D.S. Mann Honoured as ‘Hindu King’ in Rishikesh by Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi

Mr. Mann is being recognised as a Custodian of Dharma for his lifelong service to value-based education and his commitment to preserving Hindu culture and values. Through his institutions, he has helped embed the principles of Seva(service),Shiksha(education), and Samskar(cultural grounding) into the lives of thousands of young Indians.

“I am deeply honoured to be the first Uttarakhandi to receive this sacred title,” said Mr. Mann. “In honouring me, you have honoured the entire Sikh community, which has stood for centuries as a shield for Hindu Dharma—sacrificing, serving, and upholding its values through times of invasion and adversity. I accept this recognition with humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to dharma.”

This honour makes Mr. Mann the fifth global honouree in the Hindu Kings & Queens Movement—a global initiative led by Rajarshi Modi to identify 500 spiritually awakened individuals who exemplify wise, dharma-aligned leadership in their later years.

Previous honourees include:

• Dr. Sudhir Parikh – U.S.-based Padma Shri awardee and philanthropist
• Dr. Deepak Chopra – Globally respected wellness leader
• Dr. Romesh Japra – American interfaith advocate and community builder
• Princess Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi – Royal patron of Hindu arts and culture

Rajarshi Bhupendra Modi, who was anointed with the sacred title of ‘Rajarshi’ by all four Shankaracharyas on his 75th birthday, launched this movement to rekindle a global sense of dharma-driven leadership. His mission was further sanctified at the 2025 Maha Kumbh where he received the Dharma Dand, a symbol of spiritual responsibility.

To institutionalise this vision, Rajarshi Modi established the Jagadguru Adi Sankara Math in Rampur—a centre dedicated to spreading Advaita Vedanta and uniting Hindus worldwide through shared spiritual and civilizational values.

The Global Hindu Kings & Queens Movement seeks out leaders over the age of 75 who continue to serve humanity with their wisdom, wealth, and will—across fields such as education, health, environment, media, spirituality, and philanthropy.

With Mr. Mann’s conferment, this growing fellowship sends out a powerful message: that aging is not decline, but a new dawn for purpose-led leadership grounded in dharma.