Annual Report 2018-2019 Our Mission The Divine Shakti Foundation is dedicated to providing for the holistic well-being of women, their children, orphaned and abandoned children, and all of Mother Earth. DSF is working to identify needs and design and implement programs to support women and children (especially orphaned and abandoned children) to be socially and financially self-sustaining, as well as raise awareness of the problems facing women and children through education and mass communication. DSF is also engaged in activities for the preservation of Mother Earth, especially protecting the Holy Ganga River and providing a safe and natural environment for India’s revered cows. Further, DSF supports and promotes cooperation and association among the people who are interested in these divine goals. Our Purpose PROVIDING BASIC NEEDS
• Provide comprehensive needs of poor • Establish homes for unwanted children. and widowed women and orphaned/ abandoned children. • Provide immediate and long term needs of women and children affected by • Establish programs and infrastructure natural disasters. to meet the physical, psychological, and spiritual needs of expectant mothers • Support other organizations involved who have little or no family or social with similar goals and objectives as this support. Trust.
SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL
• PlanPlan activitiesactivities andand instructionalinstructional • TeachTeach andand promotepromote effectiveeffective parentingparenting programsprograms designeddesigned forfor spiritualspiritual skills.skills. EstablishEstablish parentingparenting trainingtraining developmentdevelopment andand growth.growth. centerscenters forfor mothersmothers andand expectantexpectant mothers.mothers. • DesignDesign programsprograms toto preservepreserve culturalcultural andand familyfamily values.values.
SKILLS & VOCATIONAL TRAINING
•• PromotePromote vocationalvocational trainingtraining andand provideprovide •• PromotePromote andand supportsupport ruralrural developmentaldevelopmental equipmentequipment forfor generalgeneral trainingtraining centers,centers, trainingtraining forfor women.women. cottagecottage industryindustry training,training, dayday carecare centers,centers, etc.etc. EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT
• Provide and promote educational • Running and supporting schools in advancement with children’s schools, adult Uttarakhand to provide basic necessities to educational services, computer training, their students so that children can not only scholarship funds, etc. survive but truly thrive.
• Sponsoring the renovation and the • Enhancing educational curricula to include rebuilding of schools and education centers messages of wellness, green living and that have been devastated or destroyed by improved water, sanitation and hygiene. natural disasters • Sponsor over 20 poor children to get quality education.
HEALTH
• Provide programs for holistic healthcare. • Support other organizations involved with holistic healthcare and research designed • Support research intended for advancement primarily for women and children. of women and children’s healthcare concerns, particularly debilitating diseases • Support programs for public health such as HIV, AIDS, breast cancer, etc. maintenance including preventative holistic health, basic hygiene instruction, nutritional counseling, Ayurvedic cooking instruction, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS & PROTECTION
•• RaisingRaising massmass awareness,awareness, especiallyespecially individualindividual andand collectivecollective carboncarbon andand waterwater amongamong womenwomen andand children,children, soso thatthat theythey footprint.footprint. cancan bebe thethe GreenGreen AmbassadorsAmbassadors inin theirtheir communitiescommunities •• AdvocatingAdvocating aboutabout thethe significantsignificant andand prominentprominent environmentalenvironmental impactimpact ofof livingliving aa •• PromotingPromoting greengreen andand eco-friendlyeco-friendly massmass VegetarianVegetarian lifestyle.lifestyle. pledgespledges andand commitmentscommitments toto reducereduce ourour
ANIMALANIMAL CARECARE
•• ProtectionProtection andand preservationpreservation ofof allall lifelife includingincluding •• PromotingPromoting aa VegetarianVegetarian lifestylelifestyle asas thethe singlesingle animalsanimals withwith aa commitmentcommitment toto preventprevent animalanimal greatestgreatest andand mostmost powerfulpowerful choicechoice oneone cancan killingkilling andand crueltycruelty whereverwherever possible.possible. makemake toto protectprotect allall animals.animals.
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4 5 Contents
06. MINISTERIAL FOR INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
07. INAUGURATION OF THE WOMEN ECONOMIC FORUM
08. DSF & GIWA WELCOME TGELF TO HOST LIFE 2018 IN RISHIKESH
10. HARIYALI TEEJ CELEBRATED IN RISHIKESH
11. CLEAN INDIA DAY CONCLAVE & AWARDS
12. SAVING AND SERVING THE HIMALAYAS
14. MEDITATION AND SANITATION COME TOGETHER
15. ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE: TIMES OF INDIA RETREAT IN GOA
16. HIMALAYAN YATRA TO DEVPRAYAG
17. NOURISHMENT, SANITATION & INTERFAITH HARMONY SUMMIT IN BIJNOR
18. LAUNCH OF THE RIPPLE ACADEMY AT PARMARTH NIKETAN
19. SADHVIJI AT THE UNITED NATIONS
20. REGIONAL INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ON CHILD DIGNITY ONLINE
21. SADHVIJI AWARDED VASUNDHARA RATAN INT’L AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
22. WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2019
23. INTERFAITH RAKSHA BANDHAN
24. OPERATION GIVEBACK: TREATING PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES WITH EDUCATION
25. WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP IN THE WORLD OF INTERFAITH
26. MAKING FRIENDS ACROSS RELIGIONS – LEADERS TESTIMONY AND COUNSEL
27. AWAKENING THE DIVINE FEMININE
28. UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS GLOBAL SUMMIT
29. ANNUAL EYE CAMP AT PARMARTH
30. DSF, PARMARTH NIKETAN & ACCION PLANETARIA TEAM-UP AGAIN
31. INTERFAITH LEADERS TRAINING COMPLETION 32. PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES GANDHIAN RESURGENCE SUMMIT
34. PARMARTH NIKETAN WELCOMES THE DARD ARYANS OF LADAKH
36. “SHE IS THE SOLUTION: SUMMIT OF GRACE” – EMPOWERING WOMEN
38. INAUGURAL SANGAM SAMVAD CONCLAVE AT KUMBH MELA
39. INAUGURATION OF SANSKRITIK VIDWAT KUMBH
40. TEHRI LAKE FESTIVAL 2019
41. SHAKTI: POWER OF THE DIVINE FEMININE IN A YOGIC LIFE
42. AIIMS RISHIKESH SYMPOSIUM ON MEDITATION & CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
43. CELEBRATING A LIFE IN SERVICE: SADHVIJI’S DIVINE BIRTHDAY
44. SADHVIJI AT THE UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
45. SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI JOINS WALK FOR WATER ON WORLDWATER DAY IN WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
46. EARTH DAY CELEBRATED: BEAUTIFICATION OF THE RISHIKESH RAIL STATION
48. 2019 PARD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MEMBERS
49. MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATES SHAKTI AT PARMARTH
50. OPENING OF GREEN SHRI RAM KATHA
52. INAUGURATION OF UPGRADED COMPUTER CENTRE AT PARMARTH
53. IT’S TIME FOR ACTION TOWARDS MENSTRUAL HYGIENE MANAGEMENT
54. WORLD NO TOBACCO DAY
56. SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI GRACES THE G20 INTERFAITH SUMMIT
57. RELEASE OF MOTHER GANGA: THE HOLY RIVER
58. ACCELERATE PEACE CONFERENCE AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY
59. KOFI ANNAN UNGA FAITH BRIEFING IN NEW YORK
60. GURU PURNIMA RETREAT 2019 Divine Shakti Foundation Annual report 2018 - 2019
MINISTERIAL FOR INTERNATIONAL Religious Freedom
AUGUST 2018 WASHINGTON DC: Sadhvi Bhagawati people to change their religion in order to receive care. Saraswati, President, Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Additionally, Sadhviji suggested that We must be equally Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India was invited to the U.S. diligent about preventing hate speech which leads to State Department’s first ever ministerial for International atrocity crimes as we are about protecting freedom of Religious Freedom. The Ministerial was hosted by speech. Responding to Ambassador Brownbeck’s concerns Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Sam Brownback and about religious violence in India, Sadhviji explained was also attended by Vice President of the United States, that when people are being forced or coerced to change Mike Pence, the external affairs ministries of more than their religion to obtain education or healthcare or other 80 nations, nearly 200 civil society organizations and necessities, it creates great underlying tension in these approximately 100 international religious leaders. communities; women and children bear the brunt of this. Additionally, she shared some of the work that the Divine Sadhviji shared in the main session that her strongest Shakti Foundation and its sister organization the Global suggestion for US State Department international policy Interfaith WASH Alliance are doing in bringing together is that they should ensure that no American dollars or leaders of different religions for interfaith peace-building support go to any development organization that is giving through working together for clean water, tree plantations, care, whether healthcare or education or other, only to building of toilets, rights of women, etc. people of one religion, or that is compelling or urging
8 INAUGURATION OF THE Women Economic Forum
AUGUST 2018 NEW DELHI: Sadhvi Bhagawati Other guests included Vivek Anand Oberoi, Actor, Saraswatiji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, was Entrepreneur & Philanthropist; RC Bhargava, invited to grace and bless the Gala Inaugural of the WEF Chairman, Maruti Suzuki – Way of Life Limited; Ira (Women Economic Forum) 2018. The theme this year Singhal, S.D.M., Govt of NCT of Delhi – is the first was “The Economics of Goodness: Empowering Potential, person with a disability to top the prestigious CSE; Engineering Change.” It was held at the Taj Dwarka, New Arjun Munda, Former CM of Jharkhand; Mrs. Ouided Delhi, and was organized by Dr. Harbeen Arora and brought Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Laureate; Dr. Maya Morsy, together women leaders from diverse backgrounds. Sadhvi Pres, The National Council for Women in Egypt; Bhagawatji presented Dr. Aroraji, her husband Vinay Raiji Princess Asharaje Gaekwad Deputy Mayor Tjasa Ficko, and the other guests with a sacred Rudraksh sapling as City of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Tanja Wehsely, Member of symbol of DSF’s invitation for WEF to emphasize clean, Vienna City Council and State Parliament, Austria. green & sustainable development.
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DSF & GIWA WELCOME TGELF to Host Life 2018 in Rishikesh
10 AUGUST 2018 RISHIKESH INDIA: altruistic leadership aimed at improving the The Global InterFaith Wash Alliance, Divine overall standard of the world by mobilizing Shakti Foundation, Pujya Swami Chidanand youth around the world to take “actions” Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati through digital platforms calling on Saraswatiji took great pride in welcoming government, faith leaders, business icons and hosting Founder Shiv Khemka, Syed and celebrities to be more accountable on Salman Chishty and 200 youth leaders issues ranging from education and gender from The Global Education and Leadership equality to water and sanitation. Foundation (TGELF) for their most-prized conference, LIFE, on the banks of the Holy During the conference, TGELF – in Maa Ganga. Participants, which included cooperation with Global Citizen India – youth and their mentors from over 20 unveiled its WASHUP program, an outreach countries around the world, were treated to to communities throughout India promoting special Ganga Aarti ceremonies, as well as a sanitation, hygiene and water conservation special meditation held at the famed Beatles measures. Trivendra Singh Rawat, the Ashram. Honorable CM of Uttarakhand, offered his support towards the implementation of this TGELF focuses on cultivating ethical, program.
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HARIYALI TEEJ CELEBRATED In Rishikesh
14 AUGUST 2018 RISHIKESH INDIA: leaders together as one family, serving green Marking the auspicious occasion of the Mother Earth. This is the spirit that is needed Hariyali Teej festival and following the today to encourage our inherent oneness - hugely successful completion of the tGELF harmony whilst simultaneously cultivating two-day LIFE 2018 at Parmarth Niketan values in the younger generation.” conference, youth leaders from across 20 countries participated in a massive tree President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, plantation at Veerpur village near Rishikesh. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, one of the hosts They planted fruit and medicinal trees and for the tGELF gathering, also shared, “When enthusiastically displayed their commitment we come together to plant these trees, we are to bringing their newly-announced not only planting a cleaner generation but WASHUP campaign into action. The trees cultivating hope and healing for an ailing they planted were the same trees with planet. With climate change and the water which they had pledged during the closing crisis looming as real challenges for our ceremony of LIFE 2018, on International future generations, we illustrate that small Youth Day, along with the Hon’ble Chief actions - such as planting and caring for Minister Trivendra Singh Rawatji. trees, saving water, being conscious of our consumption, choosing to be vegetarian On the occasion, Pujya Swamiji said, “There - really do make a lasting impact on our can be a plan A and plan B but there isn’t planet. This is the message that our youth a planet B. There is only one planet and need to learn - that the actions they take we must protect and preserve that planet. I impact our world.” cannot think of a better way to do that than by bringing our youth leaders and interfaith
12 CLEAN INDIA DAY Conclave & Awards
15 AUGUST 2018 NEW DELHI: The 8th Annual Clean Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of the Divine Shakti India Day Conclave and Awards, sponsored by the Foundation, meanwhile emphasized the importance ONGC and organized by the World Dignity Forum, The of inculcating the values of cleanliness in youth and ImaginIndia Institute, The Peace Gong and many other children so that Clean India becomes innate in our way organizations, were held at the Constitutional Club, and of living and our way of existence. “When we consider Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhvi something ours,” she stated, “we take care of it. If, Bhagawati Saraswatiji were on-hand to offer blessings in the same way, we can consider our neighborhoods and assistance in presenting awards to organisations and and our streets to be ours, then taking care of them people working towards a cleaner, greener and better and keeping them clean would only be natural. We India for all. need for our values, our sanskaras and our education to reflect these basic, fundamental and vital needs. Pujya Swamiji emphasized the importance of a Clean And, what we’ve found at Divine Shakti Foundation is India for a sustainable, secure and resilient India. He that women and children, especially, are critical in this inspired everyone to pledge and do their part to support effort - not only in spreading the message, but also in Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modiji’s vision in our individual actually becoming the caretakers.” and collective capacities.
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SAVING AND SERVING The Himalayas
19 AUGUST 2018 LADAKH, INDIA: A vital one simple mantra Himalaya Hai to Hum three-day International Conference with Hai! (If Himalayas thrive then we thrive)” the theme of “Saving the Himalayas through Science and Spirituality” in Leh, Ladakh He led an energetic pledge bringing was organised by the Save the Himalayas everyone’s hands together and repeating Foundation (SHF), in association with the after him, “We will work together, walk Divine Shakti Foundation, the LAHDC together, save together, serve together & Leh, Mahabodhi International Meditation be together. Bharat Mata Ki Jai (Hail to Centre – MIMC, Global Interfaith WASH Mother India).” Alliance, DLF Foundation, HESCO and Afterwards, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Integrated Mountain Initiative. The President of the Divine Shakti Foundation inaugural programme took place at the and Secretary General, GIWA, shared beautiful CIBS Auditorium, Choglamsar. that “three essential paths must come The conference was an effort to bring together to protect the Himalayas: Sena organisations and individuals together, (Army), Sangha (Community) and across government, CSO, faith-based Sarkar (Government). The culture of the organisations, scholars, experts and various Himalayas is where the secret/the key to other stakeholders, to find and implement healthy and happy living -real life- for the solutions that can help preserve and protect world lies. The Himalayas also gives us ecologically-biodiverse Himalayan regions sacred life in our bodies, through plentiful like Ladakh, and especially to empower clean air, water and soil. When we pledge it women and youth to be the caretakers and means that we commit to make changes in guardians of these eco-sensitive regions. our lives. Himalayan culture is not a culture of use, abuse and discard or consume and Said HH Pujya Swami Chidanand throw. When we save this culture, our Saraswatiji – Muniji, President of Parmarth roots, the Himalayas will automatically Niketan, Founder Chairman, Global be saved. Lastly, let us really ask ourselves Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), the every minute and every moment of our Chief Guest of the programme, “Himalayas day; through what we eat, what we buy doesn’t need us, we need the Himalayas. and how we live; by these little, little things Hence, it’s not really about saving the in our lives; how are we being part of the Himalayas as it’s about saving ourselves and problem or how are we being part of the our future generations. If we consume and solution?” degrade the planet at the rate we are, our future generations will ask us what have we done. Therefore, we must remember this
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MEDITATION AND SANITATION Come Together
24 AUGUST 2018 LADAKH INDIA: A joyous GoI, Nagpur and Maj Gen Yash Mor, General Officer inauguration of a new toilet complex took place in Leh- Commanding, Leh Sub Area and many other eminent Ladakh at the Mahabodhi International Meditation dignitaries. Centre (MIMC) near the campus’ large meditation and prayer hall. Led by Pujya Swami Chidanand The visit was also a chance for Sadhviji to spend time Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Co- with the Buddhist nuns of the Meditation Centre, who Founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) receive their monastic training - which includes the and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, President of study of Buddhist philosophy, Buddhist history and the Divine Shakti Foundation – who were both in the Ladakhi, Tibetan, English and Pali languages - Ladakh for the Saving the Himalayas conference – at the centre. The nuns are representative of a sea- the event was organized and hosted by Ven Bhikkhu change in thinking surrounding female ordination, Sanghasena, Founder of Mahabodhi International and the Divine Shakti Foundation plays an important Meditation Centre and graced by Imam Umer Ilyasi, part in the development of their spiritual life. In President of the All India Imam Organisation, fact, the nuns spend two months each winter in an Dr Vandana Shiva, Founder of Nadanya, Sulekha exchange program with Parmarth Niketan, living and Kumbhare, Hon’ble Member, Minority Commission, participating in the life of the ashram.
16 ACHIEVING EXCELLENCE: Times of India Retreat in Goa
28 AUGUST 2018 GOA INDIA: Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of the Divine Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi Shakti Foundation, shared, “At Times Bhagawati Saraswati were invited to give a of India we need excellence in sharing, spiritually- motivational talk at a special, spreading and disseminating inspiration as high-level two-day retreat, dubbed Games of well as information; we need excellence in Throne: Achieving Excellence, for executives not just reporting news but in making the of The Times of India in Goa. Pujya Swamiji news! To achieve this vision of excellence, we offered several sutras and mantras for must melt the thick borders between work, excellence, and advised the executives to spirituality and life. Otherwise, if what you “create the news, make news, no problem. do is drudgery and you’re counting the hours This is great and it’s your job. But also make till the end of the day or the weekend, then sure you are checking your own news! Go we will never achieve excellence.” on Facebook, no problem. But, remember at the end of the day, you have to face your own She also emphasized the importance of a book. The multivitamin every day that you spiritual connection in order to achieve true must take is meditation - no reaction with excellence in life, and detailed the progress a dose of introspection. This multivitamin being made in the programs and initiatives is the key to spiritual excellence. Life and of both DSF and the Global Interfaith WASH excellence are not just about connecting to Alliance (GIWA), both of which have been the internet and getting the fastest speed lauded for excellence in their spiritual but we must remember to connect with the approach to ongoing societal challenges. innernet and get the right direction.”
