PhD
Computer Engineering
About
A life at the meeting point of tradition and inquiry.
Dr. Raj Hegde (Nilambara Das) is a rare fusion of academic and professional excellence with decades of spiritual teaching and mentoring. He embodies a meeting point of science, soul, and service.
Dr. Hegde's approach is reflective, practical, and invitational. He encourages inquiry, practice, and honest self-examination rather than fixed answers. His teaching addresses a vital modern need: cultivating sustainable, authentic happiness and resilience that does not depend solely on external circumstances. His work helps people find clarity, purpose, and a better quality of life.
"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."
Credentials & Impact
Rigour in the academy. Steadiness in service.
Verified credentials across research, technology, community leadership, and spiritual practice.
Health-Tech
Technology Leader & Innovator
Inventor
Two U.S. Patents
Founder
Bhakti Space
Founder
Stichting Govardhana
National Secretary
ISKCON Netherlands
Deputy GBC
Governance Leadership
20+ Years
Spiritual Practice
2,500+
People Impacted Annually
15+
Communities Across the Netherlands
The Journey
Two decades, two disciplines, one through-line.
Early career
Engineering in Bangalore
Undergraduate engineering education and professional work in the semiconductor industry in Bangalore, India.
2012
Initiation into the Bhakti tradition
Initiated by H.H. Radhanath Swami, formally entering a lifelong path of study and practice in the Vaishnava-Vedanta lineage.
2017
PhD, Computer Engineering
Awarded a PhD from the University of Alabama for research in wearable healthcare technology.
During PhD
Founded a Vedic student organization
Established a student community for the study and practice of Vedic culture during doctoral studies.
2018
Founded Bhakti Space
Began gathering communities for study, kirtan, and conscious living that would grow into circles across Europe.
2018
Leadership in the Netherlands
Began leading ISKCON growth initiatives in the Netherlands and joined the Dutch National Council.
2025
National Secretary, ISKCON Netherlands
Appointed National Secretary of ISKCON Netherlands and took on responsibilities as Deputy GBC.
2025
Founded Stichting Govardhana
Founded Stichting Govardhana to support sustainable community, education, and outreach in the Netherlands.
Today
2,500+ people each year
Reaches 2,500+ people annually through communities, courses, lectures, and mentorship programs across Europe.
At a Glance
Academic, technologist, teacher, builder.
- PhD in Computer Engineering, University of Alabama (2017)
- Research in wearable healthcare technology
- Two US patents in applied health-tech
- Engineering career in the semiconductor industry, Bangalore
- Initiated by H.H. Radhanath Swami (2012)
- Founder, Bhakti Space (2018)
- Founder, Stichting Govardhana (2025)
- National Secretary, ISKCON Netherlands (2025)
- Deputy GBC (2025)
- 20+ years of spiritual practice and teaching
“The work begins in stillness, and ripens through service.”
Dr. Raj Hegde