With Spiritual Teacher, Filmmaker & Speaker
Raja Choudhury
This broadcast is also available in the following regions at Noon in your local time zone:
Fiji (UTC+12:00), Singapore (UTC+08:00), India (UTC +05:30),
Dubai & Mauritius (UTC+04:00), United Kingdom (UTC),
Trinidad & Tobago (UTC-04:00), US Pacific (UTC-08:00)
Join us for the exclusive worldwide documentary premiere of America’s First Guru — and discover the forgotten legacy of Swami Vivekananda.
Experience the remarkable story of the Indian monk who first brought Vedanta, Yoga, and meditation to the West in 1893 and delivered a hopeful message of connection and transcendence that’s even more relevant today.
More than 100 years ago, America welcomed a son of India — Swami Vivekananda. And he helped bring Hinduism and Yoga to our country. And he came to my hometown of Chicago. And there, at a great gathering of religious leaders, he spoke of his faith and the divinity in every soul, and the purity of love.
— President Barack Obama
What if one speech could change the spiritual landscape of a nation and even the world?
In 1893, Swami Vivekananda, a young, dynamic monk from India, captured the hearts and minds of Americans with a revolutionary message of universal acceptance and interfaith unity that still resonates today.
Vivekananda’s powerful address at the World’s Parliament of Religions, as well as his ongoing work afterward, introduced Vedanta and the practice of yoga to the West, positioning yoga not only as a physical practice but as a path to spiritual awareness, mindfulness, and union with the Divine.
This spiritual trailblazer challenged and transformed the nation’s views on the power of self-realization and inner divinity, service as a form of spiritual worship, the role of women in spiritual life, the harmony of all religions, and a universal brotherhood among all people, helping lay the foundation for the spiritual diversity we see today.
You’re invited to experience America’s First Guru, a groundbreaking documentary that reveals the untold story of how Vivekananda’s insights, inspired by Indian wisdom and Vedanta philosophy, opened the doors for yoga and meditation to flourish in America and around the globe.
Prepare to be inspired, just as Vivekananda inspired crowds over a century ago with his call to see ourselves as “heirs of immortal bliss” and imagine a world free of fanaticism.
This movie is a must-watch for anyone and everyone pursuing or interested in pursuing personal transformation, mindfulness, and inclusivity in spiritual exploration.
Following the 88-minute film, join an exclusive Q&A with the film’s director, Raja Choudhury — a spiritual teacher, award-winning filmmaker, and prominent Shift faculty whose powerful insights and pioneering work have touched the hearts and awakened the minds of thousands. Raja will share insights into Vivekananda’s life, the making of this compelling film, and the enduring relevance of Vivekananda’s message in today’s world.
5 Powerful Takeaways You’ll Experience During This Special Documentary Premiere:
- Rediscover Your Inner Bliss
Learn how Vivekananda’s call to “heirs of immortal bliss” can inspire a renewed sense of self-worth and inner peace in your daily life. - Cultivate Universal Acceptance
Discover how his message of inclusivity and interfaith respect provides tools to embrace and celebrate diversity in a world that needs unity more than ever. - Awaken Your Spiritual Potential
Connect with Vivekananda’s teachings on self-realization, opening a path for personal transformation and growth. - Transformative Insights for Modern Challenges
Understand how his wisdom and philosophy provide valuable lessons for navigating life’s complexities with clarity and compassion. - Bring Mindfulness to Everyday Life
Explore how the practices Vivekananda introduced to the West, such as yoga and meditation, can enrich your spiritual journey today.
A 12-Part On-Demand Video Course to Guide Your Path to Liberation & Purpose
After reserving your spot for the movie, unlock the chance to purchase Awaken Your Inner Freedom: A 12-Part Journey into Swami Vivekananda’s transformative wisdom
Each video in this online program will help you integrate Swami Vivekananda’s timeless wisdom into your life through guided teachings, reflections, and insights to inspire your personal path to true liberation and purpose.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the story of the Indian monk who brought spiritual wisdom and unity to America — a message of transformation and love that continues to inspire.
Sign Up Now
Reserve your free seat now and be part of a movement that celebrates interfaith understanding, spiritual resilience, and a timeless message of universal peace and harmony.
Free Video Event
What People Are Saying About Raja Choudhury...
Having a trusted and knowledgeable spiritual teacher like Raja is essential when delving deeply into esoteric teachings, especially when there is an abundance of material to learn and practice. Raja’s joyful and easy demeanor makes learning fun, and reminds us that the spiritual path doesn't have to be staid and serious. The live sessions were visually stimulating and the guided practices were eye-opening (pun intended). This course was truly a pleasure.
This course — and teacher Raja — is for serious seekers, with no games, hidden agendas, or any secrets. Today I’m standing and knocking on the door of heaven with higher vibration, frequency, and energy with the wisdom and absolutely divine knowledge of Raja.
Seattle, Washington
My intuition has become stronger, especially in understanding other people from their perspectives. Also I feel more peaceful, hopeful, and life seems to be better overall. Raja is a wonderful, honest, and generous teacher.
Las Vegas, Nevada
This course and all the other courses of Raja have changed and transformed my life. I am fearless, self-confident, and know even more that I am guided and protected by the divine powers. I feel blessed.
Suriname, South America
What I learnt from Raja, I will cherish for the rest of my time living on Earth. I am eternally grateful for Raja’s tips and simplified teachings with integrity. I learnt so much in a short space of time. Every session was a joy to attend, adding value to my personal spiritual journey.
London, United Kingdom
About Raja Choudhury
Raja Choudhury is a National Film Award (India) and Webby Award-winning filmmaker, speaker, and spiritual teacher who has been creating acclaimed documentary films, online programs, and major events in the U.S., UK, and India since 1993.
Trained as an architect at London's prestigious Architectural Association, he entered the world of digital media by creating the highly acclaimed VID Zone music video kiosk network in 1993.
His filmography includes celebrated works like I Believe on Dr. Karan Singh, Spirituality in the Modern World featuring Ken Wilber, and The Modern Mystic about Sri M of Madanapalle. He also directed The Quantum Indians, an exploration of the lives of Saha, Bose, and Raman that won the National Film Award of India in 2014.
Raja’s other notable films include Guruji Amritananda and Yoga Harmony with Nature, India's official film for the first International Day of Yoga. His recent acclaimed film, America's First Guru, will soon be seen internationally.
Raja is a TED speaker on “Indian Wisdom for Today's World” and a TEDx speaker on “Yoga 3.0.” He has taught over 4,000 students since 2018 in Shift Network courses covering Kundalini Shakti, the Third Eye, Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra.
