# Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati (born 14 March 1971) is an Indian spiritual leader and motivational speaker, based in Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India.
Saraswati is the author of the memoirs Hollywood to the Himalayas: A Journey of Healing and Transformation, By God's Grace and Come Home to Yourself and in 2021 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Joe Biden

## Early life and education

Saraswati was born in a Jewish family and grew up in Los Angeles, California, and graduated from Stanford University with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. She then continued her studies at Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PGSP) and the University for Integrative Learning. She earned a PhD in Pediatric Neuropsychology
After spending 3 months in Rishikesh, India at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in 1996, Saraswati completed the winter semester of her PhD program in America and then moved to live permanently at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh in April 1997. She was officially ordained into the order of Sanyas (monastic vows) by her guru Swami Chidanand Saraswati on June 11, 2000.
Saraswati teaches meditation, leads daily satsang, gives spiritual discourses, provides counseling and oversees charitable and humanitarian projects and activities.

## Work

Saraswati resides at Parmarth Niketan Ashram in Rishikesh, one of India’s largest spiritual institutions. At Parmarth, Saraswati serves as:
* International Director of Parmarth Niketan
* Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA), an international organization dedicated to ensuring clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all.
* President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, an organization focused on women’s empowerment, education, and health.
* Director of the International Yoga Festival, an annual event that attracts participants from over 100 countries.
Saraswati serves on the United Nations Advisory Council on Religion and on the steering committees of the International Partnership for Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) and the Moral Imperative to End Extreme Poverty, a campaign by the United Nations and World Bank.
Saraswati is an active member of the G100 Club, a global group of women leaders formed to promote societal transformation. She has also been a prominent speaker at international forums, including:
* United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), at its 10th Global Forum
* G20 Interfaith Forum, where she addressed issues of faith and global development
Saraswati was also the Managing Editor of the Encyclopedia of Hinduism, compiled by India Heritage Research Foundation.

## Awards & recognition

* Lifetime Achievement Award (2021) Awarded by United States President Joe Biden for her lifetime commitment to volunteer service.
* Bharat ki Laxmi Award (2019) Honored by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, celebrating her contributions to public good as an embodiment of Maa Laxmi.
* Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree (2018) Awarded by Jharkand Rai University for her leadership and contributions to spirituality and service.
* National Bharat Gaurav (Pride of India) Award (2017) Awarded for excellence and service in the field of yoga.