A true Indian from the West: Stephen Knapp’s lifelong devotion to Vedic Dharma

Stephen Knapp, known in the spiritual world as Sri Nandanandana Dasa, is not just an American author and researcher — he is a dedicated spiritual practitioner whose heart beats in rhythm with the Vedic traditions of India. A longtime disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Knapp has spent over four decades spreading awareness about Sanatana Dharma, Indian philosophy, and the spiritual heritage of Bharat across the globe.

- PRANJAL JOSHI

In January 2025, the government of India announced that Knapp would receive the Padma Shri, the nation's fourth-highest civilian award, in the category of literature and education. He was honored by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on April 28, 2025—a moment that Knapp describes as one of the most meaningful milestones in his spiritual journey.

THE PADMA SHRI: A HUMBLING HONOR

Receiving the Padma Shri was a humbling and surreal experience for Knapp. “Being at Rashtrapati Bhavan, accepting the award from the President, and meeting the Prime Minister—it was beyond imagination,” he says. The recognition serves not just as a personal honor, but also a testament to the global impact of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and the Gautdiya Vaishnava tradition.

A SEEKER WHO BECAME A SERVANT OF VEDIC DHARMA

Knapp defines himself as a seeker of spiritual truths who eventually found his calling within the Vedic tradition. “When I first read the Bhagavad-gita in 1971,” he recalls, “I realized this was the wisdom I had been looking for.” His inner journey intensified as he delved deeper into the vast library of Vedic texts, absorbing knowledge and transforming his life.