Advocacy and Upliftment

ADVOCACY & UPLIFTMENT GALLERY

DSF plans, organizes and also participates in large events to raise awareness and empowerment for girls and women, in India and across the world.

PUJYA SWAMIJI AND PUJYA SADHVIJI GRACE GLOBAL PEACE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE INDO-PACIFIC (GPLC-2023), April 2023

परमार्थ निकेतन के अध्यक्ष स्वामी चिदानन्द सरस्वती जी और जीवा की अंतर्राष्ट्रीय महासचिव साध्वी भगवती सरस्वती जी ने ’’वैश्विक शान्ति नेतृत्व सम्मेलन इन्डो-पैसिफिक’’ में सहभाग कर सम्बोधित किया।…[Read more]

DSF PARTICIPATES IN GLOBAL SUMMIT FOR WOMEN 2023 IN ABU DHABI, February 2023

The Global Summit for Women 2023 was held in Abu Dhabi on the 21st and 22nd of February. In anticipation of International Women’s Day celebrations and Women’s History Month, this gathering brought together over 200 delegates and speakers from across the world to celebrate women and their accomplishments, aspirations and dreams…[Read more]

SADHVIJI SPEAKS AT INAUGURAL SESSION OF WOMEN ECONOMIC FORUM IN DELHI, December 2022

Sadhviji was a featured speaker and honoured guest at the inaugural ceremony of the four-day Women Economic Forum…[Read more]

SADHVIJI AT RELIGIONS FOR PEACE CONFERENCE IN SPAIN, November 2022

Sadhviji was in Manresa, Spain at the special Religions for Peace conference of “At a Crossroads – a Multireligious and Intergenerational Response to Social and Environmental Crises.”…[Read more]

SADHVIJI SPEAKS AT PLENARY SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS, November 202

Sadhviji traveled to the sacred spiritual city of Fez, Morocco to deliver a speech in the plenary session of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Global Forum…[Read more]

SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI PARTICIPATES IN ICPD25 NAIROBI SUMMIT, November 2019

Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the United Nations’ International Summit on Population and Development under the auspices of the United Nations Population Fund…[Read more]

PUJYA SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI AT RELIGIONS FOR PEACE WORLD ASSEMBLY, AUGUST 2019

The 10th World Assembly of Religions for Peace convened in Lindau, Germany this week, and Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of Divine Shakti Foundation, is a significant part of the multi-religious gathering that has attracted over 1000 faith leaders from over 100 countries around the world…[Read more]

PUJYA SADHVI BHAGAWATI SARASWATIJI JOINS WORLD LEADERS AT KOFI ANNAN UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FAITH BRIEFINGS, July 2019

Pujya Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, Secretary-General of the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, with its Secretariat at Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, India and Vice-Chair of the United Nations Interfaith Advisory Council on Religion, and President of the Divine Shakti Foundation was one of high level leaders that gathered to build and strengthen cross-sector partnerships designed to create lasting and positive change…[Read more]

SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI GRACES THE G20 INTERFAITH SUMMIT, JUNE 2019

TOKYO: Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, was a respected speaker at the G20 Interfaith Forum* in Tokyo, Japan in a high-level panel entitled “Ending Hunger, Water as Life” on the theme of “Food and Water: Resources for Life.”…[Read more]

SADHVIJI AT THE UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN, March 2019

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji was at the United Nations for the 63rd Convention on the Status of Women and to speak at three events on issues related to women in India. The…[Read more]

“SHE IS THE SOLUTION : SUMMIT OF GRACE” – EMPOWERING WOMEN, January 2019

“She is the Solution: Summit of Grace” was a two-day conference bringing together thousands of women, men, and children, faith leaders and political leaders to Empower Women, through an emphasis…[Read more]

UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS GLOBAL SUMMIT, November 2018

DSF President Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji addressed the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Summit at UN World Headquarters during the historic Summit. Her speeches, delivered before an audience from across the world, focused on the crucial importance of women’s leadership and sustainable development in a time of increasing global strife and insecurity as well as the importance of the role of religion and religious leaders in fostering peaceful and inclusive societies. [Read more]

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY, October 2018

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji joined together with revered faith leaders, Delhi Health Minister Shri Satyendra Jain, and distinguished dignitaries on World Mental Health Day for the “Consultation with Faith Based Organizations for Developing Comprehensive Health & Rights Based Response to Drug Use.”…[Read more]

SADHVIJI AT THE UNITED NATIONS, September 2018

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​, President of Divine Shakti Foundation, shared insights at the event at the United Nations “Keeping the Faith in Sustainable Peace: Women of Faith as Agents of Transformation”, speaking about the important role women of faith play beyond peace building. [Read more]

REGIONAL INTERFAITH DIALOGUE ON CHILD DIGNITY ONLINE, September 2018

Sadhvi Bhagawatiji was part of the Regional Interfaith Dialogue on Child Dignity Online, organized by UNICEF, Arigatou International, Shanti Ashram, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Sarvodaya-Focolare family, Gandhigram Rural University, GNRC India Partners, and the UAE…[Read more]

SAVING AND SERVING THE HIMALAYAS, August 2018

LADAKH: A vital two day International Conference with the theme of “Saving the Himalayas through Science and Spirituality” in Leh, Ladakh was organised by the Save the Himalayas Foundation (SHF)…[Read more]

INTERFAITH RAKSHA BANDHAN, August 2018

The day before Raksha Bandhan an interfaith celebration was held in Delhi in which people from all major faith traditions of India and all walks of life enjoyed the festivities…[Read more]

SADHVIJI ATTENDS US STATE DEPT’S RELIGIOUS FREEDOM MINISTERIAL, July 2018

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ ji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, and Secretary-General of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, attended the U.S. State Department’s first ever ministerial for International Religious Freedom.  Sadhviji shared in the main session that her strongest suggestion for the US State Department‘s international policy is that they should ensure that no American dollars or support go to any development organization that is giving care, whether healthcare or education or other, only to people of one religion, or that is compelling or urging people to change their religion in order to receive care. She emphasized that when a mother must choose between her religion or medical care for her child, that mother no longer has freedom of religion. [Read more]

INAUGURATION OF THE WOMEN ECONOMIC FORUM, May 2018

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ji spoke at the Gala Inaugural of the WEF (Women Economic Forum) 2018. The theme this year was, The Economics of Goodness : Empowering Potential, Engineering Change…[Read more]

UNITED NATIONS VIENNA – PLAN OF ACTION TO PREVENT ATROCITY CRIMES, FEBRUARY 2018

More than 100 religious leaders, actors, UN officials and representatives from different countries participated in a high level conference discussing the implementation of the Plan of Action* for the prevention of incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crime organized by the Office of Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect at the United Nations…[Read more]

SACH BHARAT: WORLD CONFLUENCE OF HUMANITY, POWER & SPIRITUALITY, DECEMBER 2017

A beautiful two day conclave, entitled “Sach Bharat: the World Confluence of Humanity, Power and Spirituality. Enlightenment: A Journey Within Through Service” took place from 22-23 December, at the Westin Hotel, Kolkata…[Read more]

SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI SPEAKS AT HINDUSTAN SHIKAR SAMAGAM IN LUCKNOW, NOVEMBER 2017

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ji graced and inspired the #HindustanShikarSamagam one day mega event in Lucknow recently. The event had power-packed discussions and talks by Hon’ble Union Home Minister of India Shri Rajnath…[Read more]

ALL INDIA CONFERENCE ON VOLUNTEERING, NOVEMBER 2017

The All India Conference for Volunteering for Change was held at the United Service Institution of India in New Delhi, organised by Caritas India​, on November 9th and 10th, 2017…[Read more]

SADHVIJI SPEAKS AT THE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUERSHIP SUMMIT, November 2017

In partnership with the Government of the United States of America, NITI Aayog is hosted the eighth annual GES in Hyderabad, India during November 28-30, 2017. This is the first time GES was hosted in South Asia, and the event highlighted India’s enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship…[Read more]

SADHVI BHAGAWATIJI SPEAKS AT ENGENDERED DIALOGUES AT THE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT IN HYDERABAD, November 2017

It was such a joy and honor for Sadhvi Bhagawatiji to be part of the EnGENDERed Dialogues by NITI Aayog, tGELF and The Shift at #GES2017, the #GlobalEntrepreneurshipSummit in Hyderabad…[Read more]

