Book Stree Ki Divyata by Gulab Kothari Launched on International Women's Day

The National Book Trust, India, launched Gulab Kothari's Stree Ki Divyata on International Women's Day. The work explores womanhood as a manifestation of divine energy, drawing on Hindu scriptures and Indian philosophical traditions. The event featured notable scholars emphasising the feminine principle in culture, education, and nation-building.

The National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the Ministry of Education, organised the launch of the book "Stree Ki Divyata" authored by noted writer and Rajasthan Patrika Editor-in-Chief Gulab Kothari on the occasion of International Women's Day.

The book, which translates to "The Divinity of Woman," explores the idea of womanhood beyond the physical dimension and presents women as manifestations of divine energy. It reflects on the complementary nature of feminine and masculine principles and highlights the spiritual role of women in Indian philosophical traditions.

The book was formally released by senior journalist and thinker Ram Bahadur Rai, Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, and Kumud Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha, and Vice-President of Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.

Welcoming the gathering, Yuvraj Malik, Director of National Book Trust, India, highlighted NBT's commitment to publishing works that engage with Indian knowledge traditions. He noted that the book reflects the journey of a woman through different stages of life and her role in carrying forward values and cultural traditions within society. Emphasising the social and cultural significance of women, he remarked that while people have always recognised women's importance, Gulab Kothari's work uniquely articulates the divinity embedded in this role.

Speaking at the event, Kumud Sharma discussed the concept of womanhood and creation. Referring to the idea of "Nari tu Narayani," she explained how Hindu scriptures recognise women as embodiments of prosperity, power (Shakti), and knowledge through the symbolism of goddesses. She stressed that Indian civilisation has consistently acknowledged women as the builders of families and the nation.

Ram Bahadur Rai congratulated NBT for releasing the book on International Women's Day and said such events remind society of the deeper meaning of the day beyond celebration. Reflecting on the concept of Narayani as a symbol of spiritual and sustaining power, he highlighted the deep connection between motherhood, knowledge, and the feminine principle.

Sharing his thoughts, Gulab Kothari spoke about the inspiration behind the book and emphasised the need to reconnect younger generations with India's traditional knowledge systems. He noted that contemporary education often reflects a male-centric perspective and fails to adequately recognise the distinctive qualities and strengths of women. Drawing from the Shastras, he discussed the spiritual and civilisational understanding of the feminine principle and said that women have traditionally embodied the spirit of giving and nurturing.

He also expressed concern that the feminine dimension within men is gradually diminishing, leading to a decline in empathy and sensitivity in society. He observed that Indian traditions have long recognised that great men are shaped by women, whether as mothers or guiding influences, though such perspectives are rarely emphasised in modern education and social discourse.

Kumar Vikram, Chief Editor and Joint Director of NBT India, delivered the vote of thanks and highlighted the Trust's extensive publishing initiatives on gender-related themes. He also stressed that true gender equality requires men to work on their own inner development as well. A scholar of Vedic philosophy and Editor-in-Chief of the Rajasthan Patrika Group, Gulab Kothari has spent more than four decades exploring the scientific and philosophical dimensions of Indian scriptures. His writings frequently draw from the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita to connect classical wisdom with contemporary life.

Kothari has authored several acclaimed books including Manas, Gita Vigyan Upanishad, Ved Vigyan Upanishad, Main Hi Radha Main Hi Krishna, and Brahma Vivarta. His book Stree Deh Se Aage, published by the National Book Trust in 2025, has also received wide appreciation from readers.