Dr. Nagaraj Hegde (Nilambara Das)
Founder of Bhakti Space | Educator | Community Builder
Dr. Nagaraj Hegde, also known as Nilambara Das, is a practitioner and teacher of contemplative living, guiding individuals and communities toward balance, clarity, and purpose. His journey has always been marked by a deep curiosity about life and a willingness to go beyond titles, achievements, and boundaries in pursuit of meaning. Born into a traditional South Indian spiritual family, his personal journey of seeking began early in life. In 2004 he encountered teachings that channelled his practice toward Bhakti Yoga; in 2012, he was initiated by HH Radhanath Maharaj into Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
He holds a PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Alabama and was recognized as Graduate Student of the Year from the State of Alabama for his research, community service, and leadership. In 2018 he moved to the Netherlands, where he continues to dedicate his life to learning, sharing, and building communities centered on conscious living. He serves on the Amsterdam temple management board and the Dutch National Council in a community leadership capacity.
he has built
Communities
As an educator
he says
“I am first and foremost a sincere seeker — it is not about belief or faith, but about being inquisitive about oneself, the higher, and one’s purpose.”
Philosophy & Impact
Dr. Hegde’s approach is reflective, practical, and invitational: he encourages inquiry, practice, and honest self-examination rather than fixed answers. Through his teaching he addresses a vital modern need — cultivating sustainable, authentic happiness and resilience that does not depend solely on external circumstances. His work actively supports people to find clarity, purpose, and better quality of life.
Journey to Bhakti space
After graduating from University College London (UCL), S.B. Keshava Swami became a 21-year-old monk and continues that journey over two decades later. Having studied ancient Sanskrit texts for over 25 years, he has gone on to author 10 books and design over 50 courses, empowering his audiences to apply ancient insights to upgrade relationships, discover purpose, overcome inner blocks, and craft well-being on all levels.
Keshava Swami’s social media presence and online teaching platforms have introduced tens of thousands of people to eastern wisdom. In 2022, he co-founded Think Gita (www.thinkgita.org), which is now the fastest-growing online portal for learning the Bhagavad-gita in a powerful, exciting and life-changing way.
Nowadays he is a globe-trotter, teaching in eminent academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, governmental organisations and spiritual communities. He remains a thought leader on the cutting edge, inspired to share wisdom that breathes – not just book knowledge, but deep spiritual insights that transform character and consciousness.
Growing up in the London suburbs, Keshava Swami gravitated towards simplicity, minimalism and solitude. The usual measures of success – titles, achievements, status symbols and material security – never moved his heart. Aged 15, he began a spiritual search, leading him to the Bhagavad-gita, the legendary book of Sanskrit wisdom.
After graduating from UCL (University College London) with a BSc in Information Management, he travelled to India on a spiritual quest. Soon after, aged 21, he adopted monastic life at Bhaktivedanta Manor. “Hearing of saints and sages who turned away from everything to selflessly serve the world spoke to my heart and captured my imagination” Keshava Swami says. “I guess I was being drawn towards my dharma – my calling, my purpose – what I was wired for.”
For over 25 years, Keshava Swami has studied numerous Sanskrit texts, considering how to proliferate spiritual wisdom in a world that is suffocating from materialism. He has authored 10 books and designed over 50 courses, empowering his audiences to apply ancient insights to upgrade relationships, discover purpose, overcome inner blocks, and craft well-being on all levels.
Though monks live in sacred space, they also reach out to the populace, making spirituality relevant in the ‘real world.’ Keshava Swami’s social media presence and online teaching platforms have introduced tens of thousands of people to eastern wisdom. In 2022, he co-founded Think Gita (www.thinkgita.org), which is now the fastest-growing online portal for learning the Bhagavad-gita in a powerful, exciting and life-changing way.
In 2022, after deep contemplation, soul-searching and prayer, Keshava Swami accepted life-long vows of renunciation and was awarded the highest order of monasticism. Nowadays he is a globe-trotter, teaching in eminent academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, governmental organisations and spiritual communities. He remains a thought leader on the cutting edge, inspired to share wisdom that breathes – not just book knowledge, but deep spiritual insights that transform character and consciousness.