Bhayyuji Maharaj alias Udaysingh Deshmukh is a model-turned-godman. He is known to have ties with several politicians and businessmen alike. He was a mediator between corruption-crusader Anna Hazare and the government during the Lokpal movement.

According to his website, he is a "spiritual leader, social reformer and motivator, whose sole aim is to bring happiness on the faces of countless poor and downtrodden people, lift them from morass of despair, poverty, social inequality and enable them to live a life of dignity."

When asked about his newly conferred status, he evaded the question and said: