Brahma Kumaris Participates in the Second Eurasian Women's Forum, 19-21 September

8 October 2018

 

For three days in September, St. Petersburg hosted the Second Eurasian Women’s Forum that became a platform for women leaders from 120 countries to discuss the issues of overcoming gender discrimination, increasing the role of women in society, and providing more opportunities for women to fulfill their intellectual, professional, and spiritual potential. Mr Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, addressed the plenary session of the Forum on September, 20, highlighting the increasingly important role of women in today's rapidly changing world. He said that strengthening peace and security is a “natural role” of women. At the end of his welcome address, Vladimir Putin quoted Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India, “As Indira Gandhi, a very good friend of our country, once said, “Actions today mould our tomorrows.”

The plenary session was chaired by Ms. Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council (Upper House) of the Federal Assembly of Russia. Ms. Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (India), Ms. Sarah Harder, president of the National Peace Foundation (USA), and other dignitaries gave speeches at plenary sessions and workshops.

 

The Brahma Kumaris delegates took part in several plenary meetings, seminars and workshops. The event was widely covered by Russian and international media. On the sidelines of the Forum, many reporters representing both federal and local TV channels approached Santosh Didi, the Brahma Kumaris director in St. Petersburg, with questions regarding the mission of women that could make a difference during these volatile times.

Didi Santosh and Ekaterina Lakhova, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma (Russian Parliament) Committee for Public Associations and Religious Organizations

Participants of Second Eurasian Womens Forum. Didi Santosh and BK Alla is in center.

Conducting the Minute of Peace (R to L):  Ms. Valentina Matvienko, Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Ms. Sarah Harder, president of the National Peace Foundation (USA), Ms. Sonya Gandhi, chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance (India), Didi Santosh, director of the Brahma Kumaris in St. Petersburg.

We also took part in a large-scale action for the UN International Peace Day on September, 21. The event was held within the framework of the Women’s Forum. At noon, September, 21, women leaders of Russia and other countries gathered at the Cathedral Square of the Peter and Paul Fortress to symbolically release hundreds of doves of peace. The Brahma Kumaris officially participated in the event as a member organization of St. Petersburg Women’s Alliance, a prominent organization that aims at raising the economic and social status of women in the Russian Federation.

During the concluding moments of the event, heads and representatives of about 40 women organisations stood in a circle for taking a pledge of peace to the tune of a famous Russian song "May There Always Be Sunshine". When the event finished, lots of participants would come up to Santosh Didi and BK students dressed in white angelic costumes, to get blessings of peace and power, and, yes, to get authographs as well!

 

 

Enthusiastic BKs from Mumbai, accompanied by Kamlesh Didi, visit Baba's Mayak Mira in Moscow

12 August 2018

 

 

The visitors especially arrived for three weeks to extend their helping hands in arranging an RC meeting that took place in "Mayak Meera", the new Retreat Center in Moscow. They did Baba's service with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. 

 

Together with service, the whole group participated in all the other activities such as: BK classes and a Teachers Retreat on the theme "Nimit", a public program with the topic "Global Scenario", a trip by boat on the Moscow River, and picnics and excursions around the city. They have become very near and dear to all BKs in Baba's family in Moscow. Everyone says thank you for such all-round service and unconditional love!

 

Links to Photos

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=12xadKn1Va6oC5GIPBSjHEy9-TWR0geC8

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1u9qiqBUoJ-wdsNQzdddrRAK1iXoDkTv0

https://drive.google.com/open?id=19Lt0yY1Tit0gUizRVLlr4xoBc-lilL2I

 

In Baba's Yaad

BK Sudha

 

 

 

Smile! It's a Renewable Resource! Br Golo and Sr Sonja in St Petersburg Russia, 4-9 July

4 August 2018

 

“We have tons of information about how human activity threatens the ecological equilibrium of the planet Earth. We have tons of information about technologies that can prevent further pollution of nature. However, in order to make all of that knowledge work we require the values of trust, love and care.” This was the key point of a series of insightful motivational sessions held here in July with the participation of BK Golo from Germany and BK Sonja from Denmark.

