The Claremont School of Theology founded by America’s United Methodist Church in 1885 is world-renowned. This year marked a momentous occasion in its 130-year-old history as the college conferred an honorary doctorate upon a non-Christian spiritual leader for the first time ever.
It is a matter of utmost pride for India that Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur, held the distinction of being the first Indian recipient of the honorary Doctor of Divinity (PhD) from the Claremont School of Theology. It is the most prestigious honor offered by the university and is an ode to His remarkable contribution to religious and humanitarian activities worldwide.
With great reverence, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji was awarded this degree by Dr. Jeffrey Kuan, President Emeritus of the Claremont School of Theology, during a special event in New Jersey. On this occasion, Mr. Kuan expressed, “A Christian Theological School to be able to award this honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to His Holiness Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, the first Non-Christian recipient, is deeply meaningful and a symbol of our admiration for His noteworthy contribution to create a better world!”
Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji is a global spiritual luminary, an enlightened master and a humanitarian leader. He is the founder of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur – a spiritual organization with 202 centers across five continents. Through 95 youth groups, 252 value education centers and 202 seva centers worldwide, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji is galvanising multitudes, especially the new generations with a higher purpose. He has spirituality accessible through His discourses translated into eight languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Russian, Mandarin, Hindi, Gujarati and publications in 11 languages.
Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji’s vision has also manifested into a unique 10-Care social wing ‘Shrimad Rajchandra Love and Care’. Having special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, this initiative has touched millions of lives world over through 75+ projects like hospitals, schools, colleges, animal services, women’s empowerment, environmental care projects etc.
Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, has dedicated His life to inspiring people on the path of eternal happiness, and is making an invaluable contribution in spreading world peace and global brotherhood with love and boundless compassion.
In fact, earlier in 1998, Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji was conferred a PhD degree by the University of Mumbai, India too, for his extensive research on Shri Atmasiddhi Shastra, Shrimad Rajchandraji’s historic literary creation. A double doctorate- one from the East, along with another milestone from the West truly reflects the universal impact of His spiritual works.
