Podcast – Meeting JK Rowling

Dr Sunil Raheja
28 August 2020

They say truth is stranger than fiction. In many ways, the life story of Rahil Patel illustrates that. To read about it in a novel would sound implausible, even fantastically impossible. And yet, here is his life story with such surprising and unexpected twists and turns. But what has this to do with Harry Potter? You will have to keep reading and listening!

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Rahil is of East African Kenyan Gujarati origin. He was brought up in North West London from the age of 5. At the age of 16, he gave a speech in a Hindu temple in London to 3,000 people that won him great acclaim. So much acclaim in fact that the head of the denomination, the Guru, who was there, encouraged him to become a Hindu priest.

And that is what Rahil became. A Hindu priest in a 200-year-old denomination with 8,000 centres around the world and 1 million dedicated loyal followers. For 20 years, he travelled first-class around the world, clocking up 70,000 miles a year and speaking to crowds of thousands.

But at the same time, there was a growing sense of inner restlessness and unease. He found himself struggling with doubts and questions. He searched through literature and devoured the Harry Potter series, unpacking for him a fantasy world of friendships and relationships that he previously never knew existed.

It was in 2016 that Rahil did meet J K Rowling and was able to tell her how her Harry Potter books were part of the journey to his spiritual awakening.

But we are getting ahead of ourselves! On this podcast, I have the privilege of interviewing Rahil about his life and search for spiritual fulfilment. Do join us in this fascinating discussion that really shows how truth can be stranger than fiction.

After you have listened to the interview with Rahil you may well be interested in his book ‘Found By Love’ that is available below.

Article +Podcast link: https://www.drsunil.com/leadership/harry-potter-and-the-hindu-priest/