 

Neither summer vacations, nor the attraction of the FIFA World Cup taking place in Russia these days, could prevent lots of people, both experts and public, from coming to Lighthouse on 5 July for the session on “Life in Harmony: the Confluence of High Values and Clean Energy”. Brother Golo and sister Sonja shared the success stories of using clean energies at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters and retreat centres and developing the international Environmental Initiative.

 

The audience was greeted by Mr. Yuri Shevchuk, environmental adviser to the governor of Leningrad region, chairperson of the Green Cross organization. “The event we are taking part in today is both beautiful and informative. We have met people who are doing their best to make our planet clean, light and free from both physical and moral, or spiritual, pollution.”

 

A get-together for special guests after the main event became a friendly tea-table discussion of environmental and spiritual issues by experienced and passionate scientists, environmentalists, university professors and entrepreneurs.

 

Prof. Mikhail Ignatiev, chairperson of St. Petersburg branch of the international organization “Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs”, expressed his concerns about the volatile situation in the world saying, “By 1995 the humanity had succeeded in considerably reducing the risk of a nuclear conflict.

The Pugwash movement that brings together scholars and public figures across the world to prevent the nuclear threat even received the Nobel Peace Prize for that achievement. However, the situation has deteriorated dramatically since then. The level of mutual trust between countries and political leaders has plummeted to a new low. When nation states and their leaders mistrust one another, the role of grass-roots is fundamentally important.”

 

Mr. Oleg Mukhin, vice-president of the Astronautics Federation of Russia, shared his vision of the relationship between man and the Earth, “Humans are unique among all the living beings, as they possess the ability to know the self. I feel that the Earth is also a living entity that responds to human aggressive behaviour with tsunamis, earthquakes and other calamities. We have to realise the existence of a deep connection between human beings and the material world.”

 

Ms. Olga Madison, co-chair of the NGO “Keep St. Petersburg Tidy”, coordinator of numerous large-scale international projects, underlined the importance of environmental education for kids. “Consider our project “The Green Flag”. It unites about 18 million children worldwide. However, the actual number of project participants is much bigger because every child is related to at least two adults, be it their parents, grandparents or teachers. In this way, so many  millions people have been working hand in hand to make our planet green, blue and beautiful!”

 

Ms. Elena Golovina, head of the laboratory “Weather and Man” (St. Petersburg State Hydrometeorological University), suggested the experts discuss the issue of motivating college and university students. “Inspiring young people to realise their true inner self amidst the negative environment they are exposed to, is a very challenging but important task.”

 

On 6 July, bro. Golo and sis. Sonja visited the Ecological Union of St. Petersburg and met its chairperson and staff members. Mr. Semyon Gordyshevsky, founder and chairperson of the Ecological Union, said at their meeting, “It is interesting that both the BK Environmental Initiative statement and the Charter of our Ecological Union have the same article about individual responsibility. Normally, people expect someone else should do everything for them. Very few start with the self. Your organization, essentially spiritual, has now come to carrying out environmental projects, and I feel that this is a very reasonable and appropriate development.”

 

The same day another meeting took place at the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society, a unique museum-like art-nouveau building hosting the largest geographical library in Europe. Prof. Vladimir Razumovsky, vice-president of the Russian Geographical Society, personally conducted a guided tour of the headquarters for his guests. Then a friendly dialogue took place about the importance of combining technological, intellectual and spiritual resources of humanity for addressing the most pressing issues in today’s world.

 

Click here for full report in PDF format.

 

 

 

Cesar Villalobos, Famous Musician of Peru, Visits Lighthouse, St Petersburg, Russia

2 August 2018

 

 

Cesar Villalobos, winner of many prestigious national and international musical awards, has come to Russia to show his brilliant art during the 2018 FIFA World Cup. On June, 14 he visited Lighthouse, the Brahma Kumaris Centre in St. Petersburg, and met Dr. Satish Gupta, an experienced raja yogi, chief doctor of the Global Hospital (Abu Road), who is on his visit to Russia right now.

