Glenview, IL. The Hanuman Mandir of Greater Chicago in Glenview held a felicitation ceremony honoring Padma Bhushan awardee “Didi Maa” Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The event, held in Glenview, IL, and honored Didi Maa’s “extraordinary four decades of contributions to social upliftment, women’s empowerment, child welfare, and her pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.”
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of devotees and community leaders from across Greater Chicago, including representatives from more than 20 Hindu temples and organizations. Special guests included Vinod Gautam from the Consulate General of India Chicago, Dr. Bharat Barai.
Didi Maa’s heartfelt message emphasized the strength of a united Sanatan Dharma community worldwide, urging Indian diaspora members to serve as cultural ambassadors. She highlighted her latest initiative, Shree Sarvamangala Peetham at Vatsalya Gram, Vrindavan—an ambitious project dedicated to preserving India’s rich spiritual heritage while promoting women’s empowerment and social harmony.
During her Chicago visit from April 17–23, 2025, Didi Maa conducted a five-day Ram Katha at Hanuman Mandir, telling stories from the Ramayana and delivering messages of compassion, courage, and service. She also visited several temples including Chicago Kalibari Mandir, Shree Jalaram Mandir, Hari Sumiran Mandir, BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, and Sri Upasana, among others. At every stop, she spoke of her spiritual vision to eager audiences.
A special tribute was made to Didi Maa’s groundbreaking initiative, Vatsalya Gram, a community model providing holistic care—including shelter, education, and healthcare—to abandoned and underprivileged children. With seven thriving campuses across India, Vatsalya Gram stands as a living testament to her mission of building families rooted in love, respect, and tradition.
The Param Shakti Peeth of America Foundation (PSPA), the event’s supporting organization, continues to further Didi Maa’s mission across four pillars: Health (Swasthya), Service (Seva), Culture, and Education. PSPA’s efforts span from women’s skill development to disaster response and spiritual wellness, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for transformative change.
The community bid farewell to Didi Maa and her team — Mahapadmaleshwar Satpriya Di, Sanjay Bhaiya Ji, Sadhvi Satpriya Di, Master Ji, and Amit Bhaiya Ji — vowing to continue spreading her teachings of love, service, and unity.
