My life is anchored in a single sankalp-sewa, selfless service

When your mind is calm, your spirit strong, and your heart aligned with dharma, you naturally become a force of change.

Sadhvi Pragya Bharti

Sadhvi Pragya Bharti is a multifaceted personality who has made a significant impact in various fields, Founder, Sambhav International Foundation, not-for- profit making organisation.
As a renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian, news media expert, social activist and academic visionary, she has been guiding and inspiring countless individuals across the nation.
Born into an affluent family and educated in a convent school, she has dedicated over two decades to serving society and continues to uplift communities while spreading the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma.
Spiritual and Social Contributions:
Uplifting and empowering the youth of India through values, vision, and purpose.
Tirelessly worked towards the reformation and rehabilitation of Tihar jail inmates and numerous other jails across India.
Devoted significant years to the cause of visually and physically challenged individuals.
She has dedicated her life to serving society and promoting the eternal wisdom of Sanatan Dharma and spirituality.
Educational and Advocacy Work :
With over 1050 thoughtfully curated modules, she has inspired young minds, empowered women, and nurtured holistic well-being.
Advocates for gender equality, women empowerment, skill development, climate change mitigation, value-based leadership, water conservation, and heritage preservation through seminars and conferences creating a deep and lasting impact across corporates, educators, civil servants, defence forces, journalists, and communities from all walks of life.
Collaborates with notable figures like Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi to discuss mental health and child abuse.
Awards and Recognition
Honored with prestigious accolades including:
Delhi Ratan Award
Uttarakhand Ratan Award
Bharat Gaurav Samman
Excellence in Women Leadership Skills Award
International Initiatives & Dialogues:
Actively contributed to global platforms such as the G86 Meet, advocating for strategic policy reforms at UNODC to address drug abuse.
Participated in Interfaith Religious, Spiritual, Humanitarian, and Peace Dialogues, fostering global unity and understanding.
Addressed globally at ICAN7, International Conference on AI & the Future of Media: Ethics & Innovations, organized by Delhi Metropolitan Education in collaboration with the South Asia Communication Association (SACA).
Represented at the 25th Asiad Literature Festival, engaging in discourse from people across the globe on literature, culture, and national identity.
Featured speaker at the seminar on “Maha Kumbh 2025: Dharti Ka Parv”, alongside bureaucrats, religious leaders, writers, intellectuals and journalists in collaboration with Russian embassy.
Made significant contribution at the International Women Entrepreneurs Conference with the Empowered Women Entrepreneur Award, recognizing contributions to leadership and social impact, addressing people across 26 countries.
Commitment to Sanatan Dharma :
Dedicated advocate for the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma, engaging in national debates and serving as a prominent voice on crucial issues.
Significant involvement in cases like the Gyan Vapi dispute and restoration efforts in Kashi & Mathura.
Her engagements extend to educational reform, where she sensitizes educators to study patterns rooted in the timeless wisdom of Sanatan Dharma. By integrating Vedic principles with modern education, she nurtures a generation grounded in values, purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the nation.
Significant involvements in historic cases of national importance such as Ram mandir restoration.
Sadhvi Pragya Bharti believes that to bring about a positive change, you must be the change in the society.
This principle is the foundation of her life’s work. Through silent strength and unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire and empower individuals, leaving a lasting mark on the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of the nation.

Sadhvi Ji, you are a multifaceted personality. How do you balance your diverse roles and ensure your core mission remains central?

My life is anchored in a single sankalp-sewa, selfless service. Whether I am immersed in maun sadhana guiding seekers in silence, or addressing gatherings on national platforms, the essence remains the same, to serve without attachment. When one walks the path of dharma with a heart full of karuna (compassion), harmony arises effortlessly. The Vedas teach us that when duty is performed without desire for reward, the soul remains centered.

“ कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते संगोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ ”

– Bhagavad Gita 2.47

“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.”

