Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy Conferred to Sadhvi Bhagawatiji

At the Taj Dwarka, New Delhi, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ji was conferred by the Jharkhand Rai University* with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, in recognition of her iconic leadership and outstanding contribution to Spirituality and Service during the prestigious five day international Women Economic Forum.

A graduate of Stanford University, and a PhD in psychology, Sadhviji, moved to India from the US in 1996 to serve at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, India under the guidance and initiation of Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji​.

For more than 22 years, she has devoted her life to spiritual practice and service to humanity. A renowned influencer and compelling speaker, she has addressed large global gatherings by the United Nations, Parliament of World Religions, World Bank, and many other international summits and conferences.

She has been deeply committed to social empowerment through many charitable and humanitarian projects. Sadhviji is Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance​, President of Divine Shakti Foundation​ and Director of the annual world-famous International Yoga Festival​, that is attended by thousands of people from more than 100 countries across the world.

At Parmarth Niketan, where she lives most of the year, and across the world, she gives inspiring spiritual discourses and satsang (spiritual question-answer sessions), teaches meditation, and provides spiritual counseling.

The doctorate was conferred to her by Dr Harbeen Arora, Chancellor Jharkhand Rai University and Ms. Savita Sengar, Vice Chancellor of Jharakhand Rai University.

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji said: “I have come from a world of academia but by God’s Grace I was brought to the holy banks of Mother Ganga, to my Guru HH Pujya

Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, and found an education and a life dedicated to sprituality and service that is so much richer, deeper and fuller then the advanced degrees I had gotten. However, today it’s so beautiful to come full circle after 22 years to be awarded a PhD for Spirituality.” She added that, “These days there are so many institutions providing information but very few learning institutions which are committed to providing inspiration. Inspiration and transformation are what is needed the most in addition to the information. Shiksha (education or information) and sanskaras (human values) are key to a sustainable, healthy and happy world for all beings.”

Other eminent recipients of this Doctorate included:

Ms Poonam Dhillon​, Famous Bollywood Actress for her contribution to empowering women on and off the screen and her service for humanity and engagement in many charitable projects Sadhvi Bhagawatiji and Poonam Dhillonji reminisced during the event of their time together serving in the South India Tsunami in 2004 and her visits to the Parmarth Niketan Ashram on several occasions after that. Poonamji expressed with Sadhviji her pranaams and respectful regards to Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji.

Jean Shinoda Bolen (oficial)​, M. D. a psychiatrist, Jungian analyst, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and recipient of the Institute for Health and Healing’s “Pioneers in Art, Science, and the Soul of Healing Award”. Jean spoke to Sadhvi Bhagawatiji extensively about bringing the UN Fifth World Conference on Women (5WCW) to India in 2022 and the role of women in addressing many of the sustainable development goals, creating a cleaner and greener planet for all beings.

Mr. Mahendra Mohan Gupta, Chairman, Jagran group

Ms. Ouided Bouchamaoui, Nobel Peace Laureate 2015, Tunisia;

Prof. Richard D’Aveni, from Ivy League Dartmouth, US;

Mr. Anurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld

*Jharkhand Rai University in Ranchi, India is committed to honing and honoring remarkable leadership and contribution to society in a wide variety of fields. With a focus on inclusiveness and inspiration, it is guided by the ancient Vedic wisdom that says, “Let knowledge and wisdom come to me from ALL directions.”

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