Dr. Ravi M. Gupta, also known as Radhika Ramana Dasa in Vaishnava circles, is a distinguished scholar and devoted practitioner who exemplifies the harmonious integration of academic excellence and spiritual depth. Raised in a devotional ISKCON household in Boise, Idaho, he was homeschooled with a curriculum centered around the Srimad-Bhagavatam, which fostered his critical thinking, communication skills, and spiritual grounding from a young age. Demonstrating extraordinary academic promise, he began college at age 13 and later earned both his Master’s and Doctorate in Hinduism from the University of Oxford, establishing a solid foundation for a career at the intersection of scholarship and devotion.
As the Charles Redd Endowed Chair and Director of the Religious Studies Program at Utah State University, Dr. Gupta has significantly advanced the academic study of Hinduism and Vaishnava traditions. His leadership has resulted in expanded course offerings, new faculty appointments, the creation of an online minor, and the establishment of a Master’s degree in Ancient Languages and Cultures. His academic appointments span prestigious institutions such as The College of William and Mary and the University of Florida, and his contributions to the field have earned him several teaching and research fellowships, including recognition from the National Endowment for the Humanities and Oxford University.
Dr. Gupta’s deep engagement with Vaishnava tradition is not merely academic—it is a lived reality. As a lifelong practitioner and preacher within ISKCON, he continues to lead kirtans, teach Bhagavatam classes, and serve as a bridge between faith-based communities and academic settings. His publications—such as The Caitanya Vaiṣṇava Vedānta of Jīva Gosvāmī, co-authored translations of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, and edited volumes on devotional philosophy—reflect a commitment to both intellectual rigor and spiritual authenticity. His work makes Vaishnava teachings accessible to a broader audience while preserving their theological depth.
Through his teaching, research, and spiritual outreach, Dr. Gupta has become a leading voice in both the academic and devotional worlds. He demonstrates that critical scholarship and sincere faith are not only compatible but can mutually enrich one another. As a role model for students, educators, and practitioners alike, he continues to inspire and elevate the global conversation around Hinduism, Vaishnavism, and interfaith dialogue. His life and work stand as a testament to the power of integrating head and heart, intellect and devotion.
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