Bhagwati Devi Sharma

Bhagwati Devi Sharma (1926–1994), also known as Mataji, was an influential Indian spiritual leader and social reformer who co-founded the All World Gayatri Pariwar (AWGP) alongside her husband, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya. She dedicated her life to women's empowerment, spiritual awakening, and the global dissemination of Gayatri philosophy, launching initiatives like the Mahila Jagran Abhiyan (Women's Awakening Campaign) in 1975, which engaged over a million women across India. Her works, such as માતૃશક્તિના ઉત્થાનમાં નારીની ભૂમિકા (Role of Women in Uplifting Matriarchy) and નારી શૃંગારિકતા નહિ પવિત્રતા છે (Nari Srngarikata Nahi Pavitrata Chhe), reflect her commitment to promoting the dignity and purity of women within a spiritual framework. After her husband's passing, she led AWGP, overseeing global activities and initiatives like the Grand Ashwamedha Yajnas to spread divine Indian culture.