Real or myth? Here's everything to know about Nithyananda's 'Kailasa'
What's the story
Fugitive rape-accused godman Nithyananda fled India in 2019 and emerged almost a year later, claiming that he had established his own country, the "United States of Kailasa(USK)." Though no one knows the exact location of this fictitious country, Nithyananda's followers keep posting updates on social media about the developments in their country. So, here is everything that we know about Nithyananda's "Kailasa!"
Context
Why does this story matter?
Nithyananda and Kailasa made headlines again recently after an all-female delegation from USK attended a United Nations (UN) meeting on February 24. However, Kailasa representative Vijayapriya Nithyananda particularly drew attention at the event for her controversial statement claiming that the fugitive godman is being "persecuted by anti-Hindu elements" in India. All of these have piqued people's interest in the whereabouts of "Kailasa!"
Details
Possible location of 'Kailasa'
The name "Kailasa" is based on Tibet's Mount Kailash, which is considered sacred for the Hindu community. Numerous reports have alleged that the country is set up on one of the islands near Ecuador in South America. However, the government of Ecuador has claimed that Nithyananda was not in the nation, as per the news outlet British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
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You can apply for 'Kailasa's' e-visa
On Thursday, "Kailasa's" Twitter handle called for applications for e-visa for e-citizenship. It also claims to have a flag, an economic system, an emblem, a constitution, and a passport as well. According to the official website of USK, it has numerous departments like treasury, sovereign, housing, commerce, services, human, and more, like every other country.
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Know about 'Kailasa's' formation
The website labels "Kailasa" a movement formed by "the Hindu Adi Shaivite minority community from Canada, the United States, and other countries and is created for and offers a safe haven to all the world's practicing, aspiring or persecuted Hindus, irrespective of race, gender, caste, or creed, where they can peacefully live and express their spirituality, arts, and culture free from denigration, and violence."
Further information
UN yet to declare Kailasa a country- Here's why
Even after Nithyananda and his representatives' numerous efforts and claims of meeting authorities and government officials, the UN is set to recognize Kailasa as a country! As per the Montevideo Convention of 1933, for a territory to be considered a nation, it needs a government, a permanent population, and the capacity to have affinities with other nations.
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Nithyananda's 'Kailasa' is currently considered a micronation
Until it is recognized by the UN, a territory is referred to as a micronation. Micronations are self-declared entities claiming to be sovereign independent states but are not recognized by the UN or the international community, as per the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Once receiving the UN's recognition, it can access numerous international forums, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
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Nithyananda's 'United States of Kailasa' clarifies speech at UN event
During a conference organized by the Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, a massive controversy ignited after Vijayapriya Nithyananda, a USK "permanent ambassador," said Nithyananda was being persecuted and banned from his birth nation. Since then, the fictional nation issued a clarification regarding the comments. In a video, she claimed her remarks were "misinterpreted and distorted by certain anti-Hindu sections of the media."