Journey
From a humble beginning to becoming a World Spiritual Organization, the journey of Brahma Kumaris has been a unique one. Learn about a not so easy but illustrious journey of this world-wide organization.
During 1935
Unexpected Turn of Events
Dada Lekhraj was the son of a schoolmaster. Although from a middle class family, with honesty and hard work he rose to become one of the richest men in India. He was an ordinary person with special qualities. As Dada was nearing sixty, something drastically changed his entire lifestyle. He had a series of divine visions that gave his life a 180 degree turn. He experienced himself as a point of light, a pure soul afloat in an ocean of bliss. He then had a few revelations – a vision of the four-armed deity Vishnu, Incorporeal God Shiva (the Supreme Soul as a Point of Light), a terrifying vision of destruction of the present world and then a glimpse of the new World (Heaven). These took him beyond all consciousness of his body.
Prior to 1935
Prior to 1935
Dada Lekhraj with his family
1935
Revelations brought a huge change in Dada Lekhraj
1935
Pictorial representations of the visions that Dada Lekhraj had
1936 - 37
Embarkation on the New Path
Subsequent to the revelations and having heard the secret voice of God, Dada started sharing the knowledge with his friends and relatives. They began to lead pure lives; thus started a unique spiritual gathering, which was named Om Mandali. This community started chanting “Om” during their gatherings. Everyone immediately felt the charged vibrations of warmth, love, bliss and power. In October 1937, the institution Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya was formally established. A spiritual trust was constituted of a committee of eight young women with Om Radhe as the head. Om Radhe took charge of administering the institution and became the leading teacher. Dada, now called Prajapita Brahma, gave away the entirety of his wealth and property to the trust, and himself remained an advisor.
1936
Dada Lekhraj during the satsangs at Om Mandali
1936
Spiritual Hostel created for the young Kids
1936
Spiritual Hostel created for the young
Kids
1936
Organization founded as the ‘Om
Mandali’ by Brahma Baba at Hyderabad
(Sindh) erstwhile Pakistan
1938 - 39
Opposition on the road less travelled
A group of the community was against the Om Mandali and at any cost wanted to cease its operations. This group, called the Anti Om-Mandali, picketed Om Mandali’s premises; prevented members from entering. This caused considerable upheaval in the community. The crowd went completely out of control, so much so that they set fire to the house from outside, hurling torches through windows from all sides. The picketing resulted in legal criminal proceedings. Om Mandali then decided to leave Hyderabad and relocated its activities to Karachi. Later, the government appointed a tribunal to inquire into the activities of Om Mandali. They were declared innocent by the tribunal but the legal and social difficulties they faced served to strengthen their resolve. The Anti-Om Mandali even attempted to assassinate the founding father- Brahma Baba, but the attempt was unsuccessful.
1938
Picketing by Anti Om Mandli – Om Niwas, Hyderabad, Sindh (1938)
In front of Om Niwas, many people of Sindh including Mukhiya & Choudhary are standing & blocking the way in the picketing against Om Madali. All the small kids & other members of Om Mandali too are standing in peaceful protest.
1938
A glance at the picketing scene
1938
‘Om High School’ in Hyderabad, Sindh. Brahma Baba opened boarding school for kids, Dadi Chandramani is teaching them
1938
Property of the institution in Sindh, Pakistan
1940 - 50
New Premises, Same Routine
The members of the institution, in Karachi (now in Pakistan) were involved in intense meditation and deep spiritual study. They were around 300 in number; men, women and children, with their age spanning from 8 to 60+ years. The effort was to completely understand the self and the true nature of oneself. They intensely practiced soul-consciousness. There were very deep realizations about God and the relationship between soul and Supreme Soul. Through the practice of the Godly knowledge and meditation, they became a complete embodiment of purity, peace and bliss. Much after the partition, in 1950 on completion of 14 years in total isolation, the institution shifted to India. It selected Mount Abu suitable for deep meditation experiences and for imparting these teachings to others.
1950
Organization shifts from Pakistan to Mt
Abu in India
1940s
Children at the Cliffton Beach in Karachi, now in Pakistan
1950
Around 300 people spend 14 yrs in
Karachi, in spiritual study, meditation &
self development
1950
The BK group ready to make the journey from Abu Road to Mount Abu
1951 - 60
Glorious Propagation - The Planting of a Sapling
After having empowered themselves with deep self-realization and God-realization, the young, teenaged Brahma Kumari sisters in groups of one or two, with very little knowledge about the world and resourses in hand but full of the wealth of innocence, Godly experience and purity, set out to different parts of India to convey the divine Godly message. They first went to Delhi where a center was opened in 1952-53. They also went to Kanpur, Lucknow and, later to Meerut. A little later, centers were established at Saharanpur, Amritsar, Patiala, Ambala, Bangalore, Bombay, Delhi, etc. In 1954, a delegation, consisting of a few Sisters and Brothers went to Japan to participate in the World Religious Conference. It also imparted knowledge to many in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and other countries on their way back. Thus, the seed for the Godly service outside India was sown. By the end of 1959, there were nineteen centres that can rightly be called the budding saplings of this institution.