PUJYA SWAMIJI LEADS INTERFAITH DELEGATION ON BANEGA SWACHH INDIA – NDTV’S 12-HOUR CLEANATHON, OCTOBER 2017

Pujya Swamiji led a diverse and beautiful delegation of GIWA’s interfaith leaders today on Banega Swachh India NDTV 12 hour Cleanathon anchored by Campaign Ambassador, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan and Mr Vikram Chandra, CEO NDTV. The theme was on Swachh Zameen, Swachh Hawa and Swachh Paani…[Read more]

PLEDGES FOR SAFER AND HEALTHIER WORLD FOR ALL CHILDREN, October 2017

HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji – Muniji​ President of Parmarth Niketan​, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation​, along with pilgrims from over 15 countries and all across India welcomed Nobel Prize Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi​ji…[Read more]

UNICEF 1ST SOUTH ASIA RELIGOUS LEADERS’ PLATFORM FOR CHILDREN, September 2017

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji​ and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati​ participated and shared the exciting work of the Divine Shakti Foundation and Global Interfaith WASH Alliance India at the UNICEF SOUTH ASIA at their first South Asia Religious Leaders’ Platform for Children in Kathmandu…[Read more]

INTERNATIONAL PEACE PALACE: PLEDGE FOR WATER & PEACE, SEPTEMBER 2017

An inspiring pledge to take collective action for water and peace for all, led by Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, took place at the International Peace Palace of the Hague in Netherlands…[Read more]

GLOBAL PEACE PROJECT IN NETHERLANDS, SEPTEMBER 2017

The Global Peace Project held in Netherlands today brought together Interfaith Leaders from across the world, especially from the Netherlands and India, for world peace and water…[Read more]

tGELF’s LIFE 2017 SUMMIT: INTERFAITH CONVERSATIONS, AUGUST 2017

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of Divine Shakti Festival (DSF), was a keynote speaker at the 2-day tGELF LIFE conference, giving a beautiful session on the importance of spirituality in innovation and entrepreneurship…[Read more]

PLAN OF ACTION LAUNCHED AT UN TO PREVENT VIOLENCE & ATROCITY, JULY 2017

Religious leaders gathered at the United Nations (UN) to launch the plan of action to prevent incitement to violence that could lead to atrocity crimes in the ECOSOC chambers. The event was organized by the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and Responsibility to Protect in association with the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID).  Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiiji, President of the Divine Shakti Foundation, was an honorable speaker on the valedictory panel on the implementation of the plan of action and the way forward…[Read more]

STARDUST AWARDS: FASHION, PASSION AND COMPASSION, JULY 2017

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder of DSF, and Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of DSF, were invited to bless and grace the Stardust Global Icon Award Ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York. This year the awards show was also held in support of the Save the Girl Child campaign: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, a social campaign that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls…[Read more]

tGELF HOSTS SHURUAAT! GALA IN NEW YORK FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION, July 2017

A star-studded SHURUAAT! gala was organised by the Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF)*, bringing together the biggest celebrities from Bollywood and leaders from faith traditions, business, philanthropy, media, education and the arts, to work together on the challenge of Global Education, to address and achieve the 4th UN Sustainable Development Goal, Quality Education. All proceeds from the Gala will support work with global private and public sector partners to test and scale education innovation…[Read more]

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY AT THE UNITED NATIONS, June 2017

On the occasion of the 3rd International Day of Yoga, a two day event was organized by the United Nations in which the first day a large event entitled “Yoga with Yoga Masters”,Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji led a historic International Yoga Day event with top yoga teachers Seane Corn, Sharon Gannon and also Prince Ea,and Jai Uttal…[Read more]

CONVERSATION ON YOGA FOR HEALTH – IYF 2017, June 2017

On the occasion of the 3rd International Day of Yoga, a two day event was organized by the United Nations in which the first day a large event entitled “Yoga with Yoga Masters” was led by by HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, Founder and Chairman of Divine Shakti Foundation (DSF), and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of DSF…[Read more]

ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICIANS OF INDIAN ORIGIN (AAPI) CONVENTION, June 2017

