In a surprising turn of events, the founder of a Vermont-based whiskey brand, Raj Peter Bhakta, has offered to give away a college campus that he purchased during the pandemic. But there's a catch: the new owner must share his vision for the "revival of our country and our civilization." This bold move by Bhakta has sparked curiosity and debate, as he seeks to transform the 185-year-old Green Mountain College campus into a Catholic or Christian institution that aligns with his beliefs.
Bhakta, a self-made whiskey mogul, has a unique backstory. He entered the industry after being fired by President Donald Trump during the second season of "The Apprentice." Despite his success with WhistlePig, Bhakta's tenure ended in a high-profile corporate showdown, leading him to embark on a sabbatical and eventually launch his own spirits company.
His interest in higher education stems from his belief that the nation's values are eroding and that a technical or secular fix is not enough. "There's a deeper, more fundamental need in this country, and that is to go back to our Christian roots," he said. This vision has led him to purchase the shuttered Green Mountain College campus at auction for $4.5 million, significantly lower than its original asking price of $20 million.
Bhakta's plan is to transform the campus into a new Catholic or Christian institution, with the first preference being a Catholic institution. However, he is open to selling it if he cannot find a suitable beneficiary. The campus, once home to a thriving college, closed in 2019 due to declining enrollment, leaving it in a state of limbo.
The offer has sparked curiosity and debate, as Bhakta's vision for the campus is rooted in his belief that a spiritual revival is necessary for the revival of Western civilization. "We've had two great awakenings in this country before, and I think we're at the dawn, God willing, of a third great awakening," he said.
This bold move by Bhakta raises questions about the role of faith in education and the potential impact of a spiritual revival on the nation's values. As he seeks to transform the campus, the world will be watching to see if his vision for the revival of Western civilization will come to fruition.
