From Ashes to Renewal: Sangeeta Anand Launches ‘Phoenix Mother’
Author Sangeeta Anand launches her debut book The Phoenix Mother at ICA Conclave 2026, a powerful tale of resilience and rising from adversity.
In a moving ceremony at the ICA Conclave 2026 in Goa, development professional and social-impact communication leader Sangeeta Anand officially launched her debut book, The Phoenix Mother: Born to Rise from the Ashes. The launch, held alongside Inspiring Jatin, the Founder of the International Council of Authors, marked a profound turning point for Anand, transitioning from a life of personal struggle to one of purposeful storytelling.
The event was not just a celebration of a new literary work but also a recognition of Anand's impact. During the conclave, she was honored with an Author Award for her debut book, acknowledging her significant contributions to literature and her unique ability to weave lived experience into powerful narratives.
A Story Rooted in Real-World Adversity
Unlike many works born purely from the imagination, The Phoenix Mother is a deeply personal project. Anand draws from a harrowing tapestry of life experiences, including:
- Violence and abuse
- Betrayal and financial hardship
- Divorce and the challenges of single motherhood
- The weight of shattered dreams
These personal trials are blended with over twenty-five years of professional expertise gained while working with various communities and organisations across the development sector. The book poses a central, transformative question that Anand has faced herself: “Would I allow my circumstances to define me, or allow them to transform me?”
More Than a Memoir: A Guide for Resilience
While the book is deeply autobiographical, it is designed to serve as a reflective companion for women. Anand aims to reach those who have become so focused on survival that they have lost sight of their own identities and aspirations. The "Phoenix Mother" serves as a symbol for women who refuse to let their past traumas become their permanent identity.
Across 30 chapters, the book navigates complex emotional landscapes, including:
- Childhood and identity formation
- The intricacies of relationships and motherhood
- Faith, forgiveness, and courage
- Finding purpose amidst new beginnings
To move beyond mere reading, Anand has integrated practical tools within the text, such as Phoenix Reflections, Phoenix Mantras, and Phoenix Healing Practices. These elements provide readers with specific exercises and prompts to challenge limiting beliefs and foster self-reflection.
The Philosophy of Healing
A core message of the book is that healing does not require erasing one's history. Instead, it involves acknowledging the "fire" of the past while choosing a different path for the future. Anand emphasizes a holistic view of recovery, suggesting that the strength of a family is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the mother, stating, “When a mother heals, a family heals.”
“I discovered that we may not be able to choose the fire, but we can choose what we become because of it. This book is my hand extended to every woman who has ever felt broken, exhausted, rejected or afraid to begin again.”
Reflecting on her motivation, Anand noted that she wrote the book for the woman she used to be, and for the countless women she has encountered in her professional life who carry "invisible wounds behind brave smiles." Her message is clear: a person's story does not end in the ashes; it begins there.