Shattering stereotypes in saree and floppy hat: Meet Gen Z’s favourite spiritual guide

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati came to India as a young backpacker. Little did she know she would spend the rest of her life here discovering spirituality and transforming lives of millions of youth across the world

Born and raised in Los Angeles (USA), where opportunities and privileges were aplenty, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati, decided to pursue her spiritual calling after that one visit to India in 1996. Now based in Rishikesh (Uttarakhand), this psychology graduate-turned-spiritual leader is inspiring several youngsters to lean into their inner strength and chase their dreams — in a saffron saree and a matching floppy hat, no less!

“I was in the middle of pursuing a PhD in psychology when I came to India as a 25-year-old backpacker. While I had no intention to stay, an unexpected, surprising spiritual awakening got me to stay,” says Saraswati, who is a social media sensation for youngsters seeking spiritual guidance across the world. She has also embraced the new-age ways of communicating with Gen Z and loves sharing adorable animal videos on her Instagram feed.

In one of her books, Hollywood to the Himalayas, she talks about transformation and healing, decoding her experiences and moving to India. As an American-born woman embracing spirituality in India, she is no stranger to the many qualms of society. “Even my parents were sceptical of my decision, but the more they visited me, the more they understood the culture and became supportive of my decision,” explains Saraswati.

Ask if she has any advice for young women who are struggling to choose and follow their dreams, Saraswati talks about rejecting the notion that women need to be empowered. “Women don’t need to be empowered since they embody power. What we need is encouragement, acceptance and enthusiasm in the community to create a space where women can embody their divine power to honour and celebrate their gifts and aspirations, whether it is to create, make music, work in science, or pursue spiritual leadership.”