Their conversation about spiritual sources of arts and health became a deep and friendly exchange of ideas and experiences.

Dr. Satish Gupta explained the essence of the raja yoga meditation: “As we become conscious of our eternal spiritual self, we experience peace, love, happiness and bliss, the energies that feed all the cells of our body. Meditation means to be aware of the truth about the self and the Supreme, and to live up to that truth. As we become instruments of the Supreme, He can play His wonderful music through us, human flutes!” Cesar Villalobos shared his idea of the mission of a true artiste: “We should just act like a bridge between God and people, without ego and selfish motives. I have always believed that our success is about the values we practice in our life. It is not all about our professional knowledge and skills! It is a different energy that works here. I have felt energized, as I was sitting in your Meditation Room today. I truly feel that today is my spiritual birthday!”

 

 

 

 

Happy Me. Stable Family. Harmonious Society. - Report from St. Petersburg, Russia

16 July 2018

 

A dialogue on this topic took place at St. Petersburg Brahma Kumaris Centre with the participation of experienced and insightful speakers. Speakers on the panel included Didi Chakradhari, national co-ordinator of the Brahma Kumaris Women’s Wing (Delhi, India), senior raja yoga teacher with more than 50 years of experience; Didi Rani, director of Derawal Nagar BK Centre (Delhi, India), and BK Jasu, program co-ordinator (London, UK).

 

By reflecting on various questions, the speakers drew a clear and inspiring picture of how harmony and stability in our family life, at a workplace and even at a global level largely depended on an individual’s being in touch with his or her original values and with the Supreme. The dialogue covered a wide range of issues, such as defining a borderline between self-care and selfishness; the meaning of spiritual service to the self, our family, and our society, and others.....click here for complete report with photos.

 

 

 

Dadi Janki Inaugurates a new Retreat Center near Moscow: "The Lighthouse of the World"

29 June 2018

 

Dadi Janki, Didi Chakradhari, Didi Rani, Didi Sudha, director of BK centre in Moscow, Brother Vijay, Didi Santosh, director of BK centre in St.Petersburg, sister Hansa, BK sisters and brothers inaugurated the new Retreat Centre of Brahma Kumaris in Moscow “The Lighthouse of the World”.   

 

The program began with the flag hoisting outside the building. There were present BK students from 33 cities of Russia, Ukraine, Belorussia, Moldova, Baltic countries, Kazakhstan, Tadzhikistan, Mongolia. After hoisting the flag, they flied air balloons with the BK emblem into the sky. Then Dadi Janki cut the ribbon at the main entrance, and there was the ceremony of candle lighting and coconut breaking. Afterwards there was the inauguration of the 3 meditation rooms. Then Dadi Janki, senior teachers and all brothers and sisters visited different rooms of the retreat centre. After that all gathered in the main hall to enjoy the cultural programme prepared by BK students.  

 

The main blessing by Dadi Janki was: “This building will be free from obstacles and will do great service”.

 

In Baba's yad,

sister Elena

on request of Didi Sudha

 

View all photos here

 

 

 

Dadi Janki Honored at Public Program on the Occasion of Light House of the World Inauguration

29 June 2018

 

 

Mr. Rais Atnagulov, President of the International Social Association of charitable funds “Mama” awarding Dadi Janki with the Golden Diploma for the outstanding contribution to education and spiritual renaissance of humanity.

 

The public program with the participation of Dadi Janki “The Carrier of Light” was held on 2nd June on the occasion of the inauguration of the new retreat-centre of Brahma Kumaris in Moscow – “The Lighthouse of the World”. 

 

Among the honorable guests there were: Mr. Rais Atnagulov, President of the International Social Association of charitable funds “Mama”, Mrs. Galina Pacheko-Reynaga, Deputy, Director of the Centre of social help for family and children of the northern administrative district of Moscow, Mr. Alexander Zimenkov, the Acting State Advisor of the Russian Federation, Mrs. Ludmila Dudova, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Mrs. Tamara Bedoyeva, Director of the Cultural Centre of Ossetia in Moscow, Mr. Vyacheslav Yegorov, famous travellor, artist, ambassador of peace, Mr. Leush Lubich, Belarusian singer, actor, presenter. 