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HIMALAYAN YATRA To Devprayag
7 SEPTEMBER 2018 DEVPRAYAG, visited some ancient temples in the region INDIA: Just ahead of Himalaya Diwas, a and planned for the temples’ beautification, beautiful, experiential yatra was organised greenery and cleanliness. by DSF to Devprayag from Rishikesh with Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, bringing Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji said, together Parmarth Rishikumars, devotees “Childhood is the most precious time of representing the Indian Diaspora from the life. At this time, children learn and absorb United Kingdom, along with many sevaks the values and the example we set for them. and pilgrims. During their visit, they Therefore, as parents, caretakers and teachers interacted with the locals, listened to their I invite you to lead the future generation challenges, took part in a cleanliness drive, of the Himalayas by your example. By did a sanitation survey of the local toilets instilling in them the values of cleanliness, and sanitation facilities, visited the National environmental conservation and water Sanskrit Institute, and shared the numerous conservation you are creating the leaders of gifts of the Himalayas which make Himalayan tomorrow.” women and children the ambassadors of their sacred, ancient and timeless culture. They
18 NOURISHMENT, SANITATION & INTERFAITH HARMONY Summit in Bijnor
12 SEPTEMBER 2018 BIJNOR INDIA: together hundreds of Asha and Aganwadi A summit organized by the Divine Shakti workers - all female community leaders - to Foundation, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance raise awareness and inspire them to take up and Parmarth Niketan in Najibabad, Bijnor at the mission of ending malnourishment and the Gurukul International Academy addressed take swachhta (cleanliness) deeper into every ending malnourishment; empowering women household and family. to be sanitation champions; inspiring Swachh Bharat as a people’s movement; protecting the HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji environment; and, working together, across all was the Chief Guest, whilst DSF’s President faiths, to realize these goals. With the support and Secretary General of GIWA, Sadhvi of the District Magistrate Shri Atal Kumar Bhagawati Saraswatiji, gave a powerful and Raoji and the SDM Dr Pankaj Kumar Vermaji riveting speech in Hindi to deeply inspire the programme brought together all of the the women, a majority of the audience, to gram pradhans of the district who have been come forward, work together and lead this pivotal in making Bijnor the first district to movement. become ODF in Uttar Pradesh. It also brought
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LAUNCH OF THE RIPPLE ACADEMY At Parmarth Niketan
18 SEPTEMBER 2018 RISHIKESH INDIA: Thirty their local communities - such as improved access to women from India and Nepal gathered together to launch WASH, protection of women and girls, environmental The Ripple Academy, a holistic training program for projects, improved access to education and livelihoods, women to work together to protect the environment and and more - they will be able to focus more of their efforts unite for peace and justice. This initiative is a partnership on improving their families and communities, rather between United Religions Initiative and the Women’s than just on survival. Earth Alliance. Divine Shakti Foundation, Parmarth Niketan, and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance are Pujya Swamiji, Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, and Swamini also co-partners and co-sponsors. Adityanandaji welcomed the group and shared the work that Parmarth, GIWA, and DSF are doing for interfaith With climate change, environmental destruction, and unity, women’s empowerment, improved WASH and oppressive governments, women are often the most more. Said Pujya Swamiji, “”All over the world, people impacted within their communities. However, they are are wandering around looking for peace. All are looking often cut off from the solutions, resources, and networks for peace for themselves, but it seems to me that now the that they need to address these issues. The aim of the Ripple whole work must come together to create happiness and Academy is to connect grassroots women leaders in these peace for all. It is essential to focus first on the interest of communities in a network that strives for environmental the environment for the benefit of human society. Women protection, women’s empowerment, and peacebuilding. will play a vital and important part in this process, as they By giving them the tools they need to create change in always have done.”
20 SADHVIJI AT THE United Nations
21 SEPTEMBER 2018 NEW YORK CITY: Sadhvi reflecting the diversity of religions, regional and Bhagawati Saraswati, President of Divine Shakti national presence, and covering thematic areas which Foundation & Secretary-General of Global Interfaith mirror the UN’s mandate. This is the first time in the WASH Alliance, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, has been history of the United Nations that a diverse group elected to be a Co-Chair of the Faith-Based Advisory of UN system entities, nominate their faith-based Council to the United Nations. Approximately 40 development, humanitarian and policy advocacy faith leaders and leaders of international faith-based partners, and then convene them in an Advisory organizations have been nominated to serve on this Capacity, to the whole of the UN system. Sadhvi Advisory Council. While in New York, Pujya Sadhviji Bhagawatiji hopes to utilize the platform to share the also participated in the first face-to-face meeting of the work that GIWA and DSF are doing in the field, namely Advisory Council to which she was nominated by the improving WASH and especially empowering women United Nations. During the meeting, she was elected to to be agents of change in their communities. She also serve as Vice-Chair of the Council. hopes to highlight the interfaith efforts being made, and to bring female leadership together within the The Advisory Council of Faith-Based Organizations faith community to address the issues of ending child to the UN Inter Agency Task Force on Religion is marriage and improving menstrual hygiene. composed of the UN system’s faith-based partners,
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REGIONAL INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ON Child Dignity Online
27 SEPTEMBER 2018 NEW DELHI: children now must also contend with Sadhvi Bhagawatiji was part of the Regional violence that comes online, through forms Interfaith Dialogue on Child Dignity Online, such as cyber bullying, webcam exploitation, which was organized by UNICEF, Arigatou sexting, harmful and inappropriate web International, Shanti Ashram, Gandhi Smriti content, and more. and Darshan Samiti, Sarvodaya-Focolare family, Gandhigram Rural University, GNRC The objective of the gathering was to better India Partners, and the UAE, and was held at understand the impact of violence against Gandhi Smriti, Rajghat, New Delhi. children, and to come up with strategies to end the violence on both the individual Around the world, millions of children live and societal level. Focusing on the power with violence in their lives on a daily basis. interfaith religious leaders have to promote According to the organizers of this event, “In change, they discussed religious viewpoints 2015 more than half of the world’s children on the growth of technology and how have experienced some form of violence. religious leaders through their organizations Violence is pervasive, largely invisible, and foundations can motivate and inspire socially accepted and very often fails to be their communities to protect children online investigated and addressed.” Additionally, and prevent further violence.
22 SADHVIJI AWARDED VASUNDHARA RATAN INT’L Award of Excellence
6 OCTOBER 2018 NEW DELHI: Sadhvi The event was graced by the presence of Bhagawatiji was awarded the Vasundhara revered spiritual leaders, Dr. Bhupendrabhai Ratan International Award of Excellence at Pandyaji, Dr. Manoj Mohan Shastriji , the 56th RAI International Awards at the Dr. Yogendra Narain, former Secretary- India International Center in New Delhi General Rajya Sabha and Defense Secretary, for her exceptional service as the President Govt of India, HE Jagdishwar Goburdhan, of Divine Shakti Foundation to women High Commissioner of Mauritius, Shri and children in our society. The award was Ghanshyam Guptaji, Chairman Maharaja given by Jagadguru Shree Nimbarkacharya Agrasen 500-bed Charitable Hospital, and Peethadheeshvar HH Shree Shyamsharan several other dignitaries. The event was Devacharya Shreeji Maharaj. organized by Respect Age International.
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WORLD MENTAL HEALTH Day 2019
10 OCTOBER 2018 NEW DELHI: Sadhviji spoke on the role of faith and faith Sadhvi Bhagawatiji joined together with leaders in preventing and addressing drug revered faith leaders, Delhi Health Minister addiction. She expressed her commitment Shri Satyendra Jain, and distinguished to spread awareness on Mental Health dignitaries on World Mental Health issues and to inspire people to seek help Day for the “Consultation with Faith and have access to resources they require Based Organizations for Developing to take care of themselves, their families Comprehensive Health & Rights Based and their communities. She also invited Response to Drug Use.” This panel was the organisations present to host the next organized by URI, the United Nations, event on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, India HIV/AIDS Alliance, the Global Fund, in the lap of the Himalayas. HRAsia, and the Government of Delhi.
24 INTERFAITH Raksha Bandan
26 OCTOBER 2018 RISHIKESH, INDIA: A The knot is called brahmagranthi which very special Raksha Bandhan ceremony took symbolizes the united trinity of Brahma, place at Parmarth Niketan, in association Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). This yagno pavit with Divine Shakti Foundation, in the ceremony is a very important sanskara- a ‘rite divine presence of Pujya Swami Chidanand of passage’-symbolizing the transition of a Saraswatiji and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati. child from the infantile stage of play to their On this day, sisters of all ages tie a talisman, or next more serious, contemplative stage. amulet, called the rakhi, around the wrists of their brothers, symbolically protecting them, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji emphasised to all the receiving a gift in return, and traditionally Rishikumars who had completed their Janeu investing the brothers with a share of the Sanskar (Yagyo Pavit) that the true Rakhi is responsibility of their potential care. The not just one that we physically tie on our hands Rishikumars (students of the Parmarth but the sutra (thread) that the Guru Mantra Gurukul) underwent a yagno pavit (sacred weaves in our lives. She reminds us how deeply thread) ceremony in the morning. The three blessed we are to be sitting at the feet of the sacred strings of the yagno pavit denote, as Master and to be blessed by His aashirwaad Pujya Swamiji explains, the three gunas – upon us all, reminding us to reflect upon His sattva (reality), rajas (passion), and tamas words, His teachings, His message and most of (darkness) which are tied together in a knot. all…His divine example.
