Born in Gujarat, India, Kamlesh D. Patel showed an early interest in meditation and spiritual growth. In 1976, as a pharmacy student in Ahmedabad, he met his Guide, Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur (Babuji), the founder and first President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission.

After graduating with honours in 1980, he moved to the US and practised pharmacy in New York City, while also continuing the Raja Yoga system of Sahaj Marg, with great devotion. He continues to excel in both his material career and spiritual life.

Kamlesh continued to follow Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari (Chariji), the second President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, after Babuji’s passing, and has held a number of increasingly responsible roles as well as offering his support to the growth of the Mission worldwide. In October 2011 he was proclaimed as Chariji’s successor, and in August 2012 was appointed Vice-President of SRCM with the full powers of the President, due to Chariji’s failing physical health. Following Chariji’s passing on the 20th of December 2014, he became the spiritual Guide of the Sahaj Marg system, and the third President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission. He is often endearingly referred to as Daaji.

Daaji and his wife have two sons. These days he is constantly travelling, conducting meditation with yogic transmission for seekers worldwide, and speaking at the Mission’s many centres and ashrams, as well as to the general public through newspaper articles, TV and radio. He is a vital role model for anyone wanting to evolve as a human being and expand consciousness. A spiritual catalyst, displaying the perfect blend of the Eastern heart and Western mind, he is able to connect with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, giving special attention to today’s youth.