 

Senior teachers from India present at the program: Didi Chakradhari, Didi Sudha (director of BK centre in Moscow, Russia), brother Vijay, Didi Rani, Didi Santosh (director of BK centre in St. Petersburg, Russia), sister Hansa, sister Jaimini, sister Devi, sister Jasu, brother Anil, brother Ketan.

 

Mr. Rais Atnagulov awarded Dadi Janki with the Golden Diploma for the outstanding contribution to education and spiritual renaissance of humanity. He remembered his first meeting with Dadi Janki in 2005 when the Second International Congress of Mothers was held in India at the head-quarters of Brahma Kumaris and at the ORC centre in Delhi. Mr. Atnagulov expressed his sincere gratitude to Dadi for her tireless effort in the spiritual service and called her “the mother of the whole humanity”, “the main Mama of the planet”.

 

Other photos of the program can be seen here.

 

 

 

Wisdom that Brings Light - Honoring Dadi Janki ji in St. Petersburg, Russia

14 June 2018

 

Addressing the international audience that included guests from 15 Russian cities as well as those from Finland, Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Mr Deepak Miglani, Consul General of India in St. Petersburg, said, “We are honoured by the presence of respected Dadi ji among us today. St. Petersburg is known as the cultural capital of Russia. Dadi ji’s coming here has added another dimension to the cultural diversity of your beautiful city. For us, Indians, it is a matter of great satisfaction that even in a land so far away from India we have a spiritual movement which is bringing our two great nations together. The Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual organization dedicated to personal transformation and world renewal. It supports the cultivation of a deep collective consciousness of peace and of individual dignity of each soul. It is a matter of great pride for us, Indians, that the Brahma Kumaris is the largest spiritual organization in the world led by women. The founder Prajapita Brahma ji chose to put the women in front from the very beginning, which has set the Brahma Kumaris apart on the stage of world religious and spiritual organizations. For over 80 years, their leadership has been characterized by steady courage, a capacity for forgiveness and a deep commitment to unity. With this partnership and consensus model of leadership based on respect, equality and humility, the organization stands as exemplary in terms of accomplished and harmonious jurisdiction.”

 

Mr Alexander Rzhanenkov, chairperson of the Committee for Social Policy of St. Petersburg, sent a special letter of appreciation for Dadi ji. “Respected Dadi ji, the Committee for Social Policy of St. Petersburg city administration expresses its appreciation of your selfless spiritual and social service. As a spiritual leader, you bring wisdom to people of every nationality and culture, every professional and social group. Your wisdom easily finds its way to the hearts of people of all walks of life, from laymen to heads of nation states, religious and social leaders. Your soul exceeds all the limits inspiring everyone to believe that they too can change the impossible into possible.”

 

Prof. Vladimir Havinson, vice-president of the European Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics, said, “Dadi Janki ji is an epitome of the supreme spirit, perfection and harmony. She joined this organization back in 1937, and since then about 8000 centres have been established in 140 countries, uniting more than a million members and followers. Therefore, Dadi ji has virtually created a new country that has no borders! The special features of this new country are joy, harmony and peace. Being a gerontologist, a scientist who studies longevity, I can say that Dadi ji is a chief spiritual gerontologist of the world. Her life is the proof that the basis of longevity is spiritual perfection rather than medicines. Her spiritual service and help to the people of the planet Earth are unique.”

 

Dadi ji was warmly welcomed by Mr. Alexander Kurbatov, deputy head of administration of Vyborgsky district of St. Petersburg: “Respected Dadi ji, may you keep sharing peace, wisdom and kindness with everyone for many more years to come. These days we are celebrating 315th anniversary of St. Petersburg, and today’s event will surely become a highlight of the celebration.”

