Seeing the real as unreal

The importance of having a guru on the spiritual path is emphasised by Sri Nandkishore Tiwari in a conversation with Pradeep Krishnan

While browsing the internet, the picture of a smiling bald man with a salt-and-pepper beard, resembling the late Bharat Gopi (National award-winning Malayalam film actor), made me curious to know more about him.

The man was Sri Nandkishore Tiwari, an editor turned spiritual master based in Bengaluru, who was born on September 27, 1969, in Durkhuru, in the Jhansi district of Uttar Pradesh. On becoming a realised master, he established the Universal Forum for Human Dignity (UNIFOHD), an NGO, in 2002.

Later, the Darpan Foundation, Bengaluru, and the Darpan Ashram, Urigam (a small hamlet nestled in a picturesque forest valley), were formed in 2018. These institutions aimed at the all-round spiritual development of the individual and, thereby, the society at large, through his Sahaj Smriti Yog (SSY), a unique practice.

A recipient of the Acharya Chanakya Award 2018 for his contributions to the sphere of spirituality, he is on the panel of consultants of NIMHANS (Bengaluru) as a philosopher and guide.

Listening to Guruji's talks on "What is the purpose of life?" "What is karma?" and "How to remain guilt-free," generated a desire me to visit the ashram and interview him. Soon, contacts were established, and his wife, Smt Smita Tiwari, an IT professional and a native of Ernakulam, Kerala, affectionately addressed as 'Guruma,' made all travel arrangements for my wife and me to the ashram, as well as for the interview with Guruji at his residence.

At intervals, the foundation organises 'Upanishad,' a spontaneous dialogue session between Guruji and eminent personalities. The latest one was held with Padma Shri D R Karthikeyan IPS (Retd), the president of Life Positive, on February 11, 2023, on the topic 'Life and Values of Life.'