1954
First BK delegation goes abroad to partake in the International Religious Conference held in Japan. Seen above – Dadi Prakashmani and Dadi Ratan Mohini in Japan
1950s
Brahma Baba and Mamma practicing meditation with the others in Mt Abu
1950s
First group of BKs set out to serve Humanity. Centres opened at Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Amritsar, Patiala & Bangalore
1954
Dadi Prakashmani and Dadi Ratanmohini at the World Religious Conference in Japan
1961 - 70
The Turning Point
This period was witness to the ascension of two extraordinary great souls. One being Om Radhe, lovingly called ‘Mamma’, the first Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris. She left her mortal coil and attained ascension on June 24, 1965. Irrespective of her mortal young age, she served and sustained the organization with whole-hearted devotion and dedication and was rightly respected by everyone as the ‘World-Mother’ – Mateshwari Jagdamba Saraswati.
On 18 January 1969, Prajapita Brahma achieved the final stage of perfection. Becoming the first complete man – all virtuous and fully in the image of God and with the authority of God. Dadi Prakashmani was appointed the Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris. Her boundless enthusiasm, generosity and a sharp vision into the future guided the organization to its global growth. By 1969, there were 125 centres across the globe that saw many adopting Raja Yoga as a way of living.
1965
Mateshwari Jagdamba passes away on
June 24, 1965
1960s
Brahma Baba and Mamma with the other brothers and sisters
1968
“World Renewal Spiritual Trust”
Registered as Charitable Trust
Jan 1969
Prajapita Brahma Baba attains
ascension on January 18, 1969.
1971 - 80
BK Services Spread Far and Wide
The Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya is an institution that is guided and directly administered by the Supreme Soul Himself. There have been numerous spiritual organisations that have at some point of time declined once the founder has left for his heavenly abode. The Brahma Kumaris is unique in that it has only grown multifold and spread far and wide after its founder has left his mortal coil. In April 1974, Dadi Janki through her intensive meditation drove deep spiritual roots into the United Kingdom. Today, London is the international Headquarters of this Spiritual University. Centres were started in all the continents of the world. The Brahma Kumaris institution became a member of the non-governmental organizations of the United Nations. In 1978, Scientists examined the brain wave pattern of Dadi Janki. She was declared, ‘the most stable mind in the world’.
1974
Brahma Kumaris take the first step Overseas
Early 1970s
An Inaugural group of BKs from India
goes to serve in the West. Centres open in London & other cities of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia & Americas.
1974
Dadi Janki travels to London from India & establishes International Service
1977
Dadi Prakashmani Travels to USA & visits the UN. The first centers are established in the America
1977
First National & International
Conferences organized in Delhi & Mt.
Abu
1981 - 90
Institution Gains National and International Recognition
Early 1980s
In around 40 countries
Raja Yoga Centers Established
1980
Brahma Kumaris are affiliated to the
United Nations Department
of Public Information
1983
ECOSOC of the UN grants general consultative status
1983
The Universal Peace Hall is inaugurated
at Mt. Abu
1984
Services of RE&RF
wings Started
1984
Dadi Prakashmani awarded
UN Peace Medal
1985
Organised “All India Bharat Unity Youth Padyatras”, first of its kind in India
1986
Launched the ‘Million Minutes of Peace Project which gathered over one billion minutes of peace
1987
The Brahma Kumaris get Consultative Status with the UNICEF
1987
The Brahma Kumaris receive 7 Peace Messenger awards by the United Nations
1988
‘Global Cooperation for a Better World’ project was launched from the House of Parliament in London
1989
The then President, Vice-President of India and UN leaders visit Mt. Abu.