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OPERATION GIVEBACK: Treating Public Health Issues with Education
30 OCTOBER 2018 RISHIKESH some all too common public health INDIA: Divine Shakti Foundation issues,” said Dr. Tung Nguyen, recently hosted at Parmarth an emergency and critical care Niketan, Rishikesh, a special practitioner from Philadelphia, PA, initiative, Operation Giveback, the USA. “The education we provide goal of which is to combat common them should ensure a long-term and public health issues with education sustainable health impact that will in the hopes of providing the public continue long after our departure.” with long-term practices that will “Coming here and seeing the need enhance their overall well-being. and how we can make an impact in Nine medical professionals visiting the lives and health of these people from around the globe dedicated has been the most rewarding part,” their time and talent, treating over added Jeff Holoman, a family and 1,100 patients at 3 health camps in emergency medicine practitioner Rishikesh, Deuli and Gumaniwala. from Philadelphia, PA, USA.“The opportunity to give back and be “This was a great opportunity to hands-on is one I always value and work with the poor and address hope to do as often as I can.”
26 WOMEN AND LEADERSHIP IN THE World of Interfaith
4 NOVEMBER 2018 TORONTO: Women faith leadership, shared the many challenges play vital roles in development and that come within her own tradition about peace-building. As governmental, non- often being the only woman on the stage for governmental and faith-based organizations major faith based gatherings and how it is a agree and commit to Sustainable source of great resilience and joy for her to be Development Goals, the importance of the example that can inspire other women to engaging women is obvious. Yet despite break the stained glass ceiling. intellectual and theoretical agreement, glass ceilings are not breaking quickly She explained, “It is important for us to realize and completely enough — particularly in that as we worship the Goddess, so there must religious leadership. When world religious be respect for and a place for women in the bodies and multilateral organizations invite world of religions. And in situations that are religious leadership, they include too few not currently changeable, that are so deeply women. This panel convened top women ingrained in the culture as to be currently leaders to consider honestly how, together, intractable, my spiritual path is to make space they are challenging and breaking that for these moments and utilise them to connect stained-glass ceiling. deeply to the ‘I’ that does not need someone else’s appreciation or recognition or approval Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President to occupy my space on planet Earth. The of the Divine Shakti Foundation and a challenge and the gift is knowing when each is trailblazer in the emergence of women in the appropriate response.”
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MAKING FRIENDS ACROSS RELIGIONS Leaders Testimony and Counsel
5 NOVEMBER 2018 TORONTO: A special The eminent panelists included Pujya series of panels entitled “Making Friends Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President Across Religions – Leaders Testimony and of Parmarth Niketan, Co-Founder of Counsel’ were held throughout the Parliament Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Rabbi of the World’s Religions. These discussions David Rosen, International Director of required each Presenter to share a story of a Interreligious Affairs of the American friendship across religions and offer practical Jewish Committee, Sadhvi Bhagawati advice for practicing friendships between Saraswati, President of the Divine Shakti people of different faiths. Discussions also Foundation, Secretary General of Global were followed by a brief interaction between Interfaith WASH Alliance, Bhaisahib the presenters and the audience. The Divine Mohinder Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman Shakti Foundation is emblematic of the and visionary for the Nishkam Group type of pan-religious cooperation that is of Charitable Organisations, United essential to cope with the challenges facing Kingdom, Rev. Susan Johnson is the the planet and its people. With DSF, women first female National Bishop of the and children of all faiths and creeds are not Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada only assisted by the efforts of the foundation, and beautifully moderated by Rabbi Alon but are encouraged to be vital participants in Goshen-Gottstein, Founder and Director the evolution of change in their families and of Elijah Interfaith Institute and a leader in communities. interfaith dialogue.
28 AWAKENING The Divine Femenine
6 NOVEMBER 2018 TORONTO: This they are not enough- not thin enough, not motivational session, held at the Parliament of pretty enough etc. This sense of inner lack World Religions, shared the secrets of divine- inhibits them from accessing the source of feminine-energy with attendees, and inspired abundance within. Today we need to no longer them to believe they can tap into this energy be distracted from the truth or fight the truth and empower themselves to connect with the but rather women must live the truth that they Goddess within. are more than enough. After their connection with their inner abundance they can then be Sadhvi Bhagawatiji spoke about how she was truly empowered to accomplish anything and personally touched by the Goddess Ganga everything they dream.” Sadhvi Bhagawatiji when she first came to Rishikesh and how that shared how here experiences and observation experience changed her life. “What distracts helped inspire her to serve as the President of women from truly understanding their power,” the Divine Shakti Foundation. she stated, “is the core misconception that
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UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS Global Summit
20 NOVEMBER 2018 NEW YORK CITY: In her address on that panel, Sadhvi President of the Divine Shakti Foundation Bhagawati Saraswatiji said, “It is crucial Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, addressed to uplift the women and girls of our the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations world today, so that they may lead the Global Summit at UN World Headquarters way towards a more peaceful tomorrow. during the historic Summit on 19-20 Now is the time to promote the building November. Her speeches, delivered before an of skills so that women can especially audience from across the world, focused on play key roles at negotiation tables. We the crucial importance of women’s leadership also must look for the causes of violence and sustainable development in a time of and insecurity in the first place, and increasing global strife and insecurity as well call for unified actions towards a more as the importance of the role of religion and sustainable world, including ensuring religious leaders in fostering peaceful and access to safe water and improved inclusive societies. WASH.”
30 ANNUAL EYE CAMP At Parmarth
20 NOVEMBER 2018 RISHIKESH This special camp has been organised for the INDIA: The Divine Shakti Foundation last sixteen years with the devoted leadership (DSF) hosted an annual, free Eye Camp at of Dr. Purnima Roy, an Ophthalmologist Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh from Australia, who specializes in the from the 20th- 30th of November, 2018. treatment of cataracts, glaucoma and general An international team of doctors and other ophthalmology. The eye camp is now a well- medical professionals from six different known and well appreciated medical service countries provided eye care treatment, event for Rishikesh and the surrounding including eye surgery, for numerous Himalayan villages and patients who come persons who would not normally be able to the Ashram months in advance to ensure to afford these services. The team included that their names are on the list to receive the eleven doctors and thirteen para-medical required treatment. Doctors examine and staff from Australia, USA, Malaysia, United treat between 800-1000 patients during the ten Kingdom, Nepal, and India. day period of the camp.
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DSF, PARMARTH NIKETAN & ACCION Planetaria Team-up Again
29 NOVEMBER 2018 RISHIKESH the NGO in 2004, stated that “everyone is able INDIA: A team of dentists from Spain to do a small action, even once, to improve again offered dental treatment to people the planet. We love to be here, people are from villages and schools around Rishikesh. very polite, even when they are afraid of the The service project was organized by The treatments. And besides the Ashram is very Divine Shakti Foundation and Parmarth organized and provides us all the structure Niketan Ashram with the blessings of and logistical assistance that we need to make Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and in things easy for us to work.” There was also an association with Acción Planetaria DSR, an educational component to communicate the NGO from Spain that works to improve the importance of tooth-brushing to the nearly environment of the Earth and the quality of 1000 children, parents and teachers treated life of its people, with the belief that a better during the group’s visit at six sites in ten days. world is possible. Christian Vargas, the surgeon who founded
32 INTERFAITH LEADERS Training Completion
10 DECEMBER 2018 RISHIKESH INDIA: Religious Freedom Initiative, Our Volx, Steps Youth leaders from more than 12 countries, Organisation, Purwaramaya Battarmulla, belonging to diverse faith traditions and Euphrates Institute, Save and Serve organisations, gathered at Parmarth Niketan Foundation, Shia Degree College, Jamiatul for a two-day Youth Leader Workshop and Islamia Banat, Madrassa, Mangaldai, Training during which they were shown Darrang, Assam and Parmarth Niketan. ways - through interactive, engaging and fun activities designed to illustrate the Those in the training also enjoyed special art and skills of interfaith dialogue - to interactions with Pujya Swami Chidanand be champions of peaceful and inclusive Saraswatiji – Muniji & Sadhvi Bhagawati societies. Saraswatiji and a unique opportunity to share their experiences and learnings as Jointly organized by the Global Interfaith well as reaffirm their commitment to be WASH Alliance, the Divine Shakti Ambassadors of Peace. They joined Pujya Foundation and KAICIID, the training was Swamiji, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, Mohamed led with great commitment and compassion Safiullah Munsoor, Anders and Renata in by Mohamed Safiullah Munsoor, KAICIID a special water blessing ceremony, as they Programme’s Director, Anders Frantzen, learned about how committed the Divine Senior Programme Manager and Renáta Shakti Foundation is in empowering women Nelson , KAICIID Coordination Officer. It and children around the world by providing included representatives from organisations them with voices and the tools they need to such as United Religions Initiative Asia, be effective change that they seek in both their Art of Living, India Mauritius Foundation, families and their communities. University of Dhaka, Interfaith Colombo,
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PRESIDENT OF INDIA INAUGURATES GANDHIAN Resurgence Summit
