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Newsmakers of the Week MAY 09, 2025 | The Indian Eye 29

GAUTAM J. DESAI STEPHEN KNAPP

Physician appointed as President American author conferred

of ACOFP Padma Shri for Literature

resident Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Shri award in the field
of Literature on Monday to American author and researcher Stephen
he American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ACOFP) re- PKnapp. Knapp has been helping people from other countries under-
cently announced that Gautam J. Desai, DO, FACOFP dist., has be-
Tgun his one-year term as president after being installed in the office stand India’s spiritual depth.
In a post on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said, “President Droupadi Mur-
during the ACOFP’s 62nd Annual Convention & Scientific Seminars in Palm mu presents Padma Shri in the field of Literature and Education to Shri Ste-
Springs, California. He is the organization’s first Indian American President. phen Knapp. He is an American author, researcher, and speaker dedicated to
“I am proud to accept the office of ACOFP president,” said Dr. Desai.
“Being president during our 75th anniversary year is particularly meaningful promoting Indian traditions. He has been helping people of other countries
to understand the spiritual depth of India.”
to me. In addition to celebrating this milestone, my term will see the launch He has been a bridge between the East and West, helping millions under-
of a new mentorship program and new resources to promote the profession stand the profound spiritual depth of India. His writings, lectures, and service to
of osteopathic family medicine. I look forward to working with ACOFP lead- humanity have made him an important global ambassador for Indian culture.
ers and our members on these and many other initiatives.” Knapp’s contributions to Indian culture include the writing of hundreds
Dr. Desai is a Professor of Family Medicine, and Chair, Department of
Primary Care, at Kansas City University, where he also serves as the Director of articles and 55 books so far on Indian spirituality, Vedic traditions, and
philosophy, such as “The Secret Teachings of the Vedas”, “Proof of Vedic
of the Global Health Program as well as the Honors Track in Global Medicine. Culture’s Global Existence”, “The Heart of Hinduism,” “Advancements of
With over 50 peer-reviewed publications in print, textbooks, encyclopedias, Ancient India’s Vedic Culture,” “Crimes Against India,” and many others.
and digital publications, Dr. Desai has presented nationally and international- These books provide insights into Indian culture and history and offer a spir-
ly on topics related to medical education and Osteopathic Manual Medicine. itual roadmap for seekers worldwide.
He has led medical outreach and taught in several places over the past 25 years, He has explained ancient Indian scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita,
including Guatemala, Kenya, the Dominican Republic, India, and China.
Srimad Bhagavatam, and the Upanishads, making them accessible to interna-
tional audiences. Through his lectures and writings, Stephen Knapp has been
An active physician member of ACOFP for many years, Dr. Desai an advocate of Indian spirituality and has tirelessly worked to dispel miscon-
has served on the ACOFP Board of Governors since 2016. His ceptions about Indian Vedic culture, promote its universal appeal, and show
many committee roles include chair of the ACOFP 75th Anni- how to apply the Dharmic traditions to uplift people everywhere.
versary Task Force, the Annual Convention Work Group, and the Knapp’s contribution to Indian culture is a testament to his unwavering
Future Leaders Work Group. He is an ACOFP fellow and has also devotion and commitment to spiritual enlightenment and cultural preser-
received the distinguished fellow designation. vation. He recently won an award from the Hindu Mandir Empowerment
Council (HMEC), and from the Vishva Hindu Parishad of America for a life-
time of contributions to the Hindu community.
Dr. Desai received his Doctor of Osteopathic MediCINE AT
On receiving the award, the American author and researcher stated that
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATH- he has published around 55 books, aiming to promote the dharma of Vedic
IC MEDICINE And completed his Residency as well as an Intern- culture in India.
ship in Osteopathic Family Medicine at Riverside Osteopathic Hospital. Continued on next page... >>

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