 

Ms Elena Kalinina, rector of St. Petersburg State Social and Economic Institute, president of St. Petersburg Women Alliance, said, “Our association unites 45 women organizations of St. Petersburg, and we are happy that the Brahma Kumaris is our partner in carrying out the projects of empowering women and improving their standard of living. So many factors disunite people in today’s world: political clashes, economic disparity, religious and social conflicts. The Brahma Kumaris as a spiritual association of people is committed to the goal of uniting everyone on the basis of high moral values of respect, tolerance and benevolence. It is not by chance that women lead this organization. Women, mothers do not aim at having themselves in the forefront at any cost. Rather, they are willing to provide a space in which everyone can become successful.”

 

Mr Boris Ivchenko, member of St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly, chairperson of the Union of Pensioners of Russia, greeted Dadi ji in St. Petersburg on behalf of the chairperson and all the members of the city’s Legislative Assembly. “Dadi ji, I want to express my admiration and deepest gratitude for your kindness and the strength of your spirit. The entire world bows down to you, and it is a matter of great pride for us that you have arrived in this city. Dadi ji, you keep saying that you do not do anything, that it is God’s greatness, and not yours. OK, then just you both keep sending this light to the world!”

 

Mr Anatoly Konstantinov, chairperson of the Russian Union of People of Arts, awarded Dadi ji with a medal “For Contribution in Development of Culture and Arts”. He said, “When someone says that they do not do anything themselves, rather that they are merely an instrument of the Supreme, it proves that that person is a genius! This is why all the great artists and authors have felt that it is the hand of the Supreme that makes them move and create. Dadi ji, you are a great personality and, by all means, you deserve being honoured here today!”

Prof Vladimir Agueevets, president of the National State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Health, said, “Today’s world is facing the deficit of spirituality and moral values. The Brahma Kumaris are addressing this issue by creating a space where people can become richer spiritually and morally in order for them to be able to give a proper response to the challenges of life.”

 

 

Didi Santosh, director of the Brahma Kumaris in St. Petersburg, addressed the audience saying, “The whole gathering today is lit up with the presence of our loved Dadi ji. Those who are simple become samples in front of the world. They are loved by God and by everyone. The proof of that love is your coming here today. Almost all of you have come here because Dadi ji has come. Majority of you met her already in Mount Abu, and she gave every one of you something very valuable that you keep in your heart until today. If you ask me, what main gift Dadi ji has taken from God, I would say that it is a very strong feeling of trusteeship. When you yourself disappear and allow God to act through you, wonders happen. For thousands of years people have tried all sorts of things, yet misery in the world has been increasing. In spiritual terms, we, humans, are little children trying so hard to bring about order in the home where there is chaos. And the Father says, “Children, that’s enough. Let Me help you.” The problem is that we have become too egoistic and materialistic, and we have forgotten the Almighty, who gave us once a gift of heaven. Today He offers His help. Just sit in His lap, be a child of the Almighty, and He will accomplish whatever is needed through you. Dadi ji is a perfect example of this wisdom of surrendering herself to the Supreme.”

 

Throughout the felicitation event, Dadi ji as a generous grandmother kept showering gifts of her wisdom upon all of us. She asked for the mike three times to share yet another handful of jewels of spiritual knowledge. Dadi ji reminded us that the secret of harmony lies in our ability to keep five things with us. Those are Humility, Truthfulness, Patience, Sweetness, and Maturity. And the diamond key for success in life is to always remember that there is no tonic better than happiness and no disease worse that worry.

 

The event was broadcast live in about 25 cities of Russia and neighboring countries.

 

Click here for detailed report in PDF format.

Click above image to play the video recording of the public programme.

 

 

 

 

Celebration of International Mother Earth Day in Russia, CIS and Baltic States

23 May 2018

 

International Mother Earth Day is celebrated all over the world on the 22nd of April. It reminds each of us that the Earth and its ecosystems provide us with life and sustenance. This day also recognizes the collective responsibility for promoting harmony with nature and the Earth to achive balance among economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.

 

Members of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University in Russia, CIS and Baltic States also believe that the harmony can not be achieved without spiritual understanding of life itself. On this special day there were different types of activities in BK Centers all over the region from Mongolia in the East to Lithuania in the West. Special events were held in Moscow (Russia), Novosibirsk (Siberia, Russia), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Astana (Kazakhstan), Vilnius (Lithuania) and others.

