By Sonu Tyagi, Founder, Go Spiritual & Approach Entertainment
For several years, as a senior in the media and advertising fraternity, I have known and deeply respected Mr. Vijay Shyam Pherwani. It is with genuine affection and profound admiration that I write about his remarkable daughter, Sneha Pherwani.
In a world often driven by personal ambition, there are rare souls who embody the true essence of spiritual living—selfless service, cultural rootedness, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Sneha Pherwani, a young woman from a distinguished Sindhi-Rajput Mewar lineage, stands as a shining example of this harmonious balance. Deeply influenced by her family’s values of discipline, heritage, and intellect, Sneha has channeled her global experiences and innate compassion into profound philanthropic, social, and spiritual endeavors. Through her initiatives, she not only addresses material needs but also fosters spiritual growth, unity, and inner peace among communities.
Sneha’s philanthropic journey is rooted in a profound sensitivity to the suffering of others, a trait evident from her earliest years. As a schoolgirl at Hiranandani Foundation School, she once rescued an injured stray dog, personally arranging medical care, food, and comfort when few others stepped forward. This act of kindness was no isolated incident; it reflected a spiritual ethos of ahimsa (non-violence) and empathy that has defined her life. Her compassion matured into large-scale action during India’s devastating second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. Witnessing the acute shortage of oxygen concentrators, Sneha leveraged her U.S. connections—forged during her Master’s in Global Business Management at Arizona State University—to mobilize NGOs. She secured donations of over 150 large, American-made oxygen concentrators, each valued at nearly two lakh rupees. Coordinating shipments to Mumbai and partnering with local hospitals and NGOs, she ensured these life-saving devices were distributed free of charge to those in dire need.
What makes Sneha’s efforts truly spiritual is her insistence on anonymity and humility. She declined all media interviews, embodying the principle that genuine seva (selfless service) is performed without seeking recognition. “True social work is done quietly,” she believes, aligning with ancient wisdom that the highest form of giving elevates both the giver and receiver without ego.
This quiet resolve extends to her personal initiatives, which blend social welfare with spiritual nourishment. Disillusioned by misuse of funds in some NGOs—particularly those exploiting vulnerable children for conversions—Sneha chose a direct, hands-on approach. What began as a family vow during Navratri to support an acquaintance’s child has blossomed into “Maa Ki Mamta,” a monthly program feeding 300 to 1,000 underprivileged children in Mumbai’s slums. Drawing from the divine maternal energy of Maa (Mother), the initiative provides nutritious meals while instilling values of gratitude and community.
Sneha’s focus on girl-child education further highlights her spiritual vision of empowerment and equality. She awards top-performing girls with uniforms, books, stationery, and schoolbags—simple yet transformative incentives that encourage continuity in studies. In doing so, she honors the feminine divine, echoing traditions like Navratri, where the girl child is revered as a manifestation of Shakti. These acts not only combat poverty but also nurture the soul, helping children discover their inner potential and dignity.
Sneha’s spiritual endeavors shine brightest in her ability to bridge cultures and foster unity. While at Arizona State University—where she made history as the first non-American, non-white topper in the institute’s 80-year legacy—she initiated the campus’s first Diwali celebration. Convincing the dean of its profound significance, she secured a USD 5,000 grant for the event at this convent-governed institution. She even ensured vegetarian meals in cafeterias for two days, respecting dietary principles tied to purity and non-violence.
The celebration evolved into a multicultural symphony: students from Asia, the Middle East, Far East, Europe, and America participated in prayers to Mata Lakshmi, applied tikkas, and immersed in the festival of lights. Sneha carried the Indian flag across campus, symbolizing not just national pride but the universal spiritual truth of light triumphing over darkness. This initiative promoted interfaith harmony, inclusivity, and the shared human quest for enlightenment—core tenets of spiritual living.
Despite a promising corporate path—recruited by a Bill Gates-funded startup with travels between Boston and New Jersey, and on track for Harvard MBA—Sneha returned to India at her father’s request to join BTL Solutions. Yet, her spiritual calling never waned; she infuses her professional life with ethical practices and global networks that indirectly support her philanthropic goals.
Sneha’s life is a testament to karma yoga—action performed with detachment and devotion. A seasoned traveler (having explored 60% of the developed world), talented painter, dancer, photographer, and chef extraordinaire (her Sindhi, Asian, Italian, and fusion dishes are unparalleled), she remains grounded in family, culture, and compassion. To me, she is like the daughter I never had—a modern yogini who proves that true success lies in giving back, quietly and selflessly.
In Sneha Pherwani, we see the convergence of brilliance and benevolence, where philanthropy becomes a spiritual practice. Her story inspires us to embrace Maa Ki Mamta in our own lives, fostering a world of compassion, unity, and inner light. As we at Go Spiritual celebrate such luminaries, Sneha reminds us: real strength speaks in silence, and true spirituality illuminates through service.
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