‘All India Health Awareness Campaign’ launched
1991 - 2000
Emergence of Brahma Kumaris Internationally
1991
Global Hospital & Research Centre at Mt. Abu commissioned
1992
Honorary Doctor of Literature Awarded to Dadi Prakashmani by Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur
1993
First International Retreat Centre, Global Retreat Centre, Oxford opens in England
1993
Dadi Prakashmani invited by the World Parliament of Religions to deliver Presidential Address at Chicago
1994
Prajapita Brahma’s postal stamp released by the then President of India, Honorable Shankar Dayal Sharma
1995
‘Gyan Sarovar, Academy for a Better World’ inaugurated at Mt Abu
1999
Shantivan, a huge campus accommodating more than 20k persons built at Mt Abu
1999
Peace Village, New York, the largest retreat base of the Brahma Kumaris opens
2001 - 2010
Important Milestones In Services of BK
2000
UN designates the Brahma Kumaris ‘Messenger for Manifesto 2000’ to promote the culture of peace
2000
12 Raths travelled from various places to Mt. Abu under ‘Ishwar Anubhuti Jyothirlinga Rathyatra’
2001
Om Shanti Retreat Centre Opens near Delhi, India
2003 – 2005
Mega events addressing 50K to 200K people held in 15 cities of India
2004
Shanti Sarovar Retreat Centre opens in Hyderabad
2006
Shanti Sarovar Retreat Centre opens in Hyderabad
2006
‘Swarnim Bharat Yuva Padyatra’ organized to ignite the Youth of India
2006
Peace initiative ‘Just a Minute’ launched in UK
2007
‘Radha Mohan Mehrotra Global Hospital Trauma Centre’ Launched at Abu Road
2007
Dadi Prakashmani attained the Angelic form in 2007
2007
Dadi Janki Becomes the Chief of Brahma Kumaris
2007
First BK delegation goes abroad to the International Religious Conference held in Japan
2008
‘Gokul Gaun’ nationwide Campaign, launched to promote rural cleanliness, health & Yogic Farming
2009
Launched a nationwide campaign ‘My India, Healthy India’ to promote a healthy life-style
2009
‘Value Education in Spirituality’ project with Graduate & PG Courses Launched
2009
Accredited observer organization to UNFCCC
2011 - 2020
Institution Soars in Education, Healthcare, Media Sectors and Rural Area
2010
‘Clean the Mind, Green the Earth’ campaign launched for elevated thinking and healthy Environment
2011
The Platinum Jubilee (75years) of the organization celebrated at the HQs and many cities worldwide
2011
24 hour Community FM Radio channel ‘Radio madhuban’ launched
2011
Peace of Mind TV Channel goes on Air
2012
Godlywood Studio built to enhance Spiritual Services through Media
2012
Anand Sarovar Campus at Abu Road opened for Godly Service
2013
A nationwide campaign ‘My India, Addiction Free India’ launched
2013
A nationwide campaign “Shantidoot Youth Cycle Yatra” launched
2014
A national Women Empowerment campaign ‘Nari Suraksha Hamari Suraksha’ launched
2014
Granted Observer Status to the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP
2015
Dadi Janki Ji nominated by the Government of India as one of the Ambassadors of ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’
2015
A national campaign ‘Kisan sashaktikaran Abhiyaan’ launched in New Delhi
2016
Dadi Janki becomes a Centenarian
2017
3 years long ‘Mera Bharat Swarnim Bharat’, all India Exhibition Bus campaign launched from Ahmedabad
2017
‘India One Solar Thermal Power Plant’ commissioned at Mt. Abu
2017
Brahma Kumaris celebrate their 80th Anniversary
2009 – 2018
MoUs signed with 16 universities and Seven Colleges on Value Education Courses
2018
Jagdamba Bhawan Retreat Centre inaugurated in Pune
2018
Nationwide Campaign ‘Swachchata hi Seva’ organized in collaboration with Government of India
2020
Dadi Janki ascended to the subtle world
2021 - Until the Present
Changes in the Administrative Heads
With her tirelessness, dedication and a loyal adherence to the ideals set by the Supreme Soul, Dadi Janki led the organization as Chief Administrative Head from 2007 until 2020, when she ascended to the subtle world on 27th March 2020. She was 104. Dadi Gulzar, the medium that Prajapita Brahma and Incorporeal God Shiva had chosen since 1969, in order to continue their task of world service, was an epitome of love and sustenance. Her face reflected power and one felt light as an angel in her presence. She was appointed the Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris after Dadi Janki until she attained her Angelic form on 11th March 2021. The present Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris is Dadi Ratanmohini who at 96 tirelessly and wonderfully is fulfilling the responsibilities and services. Prior to this, she used to look after the training and appointment of the sisters committed to the institute.
At Present
Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Founded in 1936 in Hyderabad, Sindh (Present Pakistan) by Prajapita Brahma Baba, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 137 countries on all continents and has had an extensive impact in many sectors as an international NGO. However, their real commitment is to helping individuals transform their perspective of the world from material to spiritual. It supports the cultivation of a deep collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each soul. Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. Although the modes of services have changed with time, the Brahma Kumaris continue to spread the message of one God, One World to each and everyone in every corner of the world. Today, there are over 8700 branches of the Spiritual University in over 130 countries.
2021
Dadi Gulzar ascends as an Angel
2021
Dadi Ratanmohini is appointed as the Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris
2021
Commemorative Postage Stamp in the memory of Rajyogini Dadi Janki released by the Vice President of India
About Brahma Kumaris
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