DJJS Santulan’s Nationwide Women Empowerment Campaign is Bridging the Divide Between भारत and India
On one hand, Indian women are leading space missions, flying fighter aircraft, serving in key positions in the armed forces, and steering global businesses. On the other hand, there are still parts of the country where young women and daughters-in-law face restrictions on using mobile phones, are denied access to education. According to the World Economic Forum(WEF) Global Gender Gap report of 2024 the national literacy rate, average of India(74%) lags behind global average(83%) because of lower contribution from women, women are excluded from decisions concerning their own lives, women persistently face gender-based violence and discrimination, son-preference syndrome(sex ratio in states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are respectively 902 girls per 1000 boys and 928 girls per 1000 boys). This striking contradiction remains one of the greatest challenges to women’s empowerment in contemporary times.
Divya Guru Shri Ashutosh Maharaj Ji, Founder and Head of Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan states- “To free women from the chains of subjugation and oppression, we must work at two levels, one the society and the other women themselves. Only through spiritual awakening can society learn to respect women, and women come to realize their own worth.”
Guided by this philosophy, DJJS Santulan seeks to create transformation not only at the social level but also at the individual level by addressing the mindset that sustains inequality. Thus, the foundation of this initiative rests upon spiritual awakening. DJJS Santulan seeks to restore the dignity and status of women in society to the level envisioned during the Vedic era. According to the timeless wisdom of Indian ancient spiritual tradition, Self-Realization is the only transformative science capable of not merely addressing but uprooting the very mindset that gives rise to anti-women attitudes and behaviours. As consciousness is refined, women become aware of their inherent strengths and potential, while society begins to break free from its limiting stereotypes and prejudices towards women.
Sadhvi Deepika Bharti Ji, Global Head, DJJS Santulan and a world renowned orator of Shri Ram Katha in both English and Hindi explains, "empowering rural women is essential because they are not only the backbone of agriculture and the rural economy, but their empowerment also serves as a catalyst for broader social and economic development of the society and country."
The target groups for this campaign are women across all age groups, and direct interactive sessions are held with them through workshops, community dialogues, counselling sessions, and participatory learning activities. These sessions address critical themes such as women’s health, education, economic independence, digital literacy, leadership development etc.. Participants are also introduced to inspiring case studies from Indian history, including the lives of Rani Padmini, Rajmata Jijabai, and the saint-poet Mirabai, Queen Madalsa, Queen Suniti etc. Through these narratives, women are encouraged to recognize within themselves the same courage, wisdom, resilience, and leadership that transformed families, communities, and nations throughout history. These sessions are led by the Sadhvi representatives of DJJS Branches.
Evidently, women beneficiaries participating in these programmes are increasingly becoming more aware of their own potential and aspirations. They are beginning to view their health, education, and personal growth not as priorities that conflict with family responsibilities, but as essential contributors to family well-being. A growing understanding is emerging that the prosperity of families and the progress of society are intrinsically linked to the dignity, empowerment, and active participation of women.
Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) is a socio-spiritual organization dedicated to promoting peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood. Through its nine flagship social initiatives, the organization works continuously for the holistic development of all sections of society. Among these initiatives is Santulan, DJJS's Women Empowerment and Gender Equality initiative. For its impactful dedicated campaign for grassroot level and sustained efforts towards advancing women's empowerment, Santulan has received recognition and appreciation at both national and international platforms.
Today, Santulan stands among India's leading women empowerment initiatives. Supported by nearly 70,000 selfless women volunteers and 6,000 Sadhvi representatives of DJJS , the project actively works towards eliminating all forms of discrimination and violence against women. Over the past two decades, approximately 650,000 women beneficiaries have been impacted through its various outreach programmes. Beyond empowerment in the conventional sense, Santulan is committed to holistic empowerment of women by awakening the spiritual dimension of women through self-awakening to etch Vedic women of the 21st century.
Through corporate seminars, live webinars, workshops in educational institutions, rural women empowerment programmes, awareness campaigns, participatory community projects, roadshows, and large-scale public outreach initiatives, Santulan continues to create meaningful grassroots impact not only across India but also internationally. Its programmes have left a lasting impression in prestigious educational institutions, universities, and corporate organizations.
Santulan's efforts extend beyond on-ground interventions. Through its social media platforms, @DJJSSantulan actively spreads awareness and inspires women across the globe towards empowerment and self-development. Follow @DJJSSantulan on Instagram, Facebook, and X for updates and to become a part of this growing movement.
