Gandhi, Vinoba & the Modern Heart - an online Talk & Interaction with Dr Swasti Bhattacharya

Swasti Bhattacharyya (PhD, RN) Professor Emerita of Philosophy & Religion has been researching, writing, and teaching in religious studies and ethics for over two decades. Her current long-term project explores how contemporary generations are living out Vinoba Bhave’s commitments to Sarvodaya.

Her illustrious CV mentions academic glory (with PhD from University of Southern California, research at Harvard and Banras Hindu University) and yet, it is interesting to note that Swasti's primary training is as a nurse - as one may note, nursing was Gandhi's secret love too :) Significantly, Swasti's father participated in the Indian freedom struggle. Born in India, Swasti grew up and lives in US, currently based out of Honululu, Hawaii. Her strong affinity for Brahm Vidya Mandir, Pavnar ashram makes her work and life interesting for all of us. Particularly, since 2006 her work of documenting the lives and stories of the nuns (Tais) of Brahma Vidya Mandir and making these as case studies in her academic project. 

Here is an opportunity for us to deepen the field by diving into some stories of the Brahm Vidya Mandir, Vinoba ji and Bapu too. 

We intend to come together online this coming Monday morning at 8 am to 9.15 am IST wherein she will initially speak on her formative years, surrounded by the spirit of Gandhi-Vinoba vichar and her academic journey where she continued the pursuit. 

Google Meet / Zoom call link will be shared through reply email to you. This gathering is restricted to 25 people. 

Some of Swasti's work available online : 
a) https://wsrp.hds.harvard.edu/people/swasti-bhattacharyya : Short write up on her current work project "The Freedom to Always Love: Interweaving Sustainability, Spirituality, and Sarvodaya"
b) https://www.swastibhattacharyya.com/post/no-waste
c) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fgvjrE6qMk : A talk on Brahm Vidya Mandir

With love, 

Awakin volunteers