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Deepawali Greetings from Divine Family of Mauritius
15 November 2023
Diwali Greetings And New Year Wishes From Sr. Vedanti and Nairobi Family
12 November 2023
News of Africa Climate Summit, Nairobi, Kenya
2 November 2023
Sisters Pratibha and Urvashi attended the Africa Climate Summit. It was a great opportunity to meet many dignitaries.
Over 20 heads of State and hundreds of delegates including members of the diplomatic community, ordinary farmers and members of the indigenous communities also attended.
Click here for full report with photos.
News of Rakshabandhan Festivities and Service from Mauritius Family
27 September 2023
Click here to view the full report in photos.
Report of Brother Charlie's Service Tour in Mauritius
14 July 2023
Dear All,
Please find herewith a 3-minute video report of Brother Charlie's recent tour in Mauritius.
Click Here to download full report.
Thank you
Divine Family of Mauritius
Report of Reunion Island and Mauritius in the Retreat "Arts and Meditation"
14 July 2023
Dear Divine family of the world, Greetings of love and joy from Reunion Island in Indian Ocean.
Sixty souls mobilized in Palmar, Mauritius for an "Arts and Meditation" festival, May 19-24, 2023. The "Diamond Retreat House" hosted a group of new world artists in a 5-day retreat dedicated to meditation practices and cultural expressions. 21 guests, contact souls came from Reunion Island, Rodrigues Island, Mauritius, and India respectively. The organizing team, from Reunion and Mauritius, coordinated by Sisters Cécile, Sundri and Noroa, proposed an original program in French supported by sisters Sangeeta, Rekha and Souheta from Mauritius. Sister Neeroo from the center of Flacq and Palmar inaugurated and closed this program.
The participants experienced 11 hours of meditation in silence, 5 performances and artistic testimonies, 6 teachings transmitted by BK brothers and sisters on the philosophy of Raja Yoga, the 16 celestial arts, 3 coaching workshops in expressions, 1 closing show mixing dance, singing and writing.
On the east side of the island, each day, participants meditated at sunrise over the Indian Ocean. Each soul took a shower of love and peace from the Supreme Being, rocked by the waves of the rising sun.
The artists, participants found themselves and were enriched. They took support and recognized the spiritual family. They experienced powerful tools for recharging themselves in their daily practices. They also became aware of their specialties by strengthening their qualities to put their art at the service of the world.
The above report was written by Julie Casterman and BK Cécile.
Please find a short video of the retreat "Arts and meditation" which took place in the Diamond Retreat Center in Mauritius for 20 participants: 14 from Reunion Island, 3 Rodrigues Island and 3 from Mauritius.
Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm_1EnKkKk8 [8 minutes]
In Baba’s remembrance,
Cécile Bhen
Reunion Island
Sr Savitha's Visit to Africa (Kenya & Ethiopia)
9 July 2023
Dear Divine Family, Please accept the Greetings of Baba's Yaad.
An International IT Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya and it gave an opportunity to serve IT Professionals from different parts of the world. This event was organised by ManageEngine company and they have invited us to participate and share about Spirituality and Meditation
Please click HERE to download the full report of service news including other programs that happened in Nairobi and also in Addis Ababa.
Thank You
In Baba's Yaad
Sr Savitha
Shantivan
Johannesburg, South Africa: Africa Day Celebrations
28 June 2023
Dear Divine Family,
Please click on the image above to download the news of the first Africa Day Celebrations held to foster greater unity and harmony on the continent. The news includes an online program held on Africa Day itself, the 25th of May as well as a program held in Mauritius which received very good news coverage.
In Baba's special yaad
Sr Pratiba
"Peace is just a thought away. Learn the art of meditation"
Vice-President of Mauritius praised Brahma Kumaris for bringing unity in the community
23 June 2023
Africa Day Celebrations at the City Council of Port-Louis, Mauritius By Brahma Kumaris
Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, which later became the African Union (AU). This day serves as an opportunity to honor African unity, diversity, and the progress made by African nations. It is a day to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and the immense potential of the African continent. The program aimed to celebrate Africa Day and the richness and potential for African prosperity. The theme for the year was “Africa –Opportunities in Challenging Times,” with a focus on building capacity and inner strengths through keynote addresses.
On Friday, 26th May 2023, the Africa Day Celebrations event was held at the City Council of Port-Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. The event was organized under the slogan “OUR AFRICA, OUR FUTURE,” aimed to celebrate African unity, culture, and the aspirations of the continent.
The program commenced with the national anthem, followed by the African Union anthem. Mr. Ricardo Rose, the Co-ordinator of Inner Space Meditation Centre, welcomed the audience. He gave an overview of the program and set up the context for which this program was organized. This program was held with the collaboration of the City council of Port-Louis.
