely shattered.”
Photo Credit: mohanji.org/mohanji-life-journey/
After his daughter’s demise, Mohanji separated from his wife, Saritha, his belongings were stolen, he lost his earnings, his investments went sour and eventually he also lost his job. His isolation, agony, pain and suffering eventually led him into a deep inner exploration and a genuine search for the very meaning and purpose of life. “After completing Ammu’s final rituals, he immediately left for the Himalayas which eventually became his second home. He longed to find the peace of silence and get away from the world of noises that he was involved in through relationships, business, society and so on. In this context, the world of noises means an active mind with active thoughts – the source of all noise,” reads the official page of mohanji.org.

Mohanji has created a number of platforms to allow those who choose to associate with him to add value to society through consistent acts of kindness and compassion. He leads by example and is constantly busy in helping and serving others, making himself available to champion causes that develop and improve society. He has founded various charities and organisations such as Ammucare, ACT Foundation, Mohanji Foundation, Himalayan School of Traditional Yoga, World Consciousness Alliance and Early Birds Club to name a few.