17 JANUARY 2019 PRAYAGRAJ INDIA: peaceful and prosperous India together! The Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram This is what Gandhiji fought for...this is Nath Kovind, visited the eco-friendly what he believed.” Parmarth Niketan camp at the Kumbh Mela in Prayag Raj to pay tribute to the Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of founder of modern India, Mahatma the Divine Shakti Foundation - who led a Gandhi, in honor of the 150th anniversary seminar that day sharing her foundation’s of his birth. He did so by inaugurating efforts to empower women and children the Gandhian Resurgence Summit, which to take up the mantle of Gandhiji’s call was organized by Parmarth Niketan, the for a clean and serene India - similarly Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, the highlighted the historic significance of Divine Shakti Foundation and the Harijan the President’s visit. “He is a leader who Sevak Sangh, India’s oldest Gandhian models Gandhian principles of simplicity, organization founded by Gandhiji in 1932. integrity, nobility of thought AND action. Gandhiji said ‘without action we are not The importance of President Kovindji’s visit going anywhere’ and our Hon’ble President after the first shaji snan served to highlight is a man of great action and great direction. the timelessness of Gandhiji’s teachings His life and work are a sangam (confluence) and his message for not just the tens of of dedication to culture, nature and future.” millions of pilgrims visiting the Kumbh, but also for all of India and all the world The three-day gathering was an important watching this event - a message of unity, one, not just for what it commemorated of peace, of cleanliness, of environmental and who attended , but for the depth and protection and of upliftment for all. breadth of the outreach efforts orchestrated by both Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji, as well Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, as the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Divine Shakti President of Parmarth Niketan and Co- Foundation and Global Interfaith WASH Founder of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Alliance, to include Gandhan Women spoke emphatically about the importance Leaders and Youth in the celebration and of Gandhian thought and principles for continuation of Gandhi’s philosophy and today’s world. “Gandhiji,” Pujya Swamiji practices. Several discussion and work declared, “said, ‘sanitation is more panels geared towards the development important than independence.’ Today is a of current practices and initiatives in historic day because, for the first time since the Ghandan mien were hosted by Pujya our first president after independence, Swamiji and Sadhviji, and afforded those Hon’ble Shri Rajendra Prasad, an Indian that attended a glimpse into the past and president has come to the Kumbh Mela! In the hoped-for future of India. fact, today, we have a triveni sangam of our Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Chief Minister working for a clean India, green India, healthy, united,
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PARMARH NIKETAN WELCOMES The Dard Aryans of Ladakh
22 JANUARY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: Pujya Swamiji agreed, stating “So long Vibrant colours, the beauty of nature, and as these connections, these relationships uplifting waves of sound enveloped the survive, no matter where we live, the tree of ashram as the Dard Aryans of Ladakh made diversity will flourish and bear rich fruits. a spontaneous visit to the ashram, offering a And this is what we must do. On the banks glorious illustration of the beautiful diversity of the sangam, we stood together, resolved of our India. Dard Aryans are custodians to live together. We are one and shall always of India’s ancient heritage and the ashram be one. This is the message of the sangam.” celebrated their unique traditions and culture with a puja featuring water brought from the Smiles abounded as Pujya Swami Indus by the Dard Aryans that was mixed Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvji with water from the sangam for a sacred water Bhagawatiji greeted the group with open blessing ceremony emblematic of the Indian arms and open hearts. The Dard Aryans tradition of co-existence and tolerance.. In brought water from the Indus which was addition, Pujya Swamiji and Sadhviji were mixed with the water from the sangam for presented with traditional garlands and a sacred world water blessing ceremony scarves and adorned with beautiful flowers at the camp, an act emblematic of the representative of the Dard Aryans homeland Indian tradition of co-existence and in Jammu and Kashmir. The relationship tolerance. The visit inside the ashram was with the group is particularly meaningful concluded with the sharing of sweets and because one of the chief goals of the Divine tea. Everyone then marched together to Shakti Foundation is the development of the Arail Ghat for sacred Sangam Aarti programs to preserve India’s cultural and filled with more colours, the beauty of the family values - something it is continuing sangam, and invigorating waves of music. to facilitate especially with our friends from Ladakh.
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“SHE IS THE SOLUTION: SUMMIT OF GRACE” Empowering Women
30 JANUARY 2019 PRAYAGRAJ INDIA: menstrual hygiene management, and “She is the Solution: Summit of Grace” further solutions; musical presentations; was a two-day conference bringing inspiring speeches; prayers at the Sangam; together thousands of women, men, and a free Bhandara for participants and area children, prominent female faith and residents; and an energizing march from political leaders to Empower Women, Parmarth Niketan Shivir to the Arail Ghat through an emphasis on increased access, followed by a huge, enthusiastic rally. the end of child marriage, and safe and proper resources for menstrual hygiene During the inaugural session, Hon’ble management. The Summit was organized Sumitra Mahajan, Speaker of the Lok by the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Sabha, declared that child marriage is in partnership with the Divine Shakti a dangerous burden: “A girl who is not Foundation, supported by the WSSCC physically or mentally ready, is not mature and technically supported by UNICEF at and does not understand the world must the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. not be burdened with marriage. I come from a humble background, but I was The Summit also featured the kickoff of inculcated with values that we must not do a historic signature campaign by GIWA unto others what we would not like to be and UNICEF to break the Guinness done unto us. Hence, let us ensure proper Book of World Records in generating nutrition, education and sanitation of all mass awareness for the cause of “Ending women and girls. Our Shakti doesn’t need Child Marriage”. The campaign is for empowerment from someone else; they the most signatures on a flag for the need to recognize that they themselves message: ‘YES to Education, NO to Child are the power.” Marriage. DSF was proud to support its sister organization in the campaign. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Other events during the summit included followed that thought with a call for all to roundtable discussions, where the leaders recognize the value of the divine female, shared the work they were presently saying “We are so fortunate to be here doing in the areas of education, cultural on the banks of the Sangam for Shakti – change relative to child marriage, and for the Divine Feminine. Today I cite the
38 example of the young women from Bengal to protect you from child marriages, from who has topped IAS examinations, whose the stigma around menstruation, from father is a rickshaw driver and mother has lack of education. Today, we come together passed away. She and many young girls in as a Sangam with the sankalp (pledge) this nation are an example for all of us of that no Shaadi (marriage) before Shiksha the pain and the struggles of the women (education) and no more days of missed in our country. To me there is no use for school due to lack of access to menstrual spirituality or religion that doesn’t actively hygiene management!” work to extinguish child marriage. I salute all the mothers and fathers who spend In a rousing speech to the gathered crowd, their every ounce of energy and money Pujya Swami Ramdevji said, “Don’t wait to educate their daughters. I also call on for someone else to protect you, you everyone to re-channel the money we should become strong enough physically, spend in having grand marriages just to mentally and spiritually so that you can show off our status and wealth and invest defend yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you that in educating our girls. Until we realize your monthly periods are dirty because that our girls and women are the power we without menstruation there can be no can never truly prosper as a nation.” creation.” He led everyone in a pledge against child marriage and adamantly Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of advocated for education for our girl the Divine Shakti Foundation, said: “The children. He shared that every young girl solutions today come from the Self and the should be so educated and established in Samaj (community). You are the Shakti. any profession that she chooses such that No one will give you Shakti or empower she, herself, is an inspiration and example you from outside. The greatest shakti to others. lies within yourself. That is the shakti (the power) of your sanskaras (values/ ethics) and your sanskriti (culture). Do not think less of yourselves. The Mother Goddess is within you! But there is also the responsibility of Samaj (community)
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INAUGURAL SANGAM SAMVAD Conclave at Kumbh Mela
1 FEBRUARY 2019 ALLAHABAD, INDIA: The grand discourse is about. Today we have everything set: inauguration of a series of Sangam Samvad dialogues TV set, sofa set, diamond set but we are still upset. took place at the Parmarth Niketan Camp, Sector Here at the Kumbh Mela we have nothing set but 18, Kumbh Mela, and brought spiritual leaders, still millions of people are joyful and peaceful. This academicians, scholars, policy experts, and Think is what we need today. We need a revolution in our Tank researchers, together to discuss India culture, way of thinking and our way of being which is more economics, public policy and governance. Organised in line with our planet and with humanity. This is a by the Kumbh India Think Council, in association way of life; this divine inspiration is the nectar that with the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and the emerges from the Kumbh.” Divine Shakti Foundation, it began with a traditional lamp lighting and concluded with a pledge and a Sh. K. Rajasekharan said: “There is life in Triveni. vote of thanks. The theme for the samvad (dialogue) There is rejuvenation in Triveni. There is hope in - set on the sacred banks of the Sangam of the Triveni. If there is one place on earth where dreams Yamuna, Ganga, and Saraswati - was Hindu dharma have found a home, it is India. India has many things or Sanatana dharma. to teach; the world has many things to learn. The message of Kumbh Mela is rejuvenate, rekindle, The Chief Guest for the conference was Sh. K. reform, and resubmit. The message of Sanatana Rajasekharan, Hon. Governor (Mizoram), Chair of Dharma is transforming the world into a better the Sangam Samvad Inaugural, and he was joined by place. This Kumbh Samvad carves out a niche which an esteemed group of leaders including Pujya Swami bridges the ancient and the modern, the best which Chidanand Saraswatiji, President, Parmarth Niketan has been known and thought in the world.” and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President, Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary General, of Sadhvi Bhagawatiji said: “Kumbh Darshan is Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. Bharat Darshan. What draws 150 million people here from all over the world is faith, spirituality Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said: “What and culture. That is truly the greatness of India. should be the nectar that comes from this Kumbh. India is truly the Vishwaguru, the one bringing the This is what this Sangam Samvad – our dialogue and true light to the world.”
