Hosted by the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyariji, in the divine presence of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh and Founder/Chair, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance In the August Presence of 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.
A dazzling and inspiring launch of Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji’s new book, ‘Come Home to Yourself*’, a transformational book with teachings on the most pertinent issues we face in our lives, took place on Wednesday 16th October at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai. The star-studded launch was hosted by the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyariji, in the divine presence of H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh and Founder, Global Interfaith WASH Alliance.
The distinguished 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.Sadhviji’s uplifting 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, Sadhviji 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, Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.
It was historic and unprecedented to have such a unique book about bringing spirituality into our daily lives celebrated by so many renowned Bollywood celebrities, from the glamour and economic capital of India- Mumbai. In addition to beautiful, praise-filled speeches by the distinguished dignitaries and all the dignitaries joining hands to officially launch ‘Come Home to Yourself’, the event also included special blessings by H.H. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.
Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyariji said, “This book is in English, it looks English but its outlook is Indian. The book is with universal approach and universal appeal. I have read this book. Today a psychologist from America has turned to spirituality to share the secrets of Indian wisdom of how to live our lives and how to be happy.” He concluded by saying, “Come Home to Yourself should be Become Home to Yourself.”
Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji shared, “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 shared, ‘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.” Sadhviji shared how truly overwhelmed and deeply touched she felt by the outpouring of love and support she has received by this evenings gathering. Vivek Oberoi shared, “What can I say about Bhagawatiji it’s like trying to use words to describe Ganga. She is my soul sister, she is the glue that holds this family together.
She connects us with people from all over the world together. She has the wisdom of a teacher and the humility of a seeker. Even though she came from Hollywood to Holy Woods, as Pujya Swamiji says, she is the real star today. A life to be celebrated and shared.” Dia Mirza shared, “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. I was able to see the cultural, social, ecological and musical context of our sacred river, which is now the second most polluted river in the world. This is the dichotomy of our times, and through her book Sadhviji addresses this dichotomy and gives us insight into what it really means to find ourselves. For me, I find it in nature, in the shade of a tree for example. Thank you for bringing wisdom to so many, Sadhviji. May you continue to inspire so many others.” Anil Kapoor shared, “Sadhviji has been my friend for many years.
I am very proud of her and always will be. I feel so special and want to thank America for sending her over to us. I will always be so grateful for the beautiful send off we gave my Father in Rishikesh. The more you love everyone and act from your heart, nothing can stop you, I promise you. Kailash Kailash Kher shared, “Today Ganga Parivar is on the banks of the ocean in Mumbai. Today the need to read books, especially to read books of this nature is very important. So please buy, share and spread the wisdom from this book.” To conclude an uplifting afternoon, world-famous percussionist Sivamani and his wife Runa Sivamani, gave a spectacular performance.
Sadhvi Bhagawatiji 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) Sadhviji leads each evening after the sacred Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan ashram, and will resonate deeply with everyone, whether you are old or young, rich or poor, religious or not, traditional or modern. It will touch you deeply, awaken your spirituality, and connect you to your true self, allowing you to become the best version of yourself you can be. It is available to buy now from Penguin India in stores and online.
