Acharya Shri Jagdish Ji Maharaj is the Chairman and Founder of the Maha Shoonya Foundation. Renowned as a distinguished philosopher, revered Bhagwat Kathavachak, and a dedicated practitioner of yoga and meditation, he embodies the timeless values and ethics of ancient sages and spiritual leaders. Guided by a philanthropic spirit and a compassionate heart, Acharya Ji is a beacon of wisdom and selfless service.Born on February 17th in the picturesque village of Pamtola, District Champawat, Uttarakhand — a region rich in natural beauty and spiritual heritage — Acharya Ji's life has been marked by profound spiritual experiences. It is said that even before his birth, a spiritual being prophesied that Acharya Ji had been a sanyasi in previous lives and would embrace the same path in this one. At the age of six, he tragically lost his mother, Bhagirathi, yet her love and teachings continued to guide him throughout his life. From a young age, Acharya Ji exhibited a remarkable thirst for knowledge. At just 11, he left home to pursue his education at a Sanskrit school in Phagwara, where he received Gayatri Diksha. By 12, he moved to Haridwar to study Sanskrit and religious texts, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to truth, righteousness, and universal peace. While in Haridwar, Acharya Ji engaged deeply with philosophers and scholars, attending spiritual gatherings and continuing his quest for self-realization. His transformative journey took him to Mathura during Shri Krishna Janmashtami, where his understanding of Lord Krishna deepened, leading him to explore the profound teachings of the Shrimad Bhagwat.
Afterward, Acharya Ji sought Ganga Darshan at Gangotri, where he was deeply moved by the pollution of the Ganges. This experience prompted him to take action, founding the NAMO GANGE TRUST on March 30, 2015, with the mission to cleanse and preserve the sacred river.
Today, Acharya Ji’s life is devoted to environmental protection, water conservation, women’s empowerment, and addressing pressing social issues, with an unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering and creating lasting, positive change in society.