Notable speakers at the event included Mr. Oliver Thomas, Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture. He emphasized the power of arts in uniting nations and the need to empower talents. Mr. Thomas expressed gratitude to the Brahma Kumaris for the invitation, as it was his first time attending a Brahma Kumaris event.
Mr. Mahendranath Busgopaul, Deputy Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC (Economic, Social, and Cultural Council) and representative of the African Union explained the significance of Africa Day and the challenges ahead. Mr. Busgopaul highlighted the role of ECOSOCC and the African Union in fostering peace and development.
Sister Gaitree, Chairperson of the Brahma Kumaris Mauritius, as the organizer, emphasized the importance of spirituality and values. She exemplified the concept of Ubuntu, showcasing the relevance of ancestral values in today’s world. The program concluded with a meditation session led by Sister Gaitree, invoking peace and blessings for Africa.
Mrs. Stephanie Noellis, Artist and Singer, delivered a captivating cultural performance, singing the song “Circle of Life.”
His Excellency Mr. Eddy Boissezon, GOSK, Vice President of the Republic of Mauritius was the Chief Guest. He delivered a message of peace and hope, calling upon for solidarity among African nations to overcome the hurdles of adversity. He also praised the Brahma Kumaris for the laudable task of bringing unity in the community through its programs and activities. He reiterated the need to empower arts in the community as mentioned by the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture.
The event was graced by the presence of several members of the diplomatic corps and African personalities, including representatives from Zambia, Senegal, Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya, and Rodrigues
The guests received a token of appreciation and blessings from Sister Gaitree. The event received media coverage, with the National TV featuring it in the main news segment.
The Africa Day Celebrations at the City Council of Port-Louis, Mauritius, successfully brought together diverse stakeholders to honor African unity and culture. The event fostered a sense of solidarity and highlighted the importance of spirituality, values, and the arts in shaping the future of Africa.
Link to the full program on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfidfwUmXbM
Link to News report in French: https://youtu.be/SuXfH2Hu0Fc
Report on the International BK Gujarati Retreat and Sr Santosh's visit to Nairobi
21 June 2023
Please click HERE to download Full Report and photos.
Sushma Didi's visit to South Africa
16 June 2023
Dear divine family,
Please download the news of the national tour of Sushma Didi to South Africa. Sushma Didi was specially invited for the annual Southern African BK retreat.
Gratitude to BapDada for the special sustenance received by the family through our Didi.
In Baba's sweet yaad,
Sr Pratiba
Call of the Time Dialogue in South Africa and Public Programs in Durban and Johannesburg
12 June 2023
Africa: A 'Call of the Time' dialogue was hosted by the South African family for the Africa Region. A total of 46 leaders of influence gathered from 7 different countries at a historical hotel where the first conference of National Unity was held in South Africa in January 1994 during its transition from Apartheid. The setting was perfect in the open wide spaces of the Muldersdrift mountains with the occasional wildlife(zebras, giraffes, wild boars, Kudu and Reeboks) grazing on the lawns close by.
Dialogue participants were from various sectors in society, Business, Law, Human Rights, Academia, Media, Civil Society and Governance. Together with Jayanti Didi, Br Nizar Zuma and Mrs Mbeki the founder of African Women in Dialogue offered their experience, expertise and presence. The theme explored was the notion of spiritual prosperity and the importance of cultivating deeper spiritual practices to sustain those who are on the field of service. From the initial conversation in the dialogue, there was very honest and open sharing which allowed for deeper spiritual insights and perspectives that were shared by both Jayanti Didi and Vedanti Didi. Desert Rose was part of the Retreat and offered sacred music during intervals in our sessions as well as a full concert which added greatly to the richness of the experience. Participants left on Sunday, feeling deeply nurtured, connected and inspired to move forward with strength and lightness.
Apart from the Call of the Time Dialogue, two public programs were hosted with Jayanti Didi as guest speaker in Durban and in Johannesburg. In Durban a program entitled “The Making of a Strong Heart and Happy Mind” was held where 400 people from diverse cultures and backgrounds attended the program whilst 120 joined on zoom and many more on Youtube. There was a panel of mental health experts who shared supporting addresses on the importance of spirituality and faith based organisations for the mental wellbeing of our communities. The other mental health experts were Prof S Ramlall Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) and President of the College of Psychiatrists at the Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA), Fathima Bibi Hussain Director at SANCA Durban Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation Centre, Dr Sibongile Mashaphu is a specialist psychiatrist University of KZN and Despina Forbes is a counselling psychologist, yoga and mindfulness practitioner. The panel and audience were enraptured by Sister Jayanti’s words of wisdom and peace and left feeling so calm and so had began their journey of healing.
