Paul Geoffry Dhinakaran
Background
Dr. Paul Geoffry Dhinakaran, the head of the Jesus Calls ministry and Chancellor of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, oversees a sprawling, highly monetized religious conglomerate that functions effectively as a multinational corporate entity. Under the guise of spiritual leadership, this network relies heavily on the aggressive marketing of supernatural interventions and "miracle healing" to systematically extract wealth from economically and socially vulnerable demographics.
INTODUCTION
Dr. Paul Geoffry Dhinakaran, the head of the Jesus Calls ministry and Chancellor of the Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, oversees a sprawling, highly monetized religious conglomerate that functions effectively as a multinational corporate entity. Under the guise of spiritual leadership, this network relies heavily on the aggressive marketing of supernatural interventions and "miracle healing" to systematically extract wealth from economically and socially vulnerable demographics. The enterprise presents acute strategic risks to regulatory frameworks due to its severe financial opaqueness, exploitation of systemic socio-economic distress, and a history of leveraging political connections to bypass institutional oversight. Significant enforcement actions, including extensive federal tax raids conducted by Indian authorities, underscore a persistent pattern of high risk regarding domestic tax compliance and international financial regulation violations.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS & OTHER DETAILS
Address: 16, Dr. D.G.S. Dhinakaran Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600028
Contact no. 044-23456677, +91-8546999000
Social Media Account:
IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES
1. Income Tax Raids and Alleged Tax Evasion
In January 2021, the Income Tax Department raided around 25–28 locations linked to Paul Dhinakaran, Jesus Calls, and Karunya institutions. Authorities reportedly alleged that over ₹118 crore in undisclosed income had been detected and that gold bullion was seized during the searches. Investigators also examined donation records and foreign-linked financial structures.
Raided locations reportedly included:
- Residences
- Jesus Calls offices
- Karunya University
- Karunya Christian School
2. Foreign Funding and Overseas Trust Scrutiny
Investigators reportedly examined foreign donations, overseas trusts, and international investments connected to the ministry network. The scrutiny focused on compliance issues involving international fund flows and the use of religious donations. Reports mentioned links involving countries such as the USA, UK, Singapore, and Israel.
3. Faith-Healing and “Miracle” Claims
Paul Dhinakaran and the Jesus Calls ministry have faced criticism from rationalists and anti-superstition activists over claims of divine healing, prophecy, and miracle cures. Critics argue that such events can emotionally influence vulnerable people suffering from illness, financial hardship, or psychological distress.
4. Maharashtra “Black Magic Act” Case
A reported police case was filed in Maharashtra over a faith-healing event linked to Paul Dhinakaran and associated speakers under the state’s anti-superstition and black magic law. Authorities reportedly raised concerns that people could be misled into believing serious illnesses could be cured through prayer alone.
5. Allegations of Conversion Through Welfare Activities
Critics have accused the ministry of using welfare programs, prayer meetings, and healing events to indirectly encourage religious conversion among poor and vulnerable communities.
6. Prosperity Gospel and Donation Criticism
Critics have accused the ministry of encouraging followers to donate money with promises of divine blessings, healing, or financial breakthroughs. Critics describe this as a form of emotional or faith-based fundraising commonly associated with televangelism.
7. Dynastic Family Control
The Jesus Calls and Karunya institutional network is widely viewed as being tightly controlled by the Dhinakaran family. Leadership passed from founder D.G.S. Dhinakaran to his son Paul Dhinakaran, and the third generation of the family is now increasingly visible in ministry operations and branding.
8. Sri Lanka Religious Event Controversy
Sri Lankan authorities restricted and questioned Paul Dhinakaran’s activities after objections from local civic organizations regarding planned miracle-healing events. Critics allegedly accused the ministry of using religious events for aggressive evangelism.
CONNECTED INDIVIDUALS
- Allan Anderson
- Anbumani Ramadoss
- Anbumani Ramadoss
- D. G. S. Dhinakaran
- Daniel Davidson
- Dr. A. Francis Julian
- Dr. C. Joseph Kennady
- Dr. E. J. James
- Dr. Elijah Blessing
- Dr. J. Samuel Thomas
- Dr. Jeyakumar Daniel
- Dr. Rajendra B. Lal
- Dr. S. Darius Gnanaraj
- Dr. T. V. Christy
- Dr. Viju Jacob
- Easwardhas
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami
- Evangeline Paul Dhinakaran
- Henry Waller
- M. K. Stalin
- Pema Khandu
- Rev. Fr. Dr. Ignacimuthu
- Samuel Dhinakaran
- Sharon Angel
- Shilpa Dhinakaran
- Stella Dhinakaran
- Stella Ramola
- Sweety Eunice
CONNECTED ORGANISATIONS
- AIADMK
- Bethesda Prayer Centre
- Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu
- Buckley Girls' Hostel, Cuttack, Orissa
- Canada Christian College, Toronto
- DMK
- Evangeline Matriculation Higher Secondary School
- Governing Council of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
- Hope of Glory Ministry Trust
- JC House
- Jesus Calls Media Ministry
- Jesus Calls Ministries
- Jesus Calls Prayer Academy
- Jesus Calls Prayer Tower
- Karunya Christian School
- Karunya University (Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences)
- National Monitoring Committee for Minority Education (NMCME), Govt of India
- Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)
- SEESHA (Samiti for Education, Environment, Social and Health Action)
- Seesha Buckley Orphanage
PROPAGATION MEDIUM USED
- The Family Channel
- UTurn
IMPORTANT IMAGES
