The text is an English rendering of the Prime Minister's speech at the inauguration of the Shanti Shikhar – Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre at Nava Raipur on November 1st, 2023.
The speech highlights the role of institutions like Brahma Kumaris in nation-building and world peace, emphasising their spiritual strength and efforts towards universal welfare. It also celebrates the 25th Foundation Day of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand, and India's commitment to global peace and nature conservation. The Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of Shanti Shikhar as a center for meaningful efforts towards world peace.
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Release ID: 2185111
Posted On: 01 NOV 2023 1:23PM by PIB Delhi
Key Entities Referenced
Shanti Shikhar – Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre: A new meditation center inaugurated in Nava Raipur
Brahma Kumaris: A spiritual organization focused on peace and empowerment
Viksit Bharat: A vision of a developed India
Nava Raipur: Location of the Shanti Shikhar Meditation Centre
Chhattisgarh: State celebrating its formation day
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s speech at the
inauguration of Shanti Shikhar – Brahma
Kumaris Meditation Centre at Nava Raipur
Posted On: 01 NOV 2025 1:23PM by PIB Delhi
Om Shanti!
Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka, the popular and dynamic Chief Minister of the State,
Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Rajyogini Sister Jayanti, Rajyogi Mritunjay, all the Brahma Kumaris sisters,
other distinguished guests present here, ladies and gentlemen!
Today is a very special day. Chhattisgarh completes 25 years since its formation today. Along with
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand too have completed 25 years since their creation. Today,
many other States across the country are also celebrating their Foundation Day. I extend my heartiest
congratulations to all the residents of these States on this special occasion. Following the mantra of
“the development of the nation through the development of its States”, we are collectively engaged in
the mission of building a Viksit Bharat (developed India).
Friends,
In this important journey towards a Viksit Bharat, an institution like the Brahma Kumaris plays a very
significant role. I am fortunate to have been associated with all of you for several decades. I am not a
guest here — I belong to you. I have witnessed this spiritual movement grow and expand like a
mighty banyan tree. I recall the ‘Future of Power’ programme held in Ahmedabad in 2011, the
celebration of the institution’s 75th anniversary in 2012, the event at Prayagraj in 2013 — whether it
was travelling to Mount Abu or attending programmes in Gujarat, such occasions had become almost
routine for me. Even after coming to Delhi, whether it was participation in campaigns linked to Azadi
Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Swachh Bharat Mission, or the Jal Jan Abhiyan, whenever I have come
amidst you, I have observed your efforts with great sincerity. I have always felt that here, there are
fewer words and more service.
Friends,
My bond with this institution is deeply personal — the affection of Janaki Dadi, and the guidance of
Rajyogini Dadi Hriday Mohini, are among the most cherished memories of my life. I consider myself
truly fortunate. In this concept of ‘Shanti Shikhar’, I see their thoughts taking shape and coming
alive. Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World. I can say with conviction that in the times to
come, this institution will emerge as a major centre for meaningful efforts towards world peace. I
extend my best wishes to all of you, and to all members of the Brahma Kumaris family across India
and abroad, for this commendable endeavour.Friends,
It has been said in our tradition: आचारः परमो धम, आचारः परम ं तपः। आचारः परमं ानम,् आचारात ् क न साध्यते॥
That is, conduct is the highest religion, conduct is the greatest penance, and conduct is the supreme
wisdom. What cannot be achieved through right conduct? In other words, true transformation occurs
only when words are translated into action. And this precisely is the source of the spiritual strength of
the Brahma Kumaris organisation. Here, every sister first subjects herself to rigorous penance and
discipline. Your very identity is associated with efforts for peace in the world and the universe. Your
first greeting itself is Om Shanti!: Om signifies the Brahman and the entire cosmos,
and Shanti symbolises the wish for peace. That is why the thoughts and teachings of the Brahma
Kumaris touch the deepest core of every individual’s being.
Friends,
The concept of world peace is an integral part of Bharat's original philosophy. It is an expression of
Bharat's spiritual consciousness. For we are the ones who see the divine in every living being; we are
the ones who expand the self to encompass the universe. Every religious ritual in our tradition
concludes with the invocation — “May the world be blessed! May there be goodwill among all
beings!” Such a broad and benevolent outlook, such an elevated thought, and such a natural
confluence of faith and the spirit of universal welfare are innate to our civilisation and tradition. Our
spirituality not only teaches us the lesson of peace, but also guides us on the path to achieve it. From
self-restraint comes self-knowledge, from self-knowledge comes self-realisation, and from self-
realisation comes inner peace. Walking along this path, the seekers at the Shanti Shikhar Academy
will become instruments of global peace.
Friends,
In the mission for global peace, thoughts are as important as practical policies and actions. Bharat
today is earnestly striving to fulfil its role in this direction with utmost sincerity. Whenever a crisis or
a disaster occurs anywhere in the world, Bharat steps forward as a trusted partner and reaches out
immediately to help. Bharat has become the First Responder to the world.
Friends,
Amid the challenges related to the environment, Bharat has emerged as a leading voice for nature
conservation across the globe. It is imperative that we preserve and nurture what nature has bestowed
upon us. This will only be possible when we learn to live in harmony with nature. Our scriptures and
our Creator, Prajapita, have taught us this. We regard rivers as mothers, we revere water as a deity,
and we perceive the Divine in plants. Guided by this sentiment, our use of nature and its resources is
not driven by the desire merely to take, but by the intention to give back. This very way of life offers
the world a sense of assurance for a safe future.
Friends,
Bharat, even now, understands and fulfils its responsibilities towards the future. Bharat's initiatives
such as One Sun, One World, One Grid, and its vision of One Earth, One Family, One Future are
drawing the world together. Bharat has also launched Mission LiFE which transcends geopolitical
boundaries and is meant for the welfare of all humanity.
Friends,Institutions such as the Brahma Kumaris play a vital role in continuously empowering society. I am
confident that establishments like Shanti Shikhar will give new energy to Bharat's endeavours, and
the energy that emanates from this institution will connect crores across the nation and the world with
the idea of global peace. Since becoming Prime Minister, I have travelled to many parts of the world,
and I cannot recall a single country, whether at an airport or at a programme venue, where I have not
met members of the Brahma Kumaris, or where their good wishes have not accompanied me. There
may not be even one such instance. This fills me with a sense of belonging, but it also gives me an
impression of your strength and I am, indeed, a worshipper of strength.
You have given me the opportunity to be present amidst you on this sacred and auspicious occasion,
and for that, I am deeply grateful. The dreams you nurture are not mere dreams — I have always
experienced them as resolute pledges, and I have complete faith that your pledges will indeed be
fulfilled. With this spirit, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you on the
inauguration of Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World. My warmest good wishes to you all.
Thanks a lot!
Om Shanti!
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