Kamlesh Patel, spiritual guide, author, and the founder of the Heartfulness Movement, has received the award of IndiaÂs Most Admirable Leader for his inspiring work in spreading spiritual and yogic values worldwide. 

Born in 1956, in the state of Gujarat, India, Kamlesh Patel, who is known to many today as Daaji, discovered his spiritual calling early on in life. When he was a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, a fateful encounter with an associate of Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur in 1976 changed DaajiÂs life forever. Shri Ram Chandra is known to many as Babuji, and he was the founder and first President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. As a spiritual Master, he extended his enlightened teachings to Daaji. 

Upon successful completion of his graduate studies with honours in 1980, Daaji moved to the US to practice pharmacy in New York City. He also continued the practices of Heartfulness under BabujiÂs guidance, with supreme devotion. Since that time, Daaji has excelled in both his professional and spiritual life. After BabujiÂs passing in 1983, Daaji continued with Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), the second President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, holding a number of responsibilities in the organization. Over the years, Daaji has helped so many people on the path to achieving lifeÂs true meaning and continues to do the same today. In October 2011, Daaji was proclaimed as CharijiÂs successor, and after CharijiÂs passing in December 2014 he became the spiritual guide of the Heartfulness Movement and the third President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

Daaji is always on the move in his noble pursuit of teaching people to meditate and transform their lives, all over the world. He speaks at many centres and ashrams, and guides the general public through media sources such as television, radio, online webinars and newspaper articles. Daaji has been playing a vital role in the lives of people who want to become better human beings, from reducing stress and anxiety, to finding higher inner peace and enlightenment. He is a catalyst and an example of someone who has the balance of both the spiritual and scientific approaches to knowledge. He connects with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, while paying special attention to help the youth strive for living a holistic and purposeful life.

Daaji is the spiritual guide of the Heartfulness Way, a set of meditative practices that unlock a personÂs true potential. The Heartfulness Way is practiced by over 1 million people worldwide, and it has considerably helped them to live a purposeful and fulfilling life. A force for good and a spiritual leader, Daaji unifies people from all backgrounds and walks of life with simple teachings that have the power to change lives. 

A researcher and true innovator, Daaji has popularized spirituality by offering people a scientific experiential approach to the inner world of the spirit. As a successful entrepreneur, who built a very successful pharmaceutical business in New York City from the ground up, over three decades, Daaji now devotes his time and energy to helping people to discover the inner spiritual world and expand their consciousness. He also guides a team of scientists that research the physiological and psychological benefits of Heartfulness meditative practices and the effect of yogic Transmission, the specialty of Heartfulness.

With a vision to bringing human societies in tune with nature, Daaji has also popularized a sustainable green initiative at the international Heartfulness headquarters at Kanha Shanti Vanam, near Hyderabad, India. He is a prolific speaker, who regularly shares his profound insights on a wide range of topics, such as corporate success, management, relationships, child development and education, spirituality and yogic philosophy. Daaji also writes articles and books, regularly, and his articles appear regularly in leading publications such as the Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business Standard, and Speaking Tree. He is also the bestselling author of two books, The Heartfulness Way and Designing Destiny.

The Brand Story acknowledges the excellent contribution made by Daaji in enabling people to discover their lifeÂs purpose, with the help of spirituality and yoga. Mr. Abhay Kaushik, Editor in Chief and Director, The Brand Story, said, ÂDaaji has been relentless in his pursuit of helping people life better lives by walking on the spiritual path. His contribution has been monumental in helping millions understand the benefits of practising yoga and meditation. The Brand Story is honoured to award Daaji as IndiaÂs Most Admirable Leader. You can watch his exclusive interview, soon to be telecasted on NDTV Profit.Â