40 INAUGURATION OF Sanskritik Vidwat Kumbh
16 FEBRUARY 2019 PRAYAGRAJ INDIA: The empowerment, led by Pujya Sadhviji of the Divine Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri Keshari Nath Shakti Foundation, which provides women and children Tripathiji & former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, worldwide with the voices and the tools necessary to be Hon’ble Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the a source of effective change that they want to see in the first day of the Sanskritik Vidwat Kumbh at Parmarth world. Niketan with the blessings of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, and Pujya In that panel, Sadhviji shared with the enthusiastic Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of the Divine participants just how important women are in the Shakti Foundation. The three-day event was organized preservation of our histories, and in the assurance that the by Sanskar Bharti and Parmarth Niketan and brought important parts of those histories are protected, nurtured together scholars, artists, filmmakers and writers for and cherished for future generations. “It is women,” she a Kumbh of Thoughts and Human Values centered on declared, “that protect Nature. Women that guarantee the importance of Indian culture, ideas and traditions. our Future. And, women that protect our Culture. And, Attendees spent the opening session brainstorming that culture, that tradition that they’re protecting is vitally ways to rekindle, reinvigorate and uphold Indian culture important to us as a nation, and as a people. That’s why by focusing on the world of music and the role of cinema this Kumbh is so amazing...” in society; the media; and, the rich literary traditions of India. There was also a special panel devoted to women’s
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TEHRI LAKE Festival 2019
27 FEBRUARY 2019 TEHRI INDIA: environment while empowering HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Himalayan women and children to be and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, active agents of change for that cause President of DSF, were warmly invited to in their families and communities. It inaugurate the 2019 Tehri Lake Festival - helped organize a beautiful dance drama the largest lake festival in Asia. by its Environmental Preservation team, led the Ganga Aart on the beautiful lake, DSF was critical in organising this and pledged with women and Tribal trip along with the State Government, Elders to protect all of India’s sacred keeping the focus of the festival on rivers and the divine feminine in all its protecting and preserving the natural forms.
42 SHAKTI: POWER OF THE DIVINE FEMININE In a Yogic life
3 MARCH 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: The power of about how you become that presence that can change the women and Divine Shakti took center stage at Day 3 of the energy of any situation with the Shakti within you. Meditate International Yoga festival for a workshop organized by the to find that Shakti - that energy. Once you roll up your Divine Shakti Foundation that included words of ancient and mat and put it in the corner, ask, “How can I serve today?” modern wisdom from International Yoga Festival Director Later, Dr. Vandana Shiva, Founder of Navdanya, an Indian- and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Pujya Sadhvi based non-governmental organisation which promotes Bhagawati Saraswatiji; Dr Vandana Shiva; Gurmukh Kaur biodiversity conservation, organic farming, the rights of Khalsa; Seane Corn; Laura Plumb; Abuela Tonalmiti; Cheryl farmers, and the process of seed saving, shared, “Mahatma Angel; Martina Mamani, and a host of Indigenous Elders, Gandhi said a daily prayer, ‘make me more feminine’- in Renowned Yogacharyas and others, all of whom shared their terms of cultivating the caring, the sharing, the giving, and take on the power of Shakti, the challenges facing women in the loving that the feminine embodies. The enlargement of the Yogic world and the ways women can use their gifts as potential is the divine feminine and to me is most visible tools to embody and channel Shakti, the uniquely feminine in the seed. There are no things in the world there is only energy. potential and expression of this oneness, this potential, this diversity.” Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Director of the International Yoga Festival, when asked how to channel Shakti in one’s Vibrating with the power of Shakti, the series ended with daily life, said: “The challenge isn’t the external pressure to be words from Abuela Tonalmitl, a 91-year old Elder from a all. It’s the internal pressure to be enough, to be whole, to be tribe in Mexico, who said: “To wake up as warriors of Mother complete. The energy of the divine feminine, which is Shakti, Earth, we should never be separated. We must feel the love is the energy of expansion and connection…both men and and procreate, and work together.” With a voice of pure women can embody that energy, it is there for both. Mother energy that erupted from her body, Abuela led the audience Ganga invites us to flow from our authentic source, letting go in a unifying song about the strength of women. The panel of the false identities and letting in the divine grace that says: members joined together in community and communion to I am Shakti.” offer Dr Vandana Shiva and the indigenous elders a sacred rudraksh saplings, the signature green offering of Parmarth Renowned Kundalini Yoga Master from the United States, Niketan. Together they performed a water blessing ceremony Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, concurred, stating that “As a woman, and pledged to work together to be guardians of the divine you are the first teacher on this earth for your children. Think feminine - of the sacred creation.
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AIIMS RISHIKESH SYMPOSIUM ON MEDITATION & Cardiovascular Diseases
10 MARCH 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: don’t hurt. We can manage the Self but A beautiful conference on the role of we need to talk about the stress. I always Medicine in Prevention and Treatment say meditation is the best medication for of Cardiovascular Diseases took place at all agitations.” AIIMS Rishikesh, inaugurated by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Sadhvi Said Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, whose Divine Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Dr HR Nagendraji, Shakti Foundation is deeply-involved in Chancellor of SVASYA, Dr Subodh holistic health care for all and particularly Tiwariji, CEO, Kaivalyadam, and others, for women and children, “I am deeply presided over by Dr Ravi Kantji, Director impressed by such a conference – how of AIIMS Rishikesh, Dr Indranill Basu, we can connect body and mind. That’s Cardiologist from America and Prof almost the text-book definition of Bhanu Dugal, Head of Department, holistic medicine. There is an entire new Cardiology, AIIMS Rishikesh. Pujya field of psycho-neural immunology that Swamiji gave a deeply inspiring and illustrates how psychology is connected touching speech, “You are sitting in the to neurology and immunology. Science land of science and spirituality. This is just beginning to uncover what our land teaches us that through yoga and rishis, sages and scriptures have told as meditation we learn not only why to for so many years – as you think, so you live but also how and how much to live. are; as you feel and believe, so we see.” When you meditate you don’t steal, you
44 CELEBRATING A LIFE IN SERVICE: Sadhviji’s Divine Birthday
14 MARCH 2019 VEERPUR INDIA: as green ones. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji’s beautiful birthday celebrations, organised by Divine During the evening Ganga Aarti, amidst a Shakti Foundation, were blessed by Pujya beautiful sanskrit birthday song, a fragrant Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, as Parmarth’s elachi mala - for the sweet fragrance of divinity Rishikumars, Sevaks and our global family she brings to the people and the environment came together to celebrate and rejoice. around her - as well as a beautiful shawl and a Everybody shared their unique expression sacred Rudraksha sapling were given to her as of their love and gratitude for Sadhviji, a symbol, reflecting that just as the tree gives sometimes with flowers, gifts or cards and to the world ceaselessly so too does Sadhviji’s sometimes just with their experiences. life of service.
In honour of her birthday, our divine sevaks The celebration is a testimony to how and Parmarth Niketan family joined together intertwined the life of Sadhviji and the work at the Parmarth Organic Farm and School in of Divine Shakti Foundation are. Both are Veerpur to wish her a green birthday with a committed to service of the common good beautiful, organic and green birthday salad for humanity and the planet, and both are and fresh snacks, pakoras and chai from the deeply devoted to empowering women and farm. Everyone planted several saplings along children across India and around the world. the premises in honor of Pujya Swamiji’s The event was not just a celebration, in fact, it message of celebrating birthdays and festivals was the sharing of an inspiring life!
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SADHVIJI AT THE UN COMMISSION On the Status of Women
21 MARCH 2019 NEW YORK CITY: Sadhvi Safe Havens. And, the third was organized by Bhagawatiji was at the United Nations for the UNFPA on Women’s Leadership in the world of 63rd Convention on the Status of Women and to faith and religion. The event focused on sharing speak at three events on issues related to women experiences as women in leadership — heartfelt in India. The first was an event organized by stories, challenges, responses and solutions. WSSCC with the Governments of Spain and Germany on Access to Menstrual Health as Sadhviji expressed her great joy and honor to Public Service: The Lived Experiences of Women represent the Divine Shakti Foundation and the and Girls. The second was an event organized Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and to share by Islamic Relief World-Wide and Side by Side the work being done for women and girls in on Stories Of Faith: Social Protection, Stigma & India.
46 SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI JOINS WALK FOR WATER On World Water Day in West Hollywood, California
22 MARCH 2019 WEST HOLLYWOOD: Sadhviji had fruitful conversations with Seth On World Water Day, Sadhviji joined a Walk Maxwell, the CEO of Thirst Project, and Evan for Water on the famous Hollywood Boulevard Wesley regarding the work they are doing in Hollywood, California organized by the with youth across the United States and also Thirst Project, an organization founded by regarding the projects they are doing in India Los Angeles youth to help bring clean water and Africa. She congratulated them on their to people around the world. For the walk, all vision as youth to use their time, talent and the participants carried large water cans for technology to help serve the world and she two miles, demonstrating how so much of the offered that the Divine Shakti Foundation world lives — having to walk many miles to is always there to help with these efforts and collect water for their daily needs. especially to help them expand and deepen their work in India.
