Rise and fall of Kailasa: How Nithyananda's fictional country 'land trafficked' Bolivia's indigenous people

A self-proclaimed 'sovereign nation' called the United States of Kailasa , complete with passports, a 'cosmic constitution' and official currency, had gained attention through its representatives' appearances at UN events and meetings with global leaders.

Their leader Nityananda, a fugitive spiritual figure, claims supernatural abilities, including control over reincarnation processes for wealthy clients. However, recent events in Bolivia have exposed the group's questionable activities, with authorities arresting 20 Kailasa associates for 'land trafficking' indigenous communities. The New York Times reported that the arrested followers of Nityananda were subsequently deported to their actual countries of citizenship.

No diplomatic relations with the alleged nation: Bolivia

The Bolivian foreign affairs ministry officially declared their non-recognition of Kailasa. “Bolivia does not maintain diplomatic relations with the alleged nation ‘United States of Kailasa,’” the statement said.

The movement's origins trace to 2019 when Swami Nithyananda , who styles himself as 'His Divine Holiness, the Supreme Pontiff of Hinduism,' escaped India whilst facing serious criminal allegations. Originally named Arunachalam Rajasekaran, he established his first ashram near Bengaluru, expanding globally. He made extraordinary claims, including abilities to heal blindness and alter sunrise timing.

After fleeing India amidst rape and sexual assault charges, he emerged claiming leadership of Kailasa, purportedly located in the Andean region.

Kailasa's activities have caused diplomatic embarrassments worldwide. In 2023, a Paraguayan official resigned after signing an agreement with them, whilst Newark's mayor cancelled a sister cities arrangement. In Bolivia, their representatives secured photographs with President Luis Arce before their recent arrest.

1,000-year lease agreement with indigenous groups for Amazon land

Investigation by Bolivian newspaper El Deber revealed attempts by Nityananda's followers to secure extensive land leases from indigenous groups, including the Baure community. Pedro Guasico, a Baure leader, described how initial offers of post-forest fire assistance evolved into a problematic 1,000-year lease agreement.

Guasico, explained that their initial contact with Kailasa officials occurred in late last year following forest fires, when assistance was offered. Subsequently, discussions led to a proposed land lease spanning an area triple the size of New Delhi, with a planned 25-year agreement promising annual payments of nearly $200,000.

However, when Kailasa representatives presented an English version of the contract, it had been modified to extend over 1,000 years and included rights to airspace and natural resource extraction.

Despite these alterations, Guasico acknowledged that his group proceeded with signing. "We made the mistake of listening to them," he said. "They offered us that money as an annual bonus for conserving and protecting our territory, but it was completely false."