To convene and participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, to develop health policy agendas, and to encourage legislative priorities professionals in the field of medicine were brought together for the 35th Convention of the prestigious body of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin in New Jersey, USA. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati Ji gave a keynote…[Read more]

WOMEN ECONOMIC FORUM, May 2017

Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji lauded the Women Economic Forum for honoring, respecting and celebrating the divine feminine, leading the way towards more holistic development and economic growth. Women leaders from around the world, from business, politics, entrepreneurship to entertainment came together in the theme of creativity in leadership and in entrepreneurship…[Read more]

WOMEN HEROES FOR A SWACHH BHARAT CONVERGE FOR WORLD WATER DAY, March 2017

Rishikesh—A unique World Water Day celebration at Parmarth Niketan today brought together and honoured Sanitation Ambassadors and Heroes from nearby villages and urban slums who have worked towards making their…[Read more]

SANITATION CONFERENCE IN ASSAM BEGINS WITH INTERFAITH PLEDGE, February 2017

Renowned faith leaders inaugurated the two day Assam Sanitation Conference in Khanapara Field, Guwahati with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowallji and Hon’ble Minister of State Drinking Water & Sanitation Shri Ramesh Jigajinagiji along with many other ministers, secretaries and eminent representatives of UNICEF India…[Read more]

MARCH FOR PEACE AND WASH IN LADAKH, September 2016

The second day of the GIWA-UNICEF Worship for WASH (Sarva Dharma Swachhta Evam Sadbhavna Sankalp) Summit had the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance’s interfaith leaders and the Hon’ble Science & Technology…[Read more]

INTERNATIONAL GREEN RAKSHA BANDHAN CELEBRATIONS, August 2016

The first ever International Green Raksha Bandhan was held at the sprawling Talkatora Stadium, conceived and led by Mananiya Indresh Kumarji, National Executive Member of RSS, and HH Pujya Swami…[Read more]

WORLD HUMANITARIAN SUMMIT, May 2016

The first World Humanitarian Summit on 23-24 May 2016 in Istanbul convened 9000 participants from 173 Member States, including 55 Heads of State and Government, hundreds of private sector representatives…[Read more]

VAICHARIK MAHA KUMBHA SHAKTI KUMBHA, May 2016

On the second day of the Vaicharik Mahakumbha, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji was one of the main speakers in the panel titled Shakti Kumbha — Kumbha for the upliftment and empowerment of women, and focused on the Divine Feminine or Shakti. The panel consisted of:..[Read more]

SEVENTH ANNUAL WORLDWIDE MEETING ON HUMAN VALUES IN MEXICO, OCTOBER 2015

The Seventh Annual Worldwide Meeting on Human Values took place in Monterrey, Mexico, in which HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji, President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh, India) and Co-Chair of the…[Read more]

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN: DAY 1 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD RELIGIONS, OCTOBER 2015

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati inspired and touched everyone during a beautiful session on the first day of the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Salt Lake Cityon a session themed ‘Religious…[Read more]

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE TO END EXTREME POVERTY, October 2015

The gatherings, hosted by the World Bank, United Nations and Faith-Based Organizations including the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, signified a landmark moment in the United Nation’s 70-year history, in which multi-lateral organizations and faith based organizations came together to join hands in making concrete plans for the eradication of extreme poverty and inequality…[Read more]

SHAKTI AND PRAKRITI: DAY 2 PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD RELIGIONS, October 2015

Salt Lake City- #2015Parliament #FaithinWomen Eminent women faith leaders and renowned environmentalist, Dr. Vandana Shiva, combined forces at the Parliament of the World’s Religions Friday, October 16 to discuss the sacred relationship between the Divine Feminine and Mother Earth, and actionable steps women can and must take to protect and restore our world’s natural resources…[Read more]

UNITED NATIONS AGENCIES, FAITH LEADERS SIGN HISTORIC DECLARATION, SEPTEMBER 2015

UN-Habitat, in collaboration with other United Nations agencies and the Global Interfaith WASH Alliance, held a closed-door meeting in New York in which a historic declaration was approved by all…[Read more]

