Rahul pursued engineering, followed by a master’s in engineering, and built a decade-long career in business development with multinational companies. Yet, his journey as a Buddhist influencer has been nothing short of transformative. Here’s a glimpse into his inspiring journey, as shared in an exclusive interview.

1. The Path to Becoming a Buddhist Influencer
Rahul began his social media journey two years ago, focusing on Instagram. He observed a significant gap: while monks were actively creating content on Buddhism, lay practitioners were underrepresented. This realization became a turning point.

“I saw confusion and doubt among people regarding Buddhism and its practical applications, especially among the Neo-Buddhist community in India,” Rahul explains. “As a youngster, I faced similar challenges. I decided to simplify Buddhist teachings and present them through videos, making them accessible to everyone.”

The response was overwhelming. Rahul’s videos garnered millions of likes, comments, and shares. By approaching the subject from the perspective of a young Indian Buddhist, he resonated with his audience, addressing their doubts and providing value through concise, engaging reels.

2. Understanding the Audience
Rahul's primary audience consists of individuals curious about Buddha’s teachings and mindfulness practices, particularly Neo-Buddhists in India. His content primarily attracts a younger demographic aged 20 to 45, with a significant 75% male and 25% female audience base.

3. Crafting Content for Impact
Starting with minimal resources, Rahul relied heavily on Google and extensive research to ensure accuracy in his content. Over time, senior monks became his mentors, offering insights into the Tripitaka and enriching his knowledge base.

Recently, he began using AI tools like Norbu-AI (https://norbu-ai.org), which have revolutionized his content creation process. “It’s an incredible tool, especially because it supports Hindi and Marathi,” he shares. “Now, I can ask anything about Buddha’s teachings and get detailed, referenced responses.”

4. Viral Success Stories
Rahul’s content doesn’t just focus on Buddha’s teachings but also highlights influential Indian figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. One of his most successful reels emphasized Dr. Ambedkar’s universal appeal as a national leader. This video received 6.3 million views. Many of his other reels on Buddhist teachings have crossed 2 million views, showcasing the impact of his work.

5. Language as a Medium for Connection
Rahul primarily uses Hindi and English to spread Buddha’s teachings. Recognizing the linguistic diversity of India, he ensures his content reaches the maximum audience while maintaining accessibility and relatability.



6. Personal Buddhist Journey
Rahul’s connection to Buddhism traces back to his grandfather, who participated in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s mass conversion to Buddhism in 1954. Today, Rahul continues this legacy, learning from venerable teachers such as Ven. Gunanand Abhibhiku and Ven. Dipankar Bhante. He has also completed two Vipassana courses and incorporates meditation into his daily routine.

7. The Relevance of Buddhist Teachings
“Stress, anxiety, and depression are rampant in today’s digital world,” Rahul observes. “Buddha’s teachings on mindfulness and happiness act as medicine for these modern ailments. They transcend religious boundaries and resonate with universal truths.”

8. Vision for the Future
Rahul envisions a future where Indian Buddhists connect deeply with the global Buddhist community. He is creating courses on mindfulness, self-awareness, and healing, inspired by Buddhist principles. “I want to help India reclaim its identity as the land of Buddha and Dhamma,” he says passionately.

Conclusion
Rahul Dongre’s journey from an engineer to a celebrated Buddhist influencer is a testament to the transformative power of faith, education, and digital innovation. His work not only bridges gaps within the Indian Buddhist community but also inspires a global audience to embrace Buddha’s timeless teachings.

Through his dedication and vision, Rahul is not just spreading the Dhamma—he’s nurturing a new generation of mindful, compassionate, and awakened individuals.


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