In Johannesburg, Rise through Spiritual Empowerment was the title of the program where Jayanti Didi first shared on the spiritual perspectives we need to cultivate in ourselves so that we can rise above crises. She was thereafter interviewed by well known Associate Editor of the Daily Maverick A, Ferial Haffajee who focused her questions on how to integrate our spiritual wisdom in dealing with some of the key issues people are facing on a day to day basis. Jayanti Didi reminded people that change begins with the self, the importance of cultivating a practice that always reaffirms the inner treasures of the soul and ultimately creating the space and time to connect with the Divine Source. All left uplifted, inspired and deeply motivated to apply these principles in their lives.
Invitation to International BK Gujarati Retreat in Nairobi: 8 - 15 June 2023
3 April 2023
Dear Centre Coordinators,
Om Shanti. Please find enclosed an invitation to the International BK Gujarati Retreat which will be held at the Serve Africa Retreat Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
The theme for the retreat is 'Become a Masterpiece of God'.
The retreat will be held from 8 - 15 June 2023.
There will also be the opportunity to spend two nights in Masai Mara National Park.
It will be a beautiful chance to attend the retreats and receive sustenance from seniors and meet the international BK family which will recharge, motivate and strengthen you in your efforts.
Please pass on this invitation to those students from the Gujarati background who would be interested in attending the retreat.
For more information or registration please send an email to sarc@brahmakumaris.org.
In Baba's yaad,
Sr Vedanti
Brahma Kumaris
Serve Africa Retreat Centre, Nairobi
Tel: +254 20 3743572/ 3741239
Mobile: +254 722 202491 / + 254 735 337735
News of Jayanti Didi's recent visit to South Africa
21 February 2023
January, the Avyakt month offered a special blessing to South Africa with the visit of Jayanti Didi, Sr Judy Rodgers of New York, Vedanti Didi and both Alkabhen from London and Diptibhen from Nairobi. From the 26th of January until Sunday the 29th Call of the Time Dialogue was hosted by the South African family for the Africa Region. A total of 46 leaders of influence gathered from 7 different countries at a historical hotel where the first conference of National Unity was held in South Africa in January 1994 during its transition from Apartheid. The setting was perfect in the open wide spaces of the Muldersdrift mountains with the occasional wildlife(zebras, giraffes, wild boars, Kudu and Reeboks) grazing on the lawns close by.
Dialogue participants were from various sectors in society, Business, Law, Human Rights, Academia, Media, Civil Society and Governance. Together with Jayanti Didi, Br Nizar Zuma and Mrs Mbeki the founder of African Women in Dialogue offered their experience, expertise and presence. The theme explored was the notion of spiritual prosperity and the importance of cultivating deeper spiritual practices to sustain those who are on the field of service. From the initial conversation in the dialogue, there was very honest and open sharing which allowed for deeper spiritual insights and perspectives that were shared by both Jayanti Didi and Vedanti Didi. Desert Rose was part of the Retreat and offered sacred music during intervals in our sessions as well as a full concert which added greatly to the richness of the experience. Participants left on Sunday, feeling deeply nurtured, connected and inspired to move forward with strength and lightness.
Apart from the Call of the Time Dialogue, two public programs were hosted with Jayanti Didi as guest speaker in Durban (25 Jan) and in Johannesburg (29 Jan). In Durban a program entitled "The Making of a Strong Heart and Happy Mind” was held where 400 people from diverse cultures and backgrounds attended the program whilst 120 joined on zoom and many more on Youtube. There was a panel of mental health experts who shared supporting addresses on the importance of spirituality and faith based organisations for the mental wellbeing of our communities. The other mental health experts were Prof S Ramlall Associate Professor in Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) and President of the College of Psychiatrists at the Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA), Fathima Bibi Hussain Director at SANCA Durban Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation Centre, Dr Sibongile Mashaphu is a specialist psychiatrist University of KZN and Despina Forbes is a counselling psychologist, yoga and mindfulness practitioner. The panel and audience were enraptured by Sister Jayanti's words of wisdom and peace and left feeling so calm and so had began their journey of healing.
In Johannesburg, Rise through Spiritual Empowerment was the title of the program where Jayanti Didi first shared on the spiritual perspectives we need to cultivate in ourselves so that we can rise above crises. She was thereafter interviewed by well known Associate Editor of the Daily Maverick A, Ferial Haffajee who focused her questions on how to integrate our spiritual wisdom in dealing with some of the key issues people are facing on a day to day basis. Jayanti Didi reminded people that change begins with the self, the importance of cultivating a practice that always reaffirms the inner treasures of the soul and ultimately creating the space and time to connect with the Divine Source. All left uplifted, inspired and deeply motivated to apply these principles in their lives.
After the program, all the main instruments and right hands in South Africa had gathered at a lodge for a 2 day retreat ( 29 - 31st Jan) where the family received the sustenance of all of our guests. It had truly been a powerful gift for the BK family as well as for the region a special lift in service.