When one surrenders the ego at the lotus feet of Almighty and offers every action as a yajna, balance is not a pursuit, it becomes a natural state of being.

Could you share a pivotal moment that solidified your commitment to this path?

There wasn’t just one moment, it was a series of soul touching experiences that gently but firmly shaped my path. I was only six when I first felt a natural pull towards spirituality. Accompanied by my parents, I would visit temples and sacred places, not just out of tradition, but with a quiet curiosity and devotion that kept growing within me.

Later, during my school years, I began participating in debates. One such debate required me to study the life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda ji. As I read about him, his fearless voice at the Parliament of Religions, his deep concern for the poor, and his inspiring call to the youth something awakened within me. The more I understood his mission, the more I felt connected to his vision of serving the nation through selfless action.

It was in that moment that the spirit of sewa, of dedicating one’s life to a purpose beyond the self, quietly took root within me.

And then came a moment I can never forget. As a young girl, I once witnessed a malnourished child share his only biscuit with his mother. That simple, silent act of love shook me.

It felt as if the universe was asking me in that moment, what value does a life hold, if it cannot bring comfort to another?

That combination of early spiritual grounding, the fire lit by Vivekananda ji’s ideals, and that moment of raw, human compassion became the foundation of my life’s direction. Since then, sewa is not just what I do, it’s who I am.

उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान्निबोधत।

Kathopanishad

“Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
Swami Vivekananda lived these words, and through his life, taught us that true strength lies in compassion, and true success in service. He became my inspiration and this path, my purpose.
Tell us about your organisation “Sambhav International Foundation.” What are you most proud of?

Sambhav International Foundation(SIF)- Together we can make a difference, is not just an organisation, it is a spiritual commitment to uplift lives through sewa (selfless service). It is a movement that has transformed & given direction to countless lives across the globe. The foundation stands on three core values: Education, Empowerment, and Empathy.

Our efforts are focused on serving the underprivileged and marginalised sections of society, from providing digital education in rural and tribal areas to supporting children of defence personnel. We conduct motivational and counselling sessions for our brave police forces and dedicated civil servants, reminding them that their service is sacred.

We are equally committed to the revival and preservation of Sanatan Dharma, ensuring that the eternal values of our culture and spirituality are not only protected but also passed on meaningfully to the next generation. Sambhav actively engages with the youth, guiding them to become torchbearers of nation-building, while also nurturing women empowerment so that every woman feels seen, heard, and supported.

What makes me most proud is not a statistic or an event, it’s the quiet, powerful stories of transformation. Like the young village girl who once walked barefoot for miles to attend school and today, she leads that very school and uplifts her entire community. These are the moments where Sambhav, the seemingly impossible, becomes a living reality.

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते।

Na hi jñānena sadṛśaṁ pavitram iha vidyate- Bhagavad Gita 4.38

“There is nothing more purifying in this world than knowledge.”

And when knowledge is guided by compassion, rooted in dharma, and offered in service, it has the power to heal, to empower, and to transform the nation.

Message to Today’s Youth
Rise with purpose. Live with vision.

The time has come to look beyond instant pleasures and hollow escapes. Drugs, crime, and distractions are not paths, they are traps. Choose contribution over consumption, and responsibility over rebellion.

Nation-building begins within.

When your mind is calm, your spirit strong, and your heart aligned with dharma, you naturally become a force of change. Establish peace within, and you will radiate peace without.
At Sambhav Foundation, we are deeply committed to igniting this inner fire in our youth, giving them vision, values, and direction. We believe that when the youth awaken, not only does the nation rise, but humanity heals.

Remember:

“ देश से पहले स्वार्थ नहीं होना चाहिए।”

The nation must always come before the self.

Let us become warriors of wisdom, not with weapons, but with willpower, not with noise, but with noble action.

What principles of Sanatan Dharma do you feel are most impactful today?

Since my early childhood, I’ve felt a deep and natural inclination towards Sanatan Dharma. Perhaps carried from previous karmas and sanskaras. Accompanying my parents to spiritual places, reading about the lives of great sages, and reflecting on the essence of dharma…all of this sowed a seed in me! A dream to devote my life to Bharat Maa and her people. Today, I feel truly blessed to live that dream. There are few on this planet who receive such a sacred opportunity….to live for your motherland and become the voice for the voiceless.

Sanatan Dharma, to me, is not confined to rituals or customs…it is a timeless, universal way of life. It teaches us:

To walk the path of Karma Yoga- selfless action rooted in dharma

To live by Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- seeing the entire world as one family

To seek Atmabodha- self-realization as the foundation of inner peace

To balance inner stillness- purposeful service to society and the nation

In a world struggling with division, confusion, and isolation, these ancient truths offer clarity, unity, and hope.

यो वै भूमा तत्सुखम्।
नाल्पे सुखमस्ति। भ‍ूमैव सुखम्॥

-Chāndogya Upanishad (7.23.1)

Meaning:

That which is infinite alone is true happiness. There is no joy in the finite. True bliss lies in the boundless.
Sanatan Dharma invites us to expand our consciousness, to serve with purity, and to recognize the divine in all. It is not just a path, it is the pulse of Bharat, eternal and ever-awakening.

Coming from a privileged background, what inspired your renunciation?

Privilege must lead to purpose. My education gave me clarity, but spirituality gave me courage… the courage to walk a path not defined by comfort, but by commitment.

For me, renunciation is not about leaving a family…it’s about embracing a larger one. It is the expansion of love, belonging, and responsibility. Regardless of caste, creed, or colour, the world becomes your home, and every soul your own. You don’t live apart from them…you live with them, for them, and among them, joyfully.

Coming from a privileged background, I was never unaware of life’s blessings…rather, it made me more sensitive to the absence of those blessings in others’ lives. It taught me that sacrifice deepens empathy, and that true seva begins when you offer not just what is easy, but what is essential…your time, your voice, your entire being.

This inner calling transformed into a lifelong sankalp…to serve my nation, uplift the downtrodden, and be a source of strength to the unheard and unseen.

त्यक्त्वा स्वधर्मं परधर्मे रताः सन्ति महात्मनः।
लोकानां हितमिच्छन्तः त्यजन्ति सुखमात्मनः॥
Meaning:

Great souls, desiring the welfare of the world, often give up personal comfort and even their own prescribed duties, choosing instead the path of greater good.
How do you see social media as a tool for change?

Social media is a powerful platform for positive transformation. It holds the potential to serve humanity, if used with the right intention. When we use it to spread messages of peace, harmony, and solidarity, it becomes a force for collective awakening.

One thoughtful post, one act of kindness shared, or one message rooted in compassion, these can travel beyond borders, reach hearts we may never meet, and inspire change where words may never reach.

But like any powerful tool, it comes with responsibility. Unfortunately, many are using it today for division, distraction, and misinformation. The choice is ours, to either contribute to the noise, or become a voice of hope and healing.

Let’s use social media not just to speak, but to elevate, not just to show, but to serve.

“संगच्छध्वं सं वदध्वं सं वो मनांसि जानताम्।”
Let us move together, speak in one voice, and let our minds be united.

-Rig Veda 10.191.2

When this becomes our digital dharma, a screen can become a sanctuary, and a post can become a prayer.

What’s your vision for education in India?

Education must go beyond memory…it must nurture wisdom. True education doesn’t just teach you what to think, but how to think…with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

In today’s Bharat, education must carry the fragrance of spirituality and the fire of patriotism. Our students should grow up not only with skills for livelihood, but with love for their motherland, pride in their civilizational roots, and a deep understanding of Sanatan values.

A curriculum without character is incomplete. A degree without direction is dangerous. We must awaken curiosity, build character, and cultivate courage… so that our children not only chase success, but also stand for dharma.

At the heart of my vision is this:

An educated child with sanskaar becomes a nation-builder.

Let our classrooms echo not just with answers, but with questions that uplift. Let our schools not only create professionals, but patriots…who know their past, serve in the present, and shape a glorious future for Bharat.
स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा, विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते।

A king is respected only in his kingdom, but a wise one is revered everywhere.

Let our education system raise wise ones…rooted in dharma, radiant with knowledge, and ready to serve the world.

What are the root causes of mental health issues today? Can spirituality help?

Mental health is one of the most urgent conversations of our times and the first step is to say this clearly: It is okay not to be okay. Pain, confusion, anxiety….these are not signs of weakness, but calls for attention, care, and healing.

At the root of many mental health struggles is disconnection, from the self, from values, from silence, and from meaningful relationships. In a fast-paced world filled with noise, comparison, and pressure, we often forget to pause and ask: Who am I beyond my roles? What truly matters to me?

This is where spirituality becomes a powerful anchor. It doesn’t deny pain…it helps us face it with deeper awareness and inner strength.

Spiritual practices like:

Meditation- bring us back to the present moment

Seva (selfless service)- expands our perspective beyond our own struggles

Gratitude- shifts our focus from what’s missing to what’s meaningful

Satsang and introspection– help us feel less alone in our journey

Most importantly, spirituality changes our relationship with suffering. It teaches us that challenges are not punishments, but often powerful teachers.

That said, seeking help is strength. Talk to someone. Share your burden. Whether it’s a counselor, a mentor, a loved one…talking is healing. No one should walk through darkness alone.

At Sambhav, we often say: “You are not broken. You are becoming.” Let’s create a world where mental well-being is not taboo, but truthfully embraced…..with compassion, courage, and consciousness.
“आत्मानं विद्धि।”

Know thyself. – Upanishads

For in knowing the self, we begin to heal the world within.
How do you define “women empowerment” today?

Empowerment is not imitation- it is awakening.

To empower a woman is not to ask her to become someone else; it is to help her become fully, fearlessly herself. Every woman carries within her the energy of Shakti, strength, intuition, resilience, grace and empowerment is the process of reminding her of that divine spark.

True empowerment is not about competing with men- it is about complementing each other in harmony. It is about giving women the freedom to make their own choices, whether she chooses to lead a company, nurture a family, walk into a parliament, or meditate in the Himalayas. Her worth is not in conforming to societal standards but in owning her truth with dignity and pride.

In the Sanatan tradition, woman is not just respected, she is revered. She is Durga, the protector; Saraswati, the source of knowledge; Lakshmi, the giver of abundance; and Kali, the fearless force of transformation.

But today, while we celebrate these forms, we must also ensure education, safety, equal opportunity, and respect for every girl and woman, from rural villages to urban cities. Empowerment must be both external and internal, where a woman not only has rights, but also the confidence, courage, and clarity to use them.

At Sambhav, we work to nurture that empowerment through:

• Skill training and education
• Spiritual and mental health support
• Mentorship and leadership opportunities
• Spaces where women uplift each other, not compete
“या देवि सर्वभूतेषु शक्तिरूपेण संस्थिता।
नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः॥”

To that divine energy who resides in all beings in the form of Shakti- we bow again and again.

Let us not just empower women, let us honour the power that they already are.

How does a sense of purpose influence well-being?

Purpose is not just a goal- it’s a guiding light. It gives meaning to our efforts, clarity to our choices, and direction to our journey. Without purpose, life can feel like mere survival, but with purpose, life becomes seva, a sacred offering.

A person with a sense of purpose doesn’t just exist, they elevate. They rise with a reason, and their presence becomes healing for themselves and for the world around them. Purpose empowers us to move through pain with resilience, to turn challenges into growth, and to choose consciously, not just what feels good, but what does good.
In the absence of purpose, confusion, anxiety, and apathy often take root. But when your life is anchored in a deeper calling… whether it’s serving your community, caring for your family, or uplifting your nation, your well-being becomes rooted in contribution, not comparison.

“धर्मेण हीनः पशुभिः समानः।”

One without dharma or a higher purpose is no different from an animal.- Chanakya Niti

At Sambhav, we believe that helping someone discover their purpose is the greatest service because once a person finds meaning, they find strength and in that strength lies healing, peace, and lasting happiness.
Let your purpose be your anchor, your compass, and your prayer.

How can one integrate spiritual beliefs with modern mental health treatment?
With open hearts and open minds.

Science and spirituality are not opposites, they are complementary tools in the journey of healing. Where modern psychology offers diagnosis, structure, and evidence-based interventions, spirituality offers inner strength, hope, and meaning. Together, they don’t divide, they complete the healing process.

Mental health is not just about the mind, it is about the soul, the energy, and the emotional ecosystem of a human being. While therapy and medication may treat symptoms, spiritual practices like meditation, mantra chanting, prayer, satsang, self-inquiry, and seva help nurture the roots.

In fact, many modern mental health professionals today recognise the importance of values, stillness, forgiveness, gratitude, and belonging, all deeply spiritual qualities.

“Where science ends, faith begins.”
But sometimes, it is also the reverse, faith gives us the strength to even begin healing. It tells us: You are not alone. You are not broken. You are held.

Let’s also remember:

It is not weak to seek help. Going to therapy or talking to a counselor doesn’t make your faith any less. In fact, it strengthens it. Because healing is dharma and dharma means taking the right action, at the right time, with awareness.

“आत्मानं विद्धि”- Know thyself.

(Upanishads)

“उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।”

Let a person uplift oneself through the Self, and not degrade oneself.

(Bhagavad Gita 6.5)

At Sambhav, we encourage this integration deeply, where a seeker may visit a counselor in the morning, attend satsang in the evening, and meditate in silence at night with no guilt, only grace.

Healing is not one path. It is a confluence. And when science walks hand in hand with spirituality, the result is not just a healthy mind but a peaceful soul.

How can one integrate spiritual beliefs with modern mental health treatment?

By understanding that healing is multidimensional. We are not just minds and bodies, we are also hearts, energies, and spirits. Mental health must be approached holistically, with respect for both science and spirituality. The two are not contradictory; they are complementary forces that, when aligned, offer deep and lasting transformation.

Modern science offers us incredible tools like psychotherapy, cognitive restructuring, medication, neuroscience-backed interventions which are life-saving and should be respected. But alongside this, spirituality addresses the inner vacuum, the existential longing, the emotional wounds that logic cannot always soothe.
Where science provides structure, spirituality gives meaning. Where therapy helps us process emotions, sadhana helps us transcend them. Together, they enable us not just to survive but to truly heal, grow, and awaken.

In our culture, the journey of the mind has always been linked with the journey of the soul. Practices like:

n Dhyan (meditation)- stills the agitated mind
n Japa (mantra chanting)- calms inner noise and activates healing vibrations
n Seva (selfless service)- shifts focus from self-centeredness to shared humanity
n Satsang (company of truth)- provides a sense of belonging and shared upliftment
n Swadhyaya (self-study and spiritual reading)- builds inner clarity and strength

All of these have a profound impact on emotional well-being often reducing stress, enhancing focus, and building resilience.

And yet, let us be clear:

It is okay to seek help. Talking is not weakness, it is wisdom. Therapy is not anti-spiritual, it is dharmic.

Even Lord Krishna became Arjuna’s counselor on the battlefield of life.

“उद्धरेदात्मनाऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।”

Let a person uplift oneself through the Self, and never degrade the Self.

(Bhagavad Gita 6.5)

This is the essence of he.

Your favorite quote?

“Be so rooted in dharma, that even the strongest storms bow before your calm.”

This quote is not just a line, it is my anchor.

In a world full of chaos, noise, and ever-changing tides, dharma is that one unshakable center.