Whiskey mogul offers free $200M college campus to religious groups, with one major catch
The Unique Vision of Whiskey Brand Founder Raj Peter Bhakta
Raj Peter Bhakta, the founder of a Vermont-based whiskey brand, has a bold plan to give away a college campus he purchased during the pandemic. His condition for gifting the 185-year-old Green Mountain College campus in Poultney, Vermont, which he estimates would cost $200 million to rebuild, is that the new owner must share his vision for “the revival of our country and our civilization.”
Bhakta’s journey into the whiskey industry began with an unexpected turn of events – being fired by President Donald Trump during his time as a contestant on “The Apprentice.” This setback led him to found WhistlePig, a high-end American whiskey brand, after identifying a gap in the market during the 2008 recession.
Despite his success with WhistlePig, Bhakta’s tenure at the company ended in a corporate dispute, prompting him to sell his stake in 2019 and embark on a sabbatical. In 2020, armed with the proceeds from his departure, he launched Bhakta Spirits.
His focus then shifted to the state of American higher education, leading him to purchase the Green Mountain College campus at auction for $4.5 million in 2020. Bhakta believes that the values of the nation are eroding and that a spiritual revival rooted in Christian roots is essential for the country’s future.
“There’s a deeper, more fundamental need in this country, and that is to go back to our Christian roots.”
While Bhakta initially planned to lead the new institution himself, he is now seeking credible partners who share his vision for the campus. His first preference is a Catholic institution, followed by a Christian group.
Green Mountain College closed in 2019 due to declining enrollment, and Bhakta saw an opportunity to repurpose the campus for a greater purpose. He believes that a spiritual awakening is necessary for the country’s revival and is committed to finding the right partner to carry out this vision.
As Bhakta continues his quest to find a suitable beneficiary for the campus, he remains steadfast in his belief that a spiritual revival is the key to restoring the greatness of the country and civilization.
His website reflects his core values, emphasizing humility and service as the pillars of mankind’s greatest achievements.