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EARTH DAY CELEBRATED: Beautification of the Rishikesh Rail Station
23 APRIL 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: On and other dignitaries. Earth Day, the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance came together with Swarovski Said HH Pujya Swami Chidanand WaterSchools, Divine Shakti Foundation, Saraswatiji, “Today, children from across Parmarth Niketan Ashram and other local the region have been empowered to share schools and organizations to organize a their own dreams and their own themes beautification campaign at the Rishikesh for a happier, healthier world through rail station. Hundreds of school students their own paint and inspiration. There from across the region converged to paint can be a Plan A and Plan B but there is and beautify it in honour of International no Planet B. Let us make this Earth Day Mother Earth Day. They were joined a Worth Day by pledging to protect, and guided by artists from across India preserve and serve our home – Mother and around the world to send a unified Earth - for the well-being of all beings and message of love for the natural wonders of all species.” the Ganga and the Himalayas through the power of art and community. Sadhvi Bhagawatiji added, “On Mother Earth Day, let us remember that Mother Blessing the occasion were HH Pujya Earth is our sacred, living, breathing, Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President grace-filled home, and all those with of Parmarth Niketan and Co-Founder of whom we share this glorious planet are the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and our family. Let us pledge to care for them Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of as our own! Art is something we do from the Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary the Heart. It is a wonderful example General of GIWA. Joining to show their of how we can do our part to make our support for this inspiring initiative were communities cleaner, greener and more Mayor of Rishikesh, Smt Anita Mamgain, beautiful.” Chief Reservation Officer, Shri AK Sharmaji,
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2019 PaRD GENERAL Assembly of Members
8 MAY 2019 COPENHAGEN: Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, empowerment, education, health and bringing President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, faith based organisations together for sustainable attended the annual General Assembly of PaRD, development - all of which are cornerstones of the the International Partnership for Religion and work being done by the Divine Shakti Foundation, Sustainable Development, of which she serves on the for which Sadhvi Bhagawati serves as President. Steering Committee. “It is wonderful to be in Copenhagen for the General PaRD is an internationally-renowned organization Assembly of the PaRD Secretariat,” stated Pujya aimed at affecting a positive impact of the combined- Sadvhiji during a break in the proceedings. “I’m efforts of three pillars of organizational agencies: honored to serve on PaRD’s Steering committee, FBOs (Faith-Based Organizations) offering religious and am so proud of the work being done by our values; national governments and governmental partnerships for sustainable development, which agencies, including development wings such as the include the governments of 12 nations, the United United States Agency for International Development, Nations, the World Bank, the African Union and the offering civic values; and multilateral organizations, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre such as the United Nations and World Bank, for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue. And offering collaborative and associative value. This I’m so very grateful to the government of Denmark General Assembly meeting, hosted by the Danish and the Danish mission for hosting us in this government, was called in the spirit of the United beautiful city. It’s been a very productive session!” Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and focused on discussions including women
50 MOTHERS DAY CELEBRATES Shakti at Parmarth
12 MAY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: On Mother’s DSF brought everyone together for the ceremony, Day, Divine Shakti Foundation volunteers gathered and Pujya Swamiji personally blessed all of the together in Parmarth Niketan for a beautiful divine Shaktis - the mothers on the Seva team - with celebration of the Divine Mother Goddess, creating tilak and His divine touch. Joining us on this special a beautiful bridge between the East and West on the occasion was Shri Bala Iyerji, Vice President of Jio banks of Maa Ganga. In the Indian tradition almost and his wife Mahalakshmiji. every day is Mother’s Day, but nonetheless this celebration gave us yet another special opportunity In the evening, at the Ganga Aarti, everyone offered to emphasize and celebrate the beautiful presence their love, devotion and commitment to serve, of our Mothers. We began with a special puja of the preserve and protect our sacred Mother Goddess, Divine Mother Goddess Lakshmi, the giver of the Mother Nature and Mother Earth, all of which are true wealth and prosperity in our lives, which is in the embodiment of the divine feminine...the sacred our spiritual connection and in recognising God’s maternal energy grace and blessings.
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INAUGURATION OF Green Shri Ram Katha
15 MAY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: Systems that are being installed in many “This Katha is dedicated to Rashtriya, pilgrimage sites across India. We would environmental preservation and be installing two specifically in Agra to protecting the divine feminine and our be inaugurated by our Hon’ble Governor sacred rivers.” With these words, HH who was former Mayor of Agra. We also Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji look forward to working with her to take- inaugurated a month-long sacred Katha up the environmental conservation cause committed to promoting nation-building, simultaneously with women and girl sustainable living and making our world empowerment and education.” pollution-free. The inauguration of this divine event Pujya Swamiji shared, “We have began with the Hon’ble Governor of discussed with the Hon’ble Governor the Uttarakhand, Smt Baby Rani Mauryaji, opportunity we have to make the Kumbh and Pujya Sant Rajendra Dasji gracing Mela a Plastic-Free one. We have discussed the occasion and joining Pujya Swami the installation of clean water filtration Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi systems, such as the Parmarth PiLo Pani Bhagawati Saraswatiji in a traditional lamp
52 lighting ceremony. Afterward, Smt Baby Light and the International Day of Living Rani Mauryaji said, “Maa Ganga might Together in Peace, we have the beginning flow as a river amongst us but we must of the Shri Ram Katha. Bhagawan Shri never forget that she is the Divine Mother Ram’s life teaches us to live in the light and Herself, granting us the precious gifts of to be the light for others. When we can do clean water, clean air, clean environment so then we are not only in peace within but & fresh oxygen. It is therefore our prime we exude and manifest peace wherever we duty to preserve and protect her. With go.” She added, “It is such a great beginning this divine month long Shri Ram Katha, to have this Katha be inaugurated by the inspired by Pujya Swami Chidanand State Governor, whom I see as the Mother Saraswatiji, and recited by Pujya Sant of the State - the Divine Shakti. I look Murlidharji, let us all become the vessels forward to working together hand in hand and the instruments through which a New and heart to heart to empower the women India, a clean, sustainable and resilient and girls in this state and in Uttar Pradesh India is created. If we take a pledge of this for Menstural Hygiene Management and nature from the banks of Mother Ganga, improved WASH. This is the need of the it will not only become true but will play hour where we not only take the lesson a vital role in establishing India as a world from Bhagawan Shri Ram but the divine leader for others to follow in its divine example of Mata Sita and bring their example.” teachings in our lives. In this way let us purify not only our minds and our hearts Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, but also work together to ensure our President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, bodies and our environment is clean and gave her speech in Hindi, sharing “It is pure for all.” such a beautiful coincidence that, on the United Nations’ International Day of
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INAUGURATION OF UPGRADED Computer Centre at Parmarth
14 MAY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: Pujya structured, grounded environment in which Swami Chidanand Saraswatij, Founder DSF, and the students’ minds can expand and their goals Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of unfold, all with their future needs very much in the Divine Shakti Foundation are both passionate attendance. advocates for the education and empowerment of women and children throughout the world, “21st-Century children need holistic education,” expressed delight at the opportunities that the Puyja Sadhviji stated. “While they need to be recent opening of the modern and well-equipped rooted in Sanskrit and our spiritual-cultural computer lab by the Divine Shakti Foundation values they also must be knowledgeable about at Parmarth Niketan Ashram’s divine Gurukul English as well as computers. This computer provides for the school’s disadvantaged and/ centre is a place to provide that understanding or orphaned youth. Featuring a dozen work and knowledge, and to give the students the tools stations with enhanced audio-visual capabilities, necessary to engage with people and institutions the concept for the new facility is to provide a across the globe.”
54 IT’S TIME FOR ACTION TOWARDS Menstrual Hygiene management
28 MAY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: DSF been brought forward but with the support partnered with GIWA to lead and plan of Pujya Sant Murlidharji Maharaj the month a unique Menstrual Hygiene Day filled long Katha is becoming a source of great with inspiring and incredible activities and inspiration. initiatives when volunteers, pilgrims, devotees and Parmarth Rishikumars joined together to Later in the evening, Pujya Swamiji and take part in the Red Dot Challenge sharing Sadhviji also discussed this issue and the that Menstruation Matters and that the time actions DSF and GIWA are committed to to act is now. They also pledged on the Water taking in a special dinner with the Hon’ble Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council’s US Ambassador Mr Kenneth Juster at the innovative Menstrual Hygiene Wheel, led Roosevelt House. They offered him a hand- by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji made, eco-friendly pad that our women and and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, to girls from our vocational training & Women break the stigma and silence associated with for WASH programmes are going to be menstrual hygiene, offering a special MHM learning to make. Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati bracelet as a symbol of our commitment Saraswatiji set the tone in the LIVE Ganga to work together towards this vital cause. Aarti ceremony on the eve of MH Day Thereafter, Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi 2019, reminding us to uplift and empower Bhagawatiji graced the month-long Shri Ram our women & girls, to embrace the divine Katha and gave a revolutionary talk and led life-giving creative power in women, which a pledge for menstruation from a stage in should not be seen as dirty or as a taboo! which traditionally these topics have never
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WORLD No Tobacco Day
31 MAY 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: Students consuming them. India produces 10 billion from various schools and institutions in cigarettes, and consumes 50 – 72 million kg Rishikesh rallied for the cause of saying “No of tobacco in various forms!” to Tobacco and Yes to Health and Life,” and Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji and Pujya Sadhviji shared, “Why do we eat Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji were food? Because it tastes good…it smells an integral part of that rally, DSF hosted good…it makes us feel good. But why do the eager youth at Parmarth Niketan and we smoke? What’s the flavor of tobacco? offering inspiration, guidance and blessings What’s the taste of tobacco? What flavor during a worldwide broadcast of the event. is it that makes us want to do harm to our Both Pujya Swamiji and Pujya Sadhviji are body? We must learn that we can no longer active in No Tobacco campaigns around harm our body as the body is the first the world in their roles as Founder and temple. Let us keep the body clean and free President, respectively, of the Divine Shakti from pollution.” Foundation, which acts as the voice and the sponsor for women and children - two After the children were awarded for the of the groups most-impacted by tobacco - best slogans and paintings, Pujya Swamiji across the globe. and Pujya Sadhviji distributed Rudraksha saplings to them, and shared that the Pujya Swamiji shared some terrifying oxygen generated by the trees adds to the statistics with the assembled group and planet’s and our health. Pujya Swamiji millions of global listeners: “Worldwide, concluded by asking each of them to there are 8 million people tobacco-related commit to spreading the message about the deaths annually, with some 1.2 million harmful effects of tobacco and smoking. in India alone. Therefore, remember that “One person can motivate ten to eleven Tobacco kills. People understand tobacco’s other people with a simple resolution to effects on lungs, but not everyone thinks of boycott tobacco. With this live broadcast, its effects on the heart. Did you know that we are motivating millions around the close to 6.5 trillion cigarettes are sold each world. Choose life, not Tobacco.” year…18 billion each day…and, more than 1 billion people are spoiling their health by
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SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI Graces The G20 Interfaith Summit
10 JUNE 2019 TOKYO: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji was shortage. This is the great opportunity and challenge that a respected speaker at the G20 Interfaith Forum in Tokyo, lies ahead of our faith leaders, faith communities, and Japan in a high-level panel entitled “Ending Hunger, Water faith based organisations to lead the way for a better, more as Life” on the theme of “Food and Water: Resources for sustainable future.” Life.” Setting the context of the panel, it was shared that over 820 million people suffer from hunger, 780 million “One of the ways that the Divine Shakti Foundation is have no access to an improved water source, and sanitation doing just that,” she continued, “is by enlisting the help is poor for some 2.5 billion people. Food and water have of women and children - the two groups most-impacted especially critical importance to survival in times of crisis. by the water, food and sanitation crises that we all face - This session built on prior G20 Interfaith exploration to act as leaders in their communities and to guide those of faith in famine emergencies, looking to broader food communities towards both a greater understanding of the security insights and highlighting the crucial issues around needed solutions and the development of programs and water and sanitation. processes to achieve those solutions.”
