Exposed: Delhi Godman's False Academic Claims and History of Sexual Misconduct

Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the Delhi-based self-proclaimed godman facing accusations of molesting at least 19 students, portrays himself as a highly qualified management expert and successful author. Now fugitive after his misconduct was exposed, attention has shifted to the stark contrast between his public persona and private transgressions.

His academic profiles on research-sharing platforms claim he earned an MBA and PhD from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Additionally, these profiles assert he completed post-doctoral studies and a DLitt, along with seven honorary DLitt degrees from universities across India and internationally.

These qualifications appear repeatedly on the author pages of his books available through e-commerce sites. Delhi Police sources indicate they believe many of these credentials may be fabricated, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to verify these claims.

On his book covers, Chaitanyananda presents himself as an "internationally acclaimed writer" who has authored 28 titles and 143 research papers.

One particular book, "Forget Classroom Learning," features a foreword supposedly written by Apple founder Steve Jobs. The book's front page quotes Jobs describing Chaitanyananda's work as "an unprecedented preparatory and guiding manual for the applied world of management."

The author profile in another of his books claims that former US President Barack Obama repeatedly referenced his book "Transforming Personality" during his election campaign. It further asserts that this book was among the bestsellers in European and North American markets in 2007.

This publication also contains an appreciation message attributed to Ban Ki-Moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations.

The biographical sections of his books describe him as an "eminent professor, noted author, orator, educationist, spiritual philosopher and philanthropist, and an eminent personality of management academia in India and abroad."

Police now suspect much of Chaitanyananda's academic profile contains false information.

Following allegations of sexual harassment of students at Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj, where he served as director, the self-styled godman has fled.

Authorities have issued a lookout circular to prevent him from leaving the country. The investigation has revealed that Chaitanyananda had been harassing women for nearly two decades and faced molestation charges previously in 2009 and 2016.