SAINTS INSPIRE MASSES FOR SWACHH KUMBHA MELA, SEPTEMBER 2015

India’s foremost dharm gurus came together at the Kumbha Mela for a two day Swachh Kumbha event, which concluded on 3rd Sept with a large function at the Shri Jagannath…[Read more]

NASHIK KUMBHA MELA, SEPTEMBER 2015

Bringing a Peaceful Revolution for WASH and Sanitation for All Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji’s visit to Nashik Kumbha Mela was truly remarkable and revolutionary. On the first night of Pujya…[Read more]

HIMALAYA DAY: PLEDGE BY 2000 GIRLS TO PROTECT HIMALAYAS, September 2015

More than two thousand young girls were inspired to pledge for the conservation of the Himalayas on the auspicious occasion of World Himalaya Day at the Government Girls Inter-college, Rishikesh. Pujya Swamiji shared that the River Ganga’s preservation and protection is crucial and fundamental to the conservation of the Himalayas…[Read more]

LAUNCH OF BANEGA SWACHH INDIA IN BIHAR, AUGUST 2015

Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Co-founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance Interfaith and President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), graced the launch of Jagran Pehel and Reckitt and Benckiser’s new campaign entitled…[Read more]

LAUNCH OF BANEGA SWACHH INDIA IN UTTAR PRADESH, AUGUST 2015

Pujya Swamiji, Co-founder of Global Interfaith WASH Alliance (GIWA) and President of Parmarth Niketan (Rishikesh), was cordially invited to be on the steering committee for Jagran Pehel and Reckitt and…[Read more]

BUDDHIST HERITAGE FESTIVAL OF LADAKH, AUGUST 2015

Here are the rest of the gorgeous pictures of Pujya Swamiji and Sadhvi Bhagawatiji’s visit to Ladakh for the week-long 4th International Festival of Buddhist Heritage of Ladakh, from 23-27th…[Read more]

EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN OF LADAKH, AUGUST 2015

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji, President of Divine Shakti Foundation and Director of International Yoga Festival 2015, was the Guest of Honor and speaker at the International Festival of Buddhist heritage of…[Read more]

ENDING EXTREME POVERTY: A MORAL AND SPIRITUAL IMPERATIVE AT THE WORLD BANK, APRIL 2015

Today Pujya Swamiji served as the Hindu representative at the World Bank’s flagship event at the opening of their annual Spring Meeting on the role of faith leaders in eradicating…[Read more]

SPIRITUALITY IN THE AGE OF SMARTPHONES, SEX AND STATUS UPDATES AT SPEAKING TREE’S AKASHA 2014

On November 16th, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of Divine Shakti Foundation, gave a talk at opening session of Speaking Tree’s Akasha 2014, a conference on spirituality, wellness and well-being,  entitled “Spirituality…[Read more]

GLOBALIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AT THE UNITED NATIONS, OCTOBER 2014

A beautiful programme was held at the United Nations recently with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, Global Citizen Forum and United Peace Federation on Sustainable Development. Said Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, President of…[Read more]

“INNER JOURNEY: STRONG, SECURE AND CENTERED” KEYNOTE ADDRESS, FICCI LADIES ORGANISATION 30TH ANNUAL SESSION, APRIL 2014

The women’s wing of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), called the FLO (FICCI Ladies Organization) celebrated thirty wonderful years this April. For their Annual General Meeting…[Read more]

“EMBRACING THE DIVINE SHAKTI” PANEL AT INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVAL 2013, RISHIKESH

An annual part of the International Yoga Festival held every year in Rishikesh at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, a panel on women and spirituality entitled “Embracing the Divine Shakti” was held…[Read more]

NATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD, January 2013

Girls Worshipped at Kumbh Mela to Promote Respect and Awareness on National Girl Child Day…[Read more]

DIVINE SHAKTI FESTIVAL 2013 AT KUMBHA MELA IN ALLAHABAD, January 2013

From January 24th to 29th, the first Divine Shakti Festival took place at the Kumbh Mela in Allahad.  A festival in celebration and reverence of the Divine Feminine, approximately fifty participants came from around the world to take part in yoga classes, meditation, inspirational motivational talks and discussions about the Divine Feminine, and its role in the world today…[Read more]