Paul Dhinakaran (born September 4, 1962) is an Indian Educationist, Charismatic Christian minister, writer and broadcaster.[1][2][3] He is the founder and the chancellor of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, a deemed university, and the Jesus Calls, a global philanthropic and nonprofit Christian humanitarian ministry.[4][5][6]
Dr. Paul Dhinakaran | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 September 1962 Chennai, India |
| Occupation(s) | Humanitarian and Educationist |
| Organization(s) | Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Jesus Calls, and SEESHA |
| Known for | prayer, public service, education and statesmanship |
| Spouse | Evangeline Paul Dhinakaran |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | D. G. S. Dhinakaran (father), Stella Dhinakaran (mother) |
Early life and education
editDhinakaran is the son of D. G. S. Dhinakaran, one of the most prominent Christian voices from India.[7][8][9][10][excessive citations]
He received his B.Sc degree at Loyola College and an MBA and a Ph.D degree in marketing from Madras University.[11][12]
Career
editHe is the founder and the chancellor of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences.[2][13][14][5][excessive citations]
He also ministers on Rainbow TV, an evangelical television channel.[citation needed]
As of 2023, his organization, Jesus Calls had over 104 prayer towers in India, USA, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, Europe, UK, New Zealand, Canada, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and in different parts of the world. He has nearly 10 million viewership every month through TV and digital programs.[2]
Social Contribution
editDhinakaran started a non-profit non governmental NGO named SEESHA in 2002 standing for (Social, Education, and Economic Society for Health Activities) that provides humanitarian aid and development.[15]
Controversies
edit- In December 1996, Dhinakaran and his father were implicated in forcing students of their family-owned Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences to attend prayer meetings.[16] Later, the students went on strike, leading to a temporary closure of the college.[17]
- In January 2021, the Income Tax Department confiscated 4.5 kg of gold and uncovered unaccounted income amounting to ₹120 crore (US$14 million) crore during raids at the home and offices of Dhinakaran.[18][19] Later, the department revised the amount at ₹180 crore (US$22 million).[20][21]
- In March 2023, Sri Lanka Customs detained Dhinakaran and deported him back to India for being in the island nation on a business visa to conduct a religious congregation.[22]
- In November 2023, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights registere a complaint against Dhinakaran with Arunachal Pradesh Police for "using magical remedies to heal children in the region."[23][24]
References
edit- ^ "Vision for the Nations: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran". CBN.
- ^ a b c "Paul Dhinakaran Meets PM Modi". The New Indian Express. 2014-09-11.
- ^ "Evangelist Dhinakaran meets Narendra Modi". The Times of India. October 11, 2013.
- ^ "Paul Dhinakaran: Building Prayer Towers to Reach the Nations". CBN.
- ^ a b "Globally recognised evangelist Paul Dhinakaran prays for RW". March 28, 2023.
- ^ "Vision for the Nations: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran".
- ^ "Evangelist Dhinakaran dead". The Hindu. 21 February 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- ^ India, One (20 February 2008). "Evangelist D G S Dinakaran dead". One India. Retrieved 17 January 2015.
- ^ "Evangelist Dhinakaran dead". The Hindu. 21 February 2008. Archived from the original on 25 February 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
- ^ James, Jonathan D. (2012). "The Global in the Local: The Ambivalence and Ambition of Christian Televangelism in India". In Thomas, Pradip Ninan; Lee, Philip (eds.). Global and Local Televangelism. Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 1960–1964, 1969–1970. ISBN 9781137149909.
- ^ "Dr. Paul Dhinakaran turns 60! Diamond Jubilee celebrations held". Free Press Journal.
- ^ "Sikkim: One lakh people to join mega prayer summit on December 22". India Today NE. November 29, 2023.
- ^ "'Bless Nagaland' prayer festival underway in Mokokchung". MorungExpress.
- ^ Service, Express News (February 7, 2023). "Minority communities' demands will be met: CM Stalin". The New Indian Express.
- ^ https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/chennai/2014/Dec/25/seesha-distributes-clothes-for-poor-children-and-the-needy-698140.html
- ^ K. John, Binoo (1997-06-16). "Peddling miracles, promising salvation, Christian godmen pull in crowds as well as money". India Today. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ "PARENTS/GUARDIANS ASSOCIATION OF KARUNYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY REGD Vs. DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION GUINDY CHENNAI 25". www.the-laws.com. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Kandavel, Sangeetha (2021-01-23). "I-T raids on Paul Dhinakaran expose ₹120 crore of unaccounted income". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Kandavel, Sangeetha (2021-01-20). "Evangelist Paul Dhinakaran under Income Tax Dept lens". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ PTI (2021-01-24). "I-T dept says evangelist Paul Dhinakaran has Rs 180 cr undisclosed income". The News Minute. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Tamil Nadu: Tele-evangelist Paul Dhinakaran's 28 properties raided by IT over tax evasion". The Indian Express. 2021-01-20. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Commune, The (2023-03-25). "Paul Dhinakaran And Jesus Calls Team Stopped At Jaffna Airport By Immigration Officials, Passport Confiscated To Prevent Religious Preaching". The Commune. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "NCPCR files complaint against Pastor Paul Dhinakaran over alleged magical healing of children in Arunachal". Northeast Live. 2023-11-04. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Pastor claims to cure children with magical healing powers, NCPCR writes to Arunachal DGP". ANI News. Retrieved 2024-10-01.