On February 24th, the self-proclaimed country of the United States of Kailasa (USK) sent representatives to attend a meeting held by the United Nations, in Geneva.
United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) is based in Geneva, Switzerland and not just host to countries’ diplomats but also to civil non-government organizations as well.
Indian media reported that saying “It seems USK is headed by Nithyananda, a controversial figure and fugitive ‘godman’, who claimed they have official representation in the World stage”.
In a tweet, Nithyananda posted a photo of one of the representatives, a woman wearing traditional Indian clothing, and noted that the USK provided valuable insights on sustainability achievement and participated in discussions concerning economic, social, and cultural rights as well as sustainable development at the United Nations in Geneva.
However, they claimed it as they are representing a country called USK and some reports clarify that they are participating in UN meetings as an NGO and it won’t count as a country representation.
It is not so uncommon to hear that someone has claimed a new country and declared independence as long as it isn’t concerned with a neighbouring legit country’s interest over the physical land that they are consuming. Officially, self-proclaimed countries are entities that have declared themselves independent but are not officially recognized as such by the international community. Here are a few examples of self-proclaimed countries:
- Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
- Transnistria
- Somaliland
- South Ossetia
- Abkhazia
- Donetsk People’s Republic
- Luhansk People’s Republic
- Islamic State (ISIS)
- The Principality of Sealand
- The Republic of Kugelmugel
Like most of those countries, the United States of Kailasa (USK) is not recognized among the 193 countries acknowledged by the United Nations. In 2020, Nithyananda declared that he had established a new country by purchasing an island off the coast of Ecuador. The so-called ‘country’ has its own flag, constitution, economic system, passport, and emblem.
“Kailasa” is a term used in Hindu mythology to refer to the abode of Lord Shiva, and it is also sometimes used as a name for a spiritual retreat or community in some parts of India.
The “United States of Kailasa” has been making headlines in recent years, especially in India, where it originated. Led by the controversial figure Nithyananda, this self-proclaimed state has claimed to have its own territory, government, and legal system, all based on Hindu principles and mythology.
And now we see them in United Nations’ chamber under the shadow of not recognized yet.
However, despite the claims and declarations made by Nithyananda and his followers, the United States of Kailasa is not a recognized entity by any government or international organization. Its legitimacy and authority are widely disputed, and many consider it to be nothing more than a cult or a fraudulent scheme.
Furthermore, Nithyananda’s past and present actions have raised serious concerns about his intentions and credibility. He has been charged with several criminal offences, including rape, kidnapping, and fraud, and is currently a fugitive from Indian law enforcement. His messages and teachings have also been criticized for promoting bigotry, superstition, and pseudoscience.
As a global citizen, I believe that any attempt to create a new state or government should be based on democratic principles, respect for human rights, and adherence to international law. And I do not have a concern like Indians, about having a new nation. It is too early to judge this situation.
On the other hand, Osho also has a similar kind of history that led to a scandal that involve India and the USA both. So, it is worth trying to understand those concepts and do analysis for predictions, and lessons and shaping the future.
