Saajan Bhakta grew up in Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in criminal justice from Wichita State University. Saajan earned his PhD in International Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He is passionate about applied learning and the application of psychology to complex global problems. Saajan has traveled to, worked in, and studied in over 25 different countries.
In 2010, Saajan founded a nonprofit organization, PovSolve. PovSolve is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization making positive change by raising money and creating awareness for human suffering around the world. Saajan’s nonprofit has supported the construction of a school in rural Africa, helped thousands of poor through food services and medical procedures in India, and is currently focused on orphan efforts in South America. For his international work and support, Saajan has been honored by President Barack Obama and was named Volunteer of the Year for the State of Kansas by Prudential.
In 2014, Saajan published his first book titled Be Your Own Hero. This is an inspirational and empowerment book focused on mental health and overcoming challenges. All proceeds from the book sales were used to fund lifesaving medical procedures at the Dinbhandu Charitable Hospital in India.
In 2019, Saajan was invited to the European Congress of Psychology in Russia to present research on concealable stigmatized identities while representing the United States of America. Saajan’s research has also been accepted for presentation at the International Congress of Psychology in the Czech Republic in July of 2021.