New Delhi: Neem Karoli Baba, the Indian spiritual teacher and devotee of Lord Hanuman, never travelled abroad, yet his teachings eventually attracted a devoted following in the United States—from 1960s counterculture seekers to some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names.
Also known as Maharaj-ji, he founded Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, where his teachings emphasised love, devotion and selfless service. He died on September 11, 1973.
His influence in the US grew significantly after American psychologist Richard Alpert visited India in 1967 and met the spiritual teacher, who gave him the name Ram Dass. After returning to America, Ram Dass popularised Maharaj-ji’s teachings through his influential 1971 book Be Here Now, which became a landmark work of the counterculture era.
Kainchi Dham later attracted prominent technology figures. Apple co-founder Steve Jobs visited India in 1974 seeking Maharaj-ji but arrived after his death. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg reportedly visited the ashram decades later after Jobs suggested the trip. Google co-founder Larry Page and other technology leaders have also been associated with the ashram.
Today, Neem Karoli Baba’s legacy continues to connect spirituality, service and global popular culture.