Addressing the leaders Sadhvi Bhagawatiji shared, “It Sadhvi Bhagawatiji also had a beautiful meeting with is estimated that by 2040 the world will have half the Rt. Hon. David Cameron, Former Prime Minister of water it needs. At the current rate of over-consumption, the United Kingdom and thanked him, once again, for over-extraction and over-exploitation we are looking hosting the launch of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism at at a major water crisis. More than our global water and Queen Elizabeth Centre in London in October 2014 food shortage, however, there is a global consciousness during his leadership as the Prime Minister.
58 RELEASE OF MOTHER GANGA: The Holy River
12 JUNE 2019 RISHIKESH INDIA: On the auspicious Cabinet Minister of Jal Shakti (Water Resources), Shri occasion of Ganga Dusshera – the day that Mother Ganga Gajendra Singh Shekhawatji on the following day, June flowed onto Earth - Mother Ganga: The Holy River, a 13, the auspicious day of Nirjala Ekadashi. new book by Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation and Secretary-General In discussing her work, Pujya Sadhviji stated that “it was 23 of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, was launched years ago, while pursuing a PhD in the United States, that at Parmarth Niketan ashram by HH Pujya Swami I came to India and sat on the banks of Ma Ganga. I didn’t Chidanand Saraswati, Spiritual Leader and President of know much about India or about Ganga but, sitting there Parmarth Niketan, Pujya Shri Muralidharji, renowned on the banks of Ganga’s rushing waters, I was transformed. kathakar, and other dignitaries. The book shares Pujya Mother Ganga became my life. I stayed in India and found Sadhviji’s journey to the banks of Mother Ganga and peace, not in the comfort of physical things, but in the lap reminds readers the crucial importance of protecting the of Ma Ganga. I have seen how She touches and transforms divine feminine in all her forms, especially in the form of so many people…It’s so very special for me to release Mother Nature and Mother Ganga, which is at the core this new book on Ganga Dusshera as not only is it the of the key objectives of DSF. auspicious day that Mother Ganga flowed onto Earth, but it is also the day I took official sanyas diksha, in 2000. I am The launch took place during a huge Shri Rama katha beyond grateful to Mother Ganga for grabbing my heart celebration and was broadcast live across not only and pulling me to Her waters and transforming me with India but more than 100 countries around the world. Her darshan when I arrived, and Pujya Swami Chidanand Joining in the launch were Shri Narendra Kumarji and Saraswatiji for blessing my life with His presence and grace. Shri Ashish Gosain, of Haranand books, New Delhi, My great thanks also go out to Shri Narendra Kumar ji and the publisher of Mother Ganga, and Pujya Sadhvi Shri Ashish Gosain for their vision and their invaluable Bhagawatiji’s earlier book, From Illness to Wellness. The assistance in seeing that this book was published.” new book, a compilation of articles that Sadhviji has written during her twenty-three years living in India on the banks of Ganga, was presented to the Honorable
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ACCELERATE PEACE AT Stanford University
29 JUNE 2019 STANFORD, CA USA: Sadhviji “Not only does the repression and oppression recently spoke at the Accelerate Peace conference of women worldwide need to be addressed and at Stanford University, organized by United rectified,” she continued, “but also the oppression Religions Initiative and the Hoover Institute at and suppression of the Feminine in both women Stanford. The theme was Women’s Empowerment and men needs to be rectified if we are going to and the Environment. “Women are the Earth!” truly accelerate peace in our societies. Sadhvji she declared. “Women’s empowerment and shared about the inextricably linked oneness environmental protection are not two isolated of women and the Earth and also the work themes. Women are Mother Earth and Mother our Divine Shakti Foundation and the Global nature. . . Interlinked as One. . .The same myth of Interfaith WASH Alliance is doing for women’s separation that enables us to rape the earth is the empowerment and the environment. Everyone same myth of separation that enables us to rape beautifully join together in a pledge at the end, as our mothers, sisters and daughters. Respect for they raised their arms together, standing together women is respect for the Earth. Justice for women for our mother, our Mother Earth and our Mother is justice for the Earth.” Natu re .”
60 KOFI ANNAN UNGA FAITH Briefing in New York
18 JULY 2019 NEW YORK CITY: Pujya Sadhvi for women and children who are in need for these Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of services the most. the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, with its Secretariat at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India; “Through the power of this partnership, we President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, who have triggered change in the hearts, minds, and is the voice and support for women and children behaviors of hundreds of millions of people. We worldwide; and, Vice-Chair of the United Nations are here today to celebrate and emphasize the Interfaith Advisory Council on Religion, was one power of these partnerships that not only make of high-level leaders that spoke at the Kofi Annan each of our organizations individually stronger, UNGA Faith Briefing in New York recently. This but that collectively interweave and interlink our year’s briefing focused on how FBOs can effectively organizations in such a way that we can extend partner with UN entities to address issues related our impact to our sisters and brothers around to women’s empowerment, children’s rights, and the world – and leave not only no child behind, climate change. but leave no one behind.” Pujya Sadhviji and the other co-chairs of the Advisory Council had a brief During her presentation, Pujya Sadhviji explained meeting with Ms. Henrietta Fore, the UNICEF that the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), Executive Director, in which Ms. Fore expressed along with its sister organisation DSF, is leading a her appreciation for the work that is being done in multi-faith partnership that is serving for improved India, and Pujya Sadhviji conveyed her thanks for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), especially the UNICEF partnership in this efforts.
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RETREAT 2019 Guru Purnima
28 JULY 2019 DALE HOLLOW LAKE walks in the wooded areas surrounding STATE PARK, KY, USA: Over the course the retreat center. Particularly special of three peace-filled days, Pujya Swami were the daily Ganga Aarti ceremonies Chidanand Saraswatiji and Sadhvi that were held at sunset overlooking the Bhagawati Saraswatiji led a beautiful Dale Hollow Lake. Guru Purnima retreat at a stately resort The Divine Shakti Foundation, of which overlooking a gorgeous lake in the Pujya Swamiji is the Chairman and Dale Hollow State Park, Kentucky. The Co-Founder and Pujya Sadhviji is the weekend included multiple satsangs President, organized the gathering, and each day that covered topics as varied as shared with the group all of the incredible achieving conscious dharmic relations, and purposeful work that the foundation women’s empowerment, the importance is doing, along with the Global Interfaith of peace in the family, faith versus blind WASH Alliance (GIWA) and Ganga faith, and dealing with stress, depression Action Parivar (GAP), in providing and anxiety. Participants also had many women, children and communities with opportunities to ask questions and to the tools and the voice that they need to have a one-on-one audience with Swamiji be the change that is needed in the world. and Sadhviji. The site was well chosen because it allowed Each satsang began with an inspiring for meditation and quiet contemplation guided meditation led by Sadhviji, in proximity to much natural beauty. and included instructions from Pujya It allowed those in attendance to act on Swamiji on the correct pronunciations of Pujya Swamiji’s words when he says, significant mantras and verses from the “Come to Nature, Be with Nature and Bhagavad Gita. The program also included Change your Nature.” early morning yoga classes and nature
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HH PUJYA SWAMI SHUKDEVANAND SARASWATIJI Founder of Parmarth Niketan
“You have the power to bring the song of peace to the world.” - Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji
64 Our Inspired Initiatives
Ganga Action Parivar
is a glo al amily dedicated to the Global Interfaith preservation of the river Ganga and WASH Alliance and pristine state. brings together the world’s faith www.GangaAction.org as allies in ensuring e eryone, e erywhere has access to sa e, li e-gi ing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). www.WashAlliance.org
Divine Shakti Foundation is dedicated to the holistic well eing o women, their children, and orphaned/abandoned children, and to all o Mother Nature. International www.Di ineShaktiFoundation.org Yoga Festival
Join us annually from March 1 - 7 or an inspiring on the anks o the Ganges Ri er in the lap o the Himalayas in Rishikesh, the irthplace o yoga. www.InternationalYogaFesti al.org Stay Connected
Welcome to Your Himalayan Home! Parmarth Niketan, PO Swargashram, Rishikesh (Himalayas), Uttarakhand - 249304, India
The Global Interfaith WASH Alliance’s (GIWA) leaders, were led by GIWA’s Connect and Watch www.parmarth.org /ParmarthNiketan