 

Most of them started with the spiritual input of serving Mother Earth by the power of pure

thoughts and attitudes. All the 5 elements of nature received pure vibrations of peace, care

and good wishes during a collective meditation conducted by powerful yogis. It allowed

everyone to experience a close connection with the Supreme, the Creator. They could feel that

His pure love, power and wisdom are able to bring Mother Earth to its original nature of purity

and prosperity.

 

The celebration was continued by physical cleaning up our BK Centers inside and outside the

buildings. Everyone put their finger of cooperation in making our planet clean with a lot of

enthusiasm and a feeling of our common responsibility.

 

Spring itself is the time of rejuvenation. By taking part in such events we help people to stay

united and mindful of living in harmony with nature. It is time to show our regard and respect

to the ever-giving Mother Earth. By making a small step towards harmony we can inspire

others to change their attitude and the way of living and come close to the world of our

dream.

 

Click here for report in PDF format.

 

 

 

Didi Santosh of St.Petersburg, Russia, becomes a member of the Academy of Fundamental Sciences

25 April 2018

 

The Academy certificate was presented to Didi Santosh on April 19th, 2018, at the plenary session of the International Scientific Conference “Topical Issues of Information Society in Science, Culture, Education and Economics” (Zelenograd, Moscow).

 

Handing the diploma to Didi Santosh, Ms. Galina Morozova, director of the Institute of Arts and Information Technologies, organizer of the conference, spoke about the special importance of value education for social development.

 

Plenary session of the International Scientific Conference “Topical Issues of Information Society in Science, Culture, Education and Economics” (19-20 April, 2018). (L to R) Prof. Valentin Borzunov, academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences; Didi Santosh, Brahma Kumaris director, St. Petersburg, Russia; Mr. Yunal Mustafa, professor, department of history of religions, Erciyes University, Turkey; Dr. Andrey Tyunyaev, president of the Academy of Fundamental Sciences, Russia.

 

The 15th anniversary international conference in Zelenograd was attended by distinguished scientists, educators and administrators from Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Uzbekistan as well as by young researchers, students of the Institute of Arts and Information Technologies.

 

While discussing the major challenges of the modern times, many speakers talked about the degradation of values, on the one hand, and the transition to a new paradigm of thinking that is taking place right now, on the other.

 

Dr. Andrey Tyunyaev, president of the Academy of Fundamental Sciences, said in his presentation, “We are living through a period when new awareness and new philosophy are being shaped. The scale of the shift in the super-paradigm of human consciousness that is taking place right now can be compared to the one that happened in XVIII-XIX centuries when the technical way of thinking emerged. What shifts are to be expected in the future in this connection? The first and foremost of them is a transformation of religious thinking. An entirely new religion is about to come to replace the old ones. I do not know the name of that religion but it will make some people god-like. By ‘gods’ I do not mean mystical beings. Gods are the ones who open new spaces and dimensions for humanity. Just like Prometheus brought fire to people, in the nearest future some people will emerge and become divine by helping the humanity with a certain unique quality, entirely new and unknown before”.

 

Prof. Yadviga Yatskevich, head of the department of social communications of Belarus State University (Republic of Belarus), said that the transition we are going through can be called an anthropological one, as we are turning towards making human life and human values into our priority. It is the transition from the governance based on instructions and orders, to value-based governance and administration. At present we have to learn to combine rational and moral approaches in our policy-making and management. Certain spiritual changes are required first for making any substantial change on a material level. A dialogue of cultures is essential for that, as it will enable the cultures to share their most valuable achievements with the rest of the world. For instance, the culture of the East can show us the path from violence to non-violence, solidarity, acceptance and dialogue.”

 

Mr. Vitaly Nasedkin, president of Investment Agency of Central Federal District of the Russian Federation, underlined the importance of seeing the entire mankind as one family. “It seems wrong to talk about the dialogue of different civilizations, because humanity is one civilization. Science is international, it cannot be Muslim or Christian, Arabic, Chinese or European. Similarly, the laws of social development are universal, just like the laws of physics are universal. Well, if one day we learn to understand the language of ants, then perhaps it will be correct to speak of a dialogue of two different civilizations!”

