By OUR STAFF REPORTER
MUMBAI, 16 Oct: A dazzling and inspiring launch of Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati’s new book, ‘Come Home to Yourself’, a transformational book with teachings on the most pertinent issues faced in life, took place today at the Raj Bhavan, Mumbai. The star- studded launch was hosted by Governor of Maharashtra Bhagat Singh Koshyari in the presence of Swami Chidanand Saraswati, President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, and Founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance. The celebrity guests included Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi, internationally acclaimed musicians Kailash Kher and Sivamani, and Bollywood actress and UN Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals, Dia Mirza. Sadhvi’s book is written in a beautiful, simple and conversational question-answer style. She touches on all of life’s most challenging questions – how to discover inner peace, find love, let go of anger, know your purpose, and connect with God, regardless of your religion. Born and raised in the USA, Sadhvi graduated from Stanford University and has a PhD in psychology. She came to India approximately 25 years ago and has lived and selflessly served at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, on the holy banks of Mother Ganga, since. She was initiated into the order of Sanyas in 2000 by her Guru, Swami Chidanand Saraswati. Governor Koshiyari said, “This book is in English, it looks English but its outlook is Indian. The book is with a universal approach and universal appeal. I have read it. Today, a psychologist from America has turned to spirituality to share the secrets of Indian wisdom on how to live our lives and how to be happy.” Swami Chidanand Saraswati shared, “The Sadhvi has become a bridge between the East and the West. Whether she is speaking at the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, World Bank, or sharing her wisdom with seekers who come to Rishikesh year after year, she brings the wisdom of the Himalayas and the purity of the Ganga to wherever she goes. Come Home to Yourself is truly an amazing book.” Sadhvi Bhagawati added, ‘Speechless is not usually the word one would use to describe me, but today I am truly speechless. Grace picked me up from California and brought me here to the banks of Mother Ganga. Today as we launch my book- I feel it is not written by me but through me. This is a book of Grace- the Grace of the Guru, the Grace of Mother Ganga, and the Grace of Mother India.” Vivek Oberoi declared, “Sadhvi Bhagawati is my soul sister, she is the glue that holds this family together. She has the wisdom of a teacher and the humility of a seeker.” Dia Mirza recalled, “A show brought me to the banks of Mother Ganga to Parmarth, but it was so much more than a show. It was a life- altering experience.” Anil Kapoor declared, “The Sadhvi has been my friend for many years. I am very proud of her and always will be.” Kailash Kailash Kher also expressed his appreciation To conclude, Sivamani and his wife Runa Sivamani, gave a spectacular performance. Sadhvi Bhagawati is the President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Secretary-General, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, Director, International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan, President of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Uttarakhand, and also serves on multiple high level steering committees of the United Nations. ‘Come Home to Yourself’ emerged from the Satsang (spiritual question and answer) the Sadhvi leads each evening after the sacred Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan Ashram.
