What is the Indian name for a charismatic guru who posesses paranormal powers like telepathy?
Godman (India) Godman is a colloquial term used in India for a type of charismatic guru. They usually have a high-profile presence, and are capable of attracting attention and support from large sections of the society. Godmen also sometimes claim to possess paranormal powers, such as the ability to heal, the ability to see or influence future events, and the ability to read minds.
Basava Premanand Basava Premanand (17 February 1930 – 4 October 2009) was a skeptic and rationalist from Kerala, India. He organised many tours around rural India for the promotion of scientific thinking, exposing alleged miracles and scams carried out by various gurus and spreading awareness of superstition. Premanand was the founder of the Federation of Indian Rationalist Associations, the convener of Indian CSICOP and the owner-publisher-editor of the monthly magazine "The Indian Skeptic", which scientifically investigates paranormal occurrences in India. He was known as one of the most vocal critics of Satya Sai Baba.