 

Prof. Nigina Shermuhamedova (National University of Uzbekistan) said, “The more science goes into the depth of human nature (cloning, decoding the human genome, AI development), the more enigmatic this human nature appears to be. Although we have entered the 3rd millennium, we still do not know how to be human. It is not by chance that the topic of the forthcoming 24th World Congress of Philosophy in Beijing will be “Learning to Be Human”!

 

Talking on “Value-Based Human Resource Development”, Didi Santosh said that although modern technologies and institutions supposedly exist in order to help people in achieving peace, happiness and general well-being, there is a major lacuna in today’s knowledge and way of action. Metaphorically speaking, science and technologies provide us with the knowledge about how to make a car, or even how to repair and renovate the car that has been manufactured, but they do not give us an ultimate answer to the question as to who is going to drive that car and what the needs of the user might be. The car is just a means for its user to achieve their goals. The food, both physical and spiritual, required by the user differs from the fuel required for the car. The issue of development is all about understanding human beings who are the users of resources provided to them by nature and technologies. We invest lots of brain power and money into creating technologies, while ignoring those who are going to use them. As a result, the instruments of technology are often used in order to augment the negative forces present in human minds. If an instrument of technology is used to cater negative traits and tendencies of human beings, this development is far from being beneficial. Development will become truly beneficial provided the people using the technologies learn how to think in the right way for the benefit of themselves and others.

 

 

 

Didi Sudha presents a talk on "The Power of Words" at XII Scientific Conference

24 April 2018

 

Didi Sudha, Brahma Kumaris, giving a talk on "Power of Words". In the presidium there is a doctor of philology, professor of the Moscow Pedagogical State University. 

 

Moscow (Russia): On the invitation of Mrs. M.D. Tikhonycheva, Rector, Leo Tolstoy Institute of Language and Culture, Moscow, Didi Sudha, Director, Brahma Kumaris, Moscow, gave a talk on the theme "Power of Words" at the XII Scientific Conference. The theme of the conference was "The dialogue of languages and cultures: problems and perspectives of modern inter-cultural communication".

 

The Conference was held on 19th April in the building of Government of Moscow under the auspices of the Committee on Nationality Issues, Russian Federal Assembly.

 

Organisers included the Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations, the Moscow House of Nationalities, the Leo Tolstoy Institute of Languages and Cultures, Moscow, and the International Scientific and Cultural Centre, Moscow.

 

Mrs. M.D. Tikhonycheva, Rector, Leo Tolstoy Institute of Language and Culture, Moscow, opening the creative exhibition of the Forum.

The Participants of the Forum in the building of Government of Moscow.

Welcome programme. The concert of Russian folk music: balalaika.

Greetings on behalf of the Head of the Department of National Policy of the Moscow Government.

Mr. Alexey Drozhzhin wishing successful work to the Forum on behalf of Mr. Tarasov V.B., the Head of the Moscow House of Nationalities.

Mrs. M.D. Tikhonycheva, Rector, Leo Tolstoy Institute of Language and Culture, giving a talk on the main objectives of the Forum.

Didi Sudha telling the participants of the Forum about the principles of elevated speech.

 

 

Baisakhi Celebrated in Moscow

15 April 2018

A celebration of the Punjabi festival of Baisakhi, a joyous event having a religious and historical background, was organised by the Punjabi Sabha of Moscow. Sis Sudha, Director, Brahma Kumaris Moscow, was invited as an honoured guest on the stage for the Samman Samaroh (Felicitation Ceremony). Bro. Parmod Kumar, President, Punjabi Sabha, Moscow, and the invited guests extended heart felt greetings on the occasion.

 

The festival was filled with a colourful cultural programme, reminding participants of the bravery, courage, patriotism of Punjabis. It was dedicated to mark the glorification of this great state of India and its enthusiastic residents. 

 

Link to the photos