Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji has authored a new inspirational book, Come Home to Yourself, which offers teachings on the most pertinent issues of our lives.
The launch event, held on 16 October, was hosted by Bhagat Singh Koshyari, the Governor of the Indian state of Maharashtra, at his official residence, Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.
“This book is in English, it looks English but its outlook is Indian. The book is with universal approach and universal appeal,” Koshyari said.
The event saw the presence of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, president of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh and founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance.
The celebrity guests included Bollywood actors Anil Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi, acclaimed musicians Kailash Kher and Sivamani, and Bollywood actor and UN Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goals Dia Mirza.
Written in a beautiful, simple and conversational question-answer style, the book 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, Sadhviji graduated from Stanford University and has a PhD in psychology. She came to India around 25 years ago and has lived and served at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, on the banks of River Ganga, since.
She was initiated into the order of Sanyas in 2000 by her Guru, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.
Speaking at the event, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji said: “Sadhviji has become an incredible 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. It is not only full of chapters and pages, it is full of peace and life. The book helps us understand ourselves, bring meaning to our lives because if we don’t understand ourselves we won’t understand anything.”
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji said she felt truly overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support she has received at the event.
“Speechless is not usually the word one would use to describe me, but today I am truly speechless,” Sadhviji said. “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.”
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji serves as the president of the Divine Shakti Foundation, secretary-general of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and director of International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan. She is the president of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, Uttarakhand. She also serves on multiple high level steering committees of the United Nations.
Come Home to Yourself emerged from the Satsang (spiritual question and answer) Sadhviji leads each evening after the Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan ashram. The book is is available to buy now from Penguin India in stores and online.
