Radhika Das Reveals How Bhakti Transformed His Life Beyond Corporate Success: Exclusive

Spiritual teacher, kirtan leader and retreat host Radhika Das speaks exclusively to Jayveer Singh. In this conversation, he opens up about his journey from the corporate world to a life dedicated to Bhakti, the growing appeal of spiritual retreats, the transformative power of kirtan, and how community, mindfulness and devotion can help people find deeper purpose, balance and true wellness in an increasingly fast-paced world.

Here are the edited excerpts from this delightful conversation,

What made you move from the corporate world to kirtan and Bhakti full-time?

It wasn't so much that I chose to leave the corporate world; it was that I found something that felt more deeply aligned with who I was. Through Bhakti, I discovered a sense of purpose that went beyond a material career or success. I realized that if music and mantra had transformed my own life so profoundly, I wanted to dedicate my life to sharing that experience with others.

Why do you think people today are shifting from leisure travel to spiritual retreats?

People are no longer looking for a holiday they need to recover from. They're looking for experiences that genuinely restore them. A spiritual retreat offers something a luxury hotel or sightseeing itinerary often can't: a chance to slow down, disconnect from constant stimulation, reconnect with yourself, and return home feeling internally renewed rather than simply well-travelled.

What makes a retreat experience more meaningful than a regular vacation?

A holiday changes your surroundings; a retreat has the potential to change your perspective. Beyond beautiful locations, retreats create space for reflection, meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and practices that continue long after you return home. The destination becomes the backdrop for an inner journey.

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How does kirtan help people deal with stress and burnout?

Kirtan gently brings people back into the present moment. Instead of carrying yesterday's worries or tomorrow's anxieties, people become immersed in the rhythm, the breath, and the shared experience of singing together. I've watched people arrive carrying stress and exhaustion, and leave looking visibly lighter. Sometimes the greatest healing begins simply by allowing yourself to pause.

You host retreats globally. What kind of transformation do participants usually go through?

The changes are often subtle at first but deeply lasting. People become more present, more open, and more connected to themselves, to others, and to life itself. They begin noticing beauty in simple things again, the interconnectedness and sanctity of life, and the joy of spiritual relationships. Most importantly, they leave with practices they can take into everyday life rather than something that only exists while they're away.

How important is community in these spiritual journeys?

Community is everything. Growth becomes so much easier when you're surrounded by people walking a similar path. One of the most beautiful things about our retreats is watching strangers arrive on day one and leave feeling like lifelong friends. Genuine connection is one of the greatest forms of wellbeing we have.

For someone new, how can they start exploring Bhakti or kirtan in daily life?

Start simply. Listen to a mantra while you're driving, take five minutes each morning to sit quietly, or come along to a local kirtan gathering with an open heart. You don't need to know the philosophy or speak Sanskrit. Bhakti isn't about being perfect…it's about being sincere. Small, consistent steps often lead to the biggest transformations.

What does “true wellness” mean to you beyond physical health?

True wellness is harmony between the body, the mind, and the soul. We spend so much time looking after our physical health, but we also need to nourish our inner life. For me, wellness is waking up with a sense of purpose, cultivating meaningful relationships, serving others with compassion, and feeling connected to God or something greater than yourself. When those things are in balance, wellbeing naturally follows.