Self-styled godman Nithyananda made headlines in 2019 when he fled India amidst allegations of child abduction, sexual assault, and abuse. He left behind a vast religious empire and claimed to have founded the nation of ‘Kailasa’, which he described as a “safe haven for practising, aspiring, or persecuted Hindus”. Despite facing legal troubles in multiple countries, representatives of ‘Kailasa’ managed to attend a UN meeting in 2023 and even signed a ‘sister cities’ agreement with Newark in the US.
However, their luck seemed to have run out when officials in Bolivia arrested 20 individuals linked to ‘Kailasa’ after they signed questionable 1,000-year leases with indigenous groups in the country for large tracts of the Amazon. These agreements were deemed null and void, leading to the deportation of the fake country’s representatives back to their respective nations, including India, the US, and China.
Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that they do not maintain diplomatic relations with the alleged nation of ‘Kailasa’, despite reports suggesting otherwise. The fake country’s representatives had even managed to secure a photo opportunity with Bolivia’s president, Luis Arce, and had reportedly signed leases with indigenous groups in the country.
Pedro Guasico, a leader of the Baure indigenous group, revealed that their interaction with ‘Kailasa’ representatives began in late 2024 when they offered assistance with forest fires. The Baure eventually agreed to a 25-year land lease but were misled by ‘Kailasa’ representatives, who presented a draft for a 1,000-year lease that included access to airspace and natural resource extraction.
Nithyananda, the self-proclaimed leader of ‘Kailasa’, had gained a significant following in India before his arrest in 2010 in connection with a sex scandal. After fleeing the country in 2019, he reportedly purchased an island off the coast of Ecuador and announced the establishment of ‘Kailasa’ – a state dedicated to preserving and reviving authentic Hinduism.
In 2023, representatives of ‘Kailasa’ attended a UN meeting in Geneva, where they advocated for the protection of the “supreme pontiff of Hinduism” and highlighted their sustainable development initiatives. Nithyananda’s followers claimed that he was being persecuted for reviving ancient Hindu traditions and sought international intervention to stop his alleged mistreatment.
Nithyananda is known for his eccentric quotes, some of which have garnered widespread attention on social media. Despite facing legal challenges and controversies, he remains steadfast in his belief in longevity and his mission to uphold Hindu values.
