Om Shanti! Governor of Chhattisgarh, Ramesh Bais Ji, the popular and energetic Chief Minister of the state, Vishnu Deo Sai Ji, Rajyogini Sister Jayanti Ji, Rajyogi Mrityunjay Ji, all Brahma Kumaris sisters, other dignitaries present here, ladies and gentlemen!
Today is a very special day. Today, our Chhattisgarh is completing 25 years of its formation. Along with Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand have also completed 25 years of their formation. Today, many other states of the country are also celebrating their formation day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the residents of all these states on their formation day. Moving forward with the mantra of ‘Development of the State leads to the Development of the Nation’, we are engaged in the campaign to make India a developed nation.
Friends,
Institutions like Brahma Kumaris play a very significant role in this important journey of a developed India. It has been my good fortune that I have been associated with you all for the past several decades. I am not a guest here, I belong to you. I have seen this spiritual movement grow like a banyan tree. The program ‘Future of Power’ in Ahmedabad in 2011, the 75th anniversary of the organization’s establishment in 2012, the program in Prayagraj in 2013, visiting Abu or attending programs in Gujarat, these had become very routine for me. Even after coming to Delhi, whether it was the campaign related to ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or the ‘Jal Jan Abhiyan’, whenever I have come among you, I have observed your efforts very seriously. I have always felt that here, there is less talk and more service.
Friends,
My sense of belonging with this organization, especially the affection of Janaki Dadi, and the guidance of Rajyogini Dadi Hriday Mohini Ji, are part of the special memories of my life; I have been very fortunate. I see her thoughts being realized and embodied in the concept of Shanti Shikhar. ‘Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World’. I can say that in the coming times, this institution will be a major center for meaningful efforts towards world peace. I extend my best wishes to all of you, and to everyone associated with the Brahma Kumaris family in India and abroad, for this commendable work.
Friends,
We have a saying: ‘Acharah Paramo Dharma, Acharah Paramam Tapah. Acharah Paramam Gnyanam, Acharat Kim Na SAdhyate!’ This means, conduct is the highest virtue, conduct is the highest penance, and conduct is the highest knowledge. What cannot be achieved through conduct? In other words, change happens only when our words are also translated into actions. And this is the source of the spiritual strength of the Brahma Kumaris organization. Here, every sister first refines herself through intense penance and practice. Your very identity is associated with efforts for peace in the world and the universe. Your first salutation itself is ‘Om Shanti’! ‘Om’ signifies the Supreme Being and the entire universe! ‘Shanti’ signifies the wish for peace! And that is why the thoughts of Brahma Kumaris have such a profound impact on everyone’s inner consciousness.
Friends,
The concept of world peace is the foundation, the integral part of India’s fundamental ideology. It is the manifestation of India’s spiritual consciousness. Because, we are those who see the divine within every soul. We are those who continuously expand the self to encompass everything. In our tradition, every religious ritual concludes with the chant: ‘May the world be well!’, ‘May there be goodwill among all beings!’. Such a broad perspective, such liberal thinking, such a seamless confluence of the desire for world welfare with faith, is the inherent nature of our civilization, our tradition. Our spirituality not only teaches us the path to peace, but also shows us the way to peace at every step. From self-control to self-knowledge, from self-knowledge to self-realization, and from self-realization to self-peace. Following this path, seekers at the Shanti Shikhar Academy will become instruments of global peace.
Friends,
In the mission of global peace, practical policies and efforts are as important as ideas. India is making an honest effort to fulfill its role in this direction today. Whenever any crisis or disaster occurs anywhere in the world, India comes forward as a reliable partner to help, and reaches out immediately. India is the First Responder.
Friends,
Amidst the environmental challenges of today, India has become a leading voice for nature conservation in the entire world. It is very important that we conserve and enhance what nature has given us. And this will happen only when we learn to live in harmony with nature. Our scriptures, our ‘Prajapita’ have taught us exactly this. We consider rivers as mothers. We consider water as divinity. We see God in plants. Using nature and its resources with this sentiment, not just taking from nature, but with a mindset of giving back, this way of life today assures the world of a safe future.
Friends,
India is understanding and fulfilling its responsibilities towards the future right from now. Initiatives like ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’, India’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, the world is joining with it today. India has also launched Mission LiFE for humanity, separate from geopolitical boundaries.
Friends,
Institutions like Brahma Kumaris play a vital role in continuously empowering society. I am confident that institutions like Shanti Shikhar will give new energy to India’s efforts. And the energy emanating from this institution will connect millions of people in the country and the world with this idea of world peace. After becoming Prime Minister, wherever I have traveled in the world, there would not be a single country where, at the airport or at the venue of a program, I would not have met people from Brahma Kumaris, or where their good wishes were not with me. Perhaps there is not a single such instance. And in this, I feel a sense of belonging, but I also get a sense of your power, and I am a worshipper of power. You have given me the opportunity to be among you on this sacred auspicious occasion. I am very grateful to you. But the dreams with which you have set out are not just dreams. I have always experienced them to be your resolutions, and I have complete faith that your resolutions will be fulfilled. With this sentiment, I once again congratulate all of you very heartily for Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World. I wish you all the very best. Thank you very much! Om Shanti!