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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.

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Prior to 1935

Baba with his lokik family

Prior to 1935

Dada Lekhraj with his family

Baba - 271

1935

Revelations brought a huge change in Dada Lekhraj

Dada destruction

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. 

Baba - 7
1936

Dada Lekhraj during the satsangs at Om Mandali

Early days - 409
1936
Spiritual Hostel created for the young Kids
1936 2 1

1936

Spiritual Hostel created for the young
Kids

1936 10

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.

Early days - 30

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.

Early days - 399

1938

A glance at the picketing scene

Early days - 15

1938

‘Om High School’ in Hyderabad, Sindh. Brahma Baba opened boarding school for kids, Dadi Chandramani is teaching them

Yagya buildings of pakistan - 1

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.

From pak to india - 28

1950

Organization shifts from Pakistan to Mt
Abu in India

Early days - 29

1940s

Children at the Cliffton Beach in Karachi, now in Pakistan

1936 9

1950

Around 300 people spend 14 yrs in
Karachi, in spiritual study, meditation &
self development

From pak to india - 86

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.

First japan service - 30

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

Mamma and baba with others - 87

1950s

Brahma Baba and Mamma practicing meditation with the others in Mt Abu

1936 9 1

1950s

First group of BKs set out to serve Humanity. Centres opened at Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Amritsar, Patiala & Bangalore

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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.

1960 1

1965

Mateshwari Jagdamba passes away on
June 24, 1965

Brahma baba with others - 231

1960s

Brahma Baba and Mamma with the other brothers and sisters

1960 2

1968

“World Renewal Spiritual Trust”
Registered as Charitable Trust

1960 3

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’.

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1974

Brahma Kumaris take the first step Overseas

1970 1

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.

1970 2

1974

Dadi Janki travels to London from India & establishes International Service

1970 3

1977

Dadi Prakashmani Travels to USA & visits the UN. The first centers are established in the America

1970 4

1977

First National & International
Conferences organized in Delhi & Mt.
Abu

1981 - 90

Institution Gains National and International Recognition

Unesco2

Early 1980s

In around 40 countries
Raja Yoga Centers Established

1980 3

1980

Brahma Kumaris are affiliated to the
United Nations Department
of Public Information

1980 4

1983

ECOSOC of the UN grants general consultative status

1980 5

1983

The Universal Peace Hall is inaugurated
at Mt. Abu

1980 6

1984

Services of RE&RF
wings Started

Unesco1 2

1984

Dadi Prakashmani awarded
UN Peace Medal

1980 7

1985

Organised “All India Bharat Unity Youth Padyatras”, first of its kind in India

1980 8

1986

Launched the ‘Million Minutes of Peace Project which gathered over one billion minutes of peace

1980 9

1987

The Brahma Kumaris get Consultative Status with the UNICEF

1980 10

1987

The Brahma Kumaris receive 7 Peace Messenger awards by the United Nations

1980 11

1988

‘Global Cooperation for a Better World’ project was launched from the House of Parliament in London

1980 12

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

1990 1

1991

Global Hospital &  Research Centre at Mt. Abu commissioned

1990 8

1992

Honorary Doctor of Literature Awarded to Dadi Prakashmani by Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur

1990 2

1993

First International Retreat Centre, Global Retreat Centre, Oxford opens in England

1990 3

1993

Dadi Prakashmani invited by the World Parliament of Religions to deliver Presidential Address at Chicago

1990 4

1994

Prajapita Brahma’s postal stamp released by the then President of India, Honorable Shankar Dayal Sharma

1990 6

1995

‘Gyan Sarovar, Academy for a Better World’ inaugurated at Mt Abu

1990 7

1999

Shantivan, a huge campus accommodating more than 20k persons built at Mt Abu

1990 5

1999

Peace Village, New York, the largest retreat base of the Brahma Kumaris opens

2001 - 2010

Important Milestones In Services of BK

2000 18

2000

UN designates the Brahma Kumaris ‘Messenger for Manifesto 2000’ to promote the culture of peace

2000 2

2000

12 Raths travelled from various places to Mt. Abu under ‘Ishwar Anubhuti Jyothirlinga Rathyatra’

2000 3

2001

Om Shanti Retreat Centre Opens near Delhi, India

2000 4

2003 – 2005

Mega events addressing 50K to 200K people held in 15 cities of India

2000 5

2004

Shanti Sarovar Retreat Centre opens in Hyderabad

2000 6

2006

Shanti Sarovar Retreat Centre opens in Hyderabad

2000 7

2006

‘Swarnim Bharat Yuva Padyatra’ organized to ignite the Youth of India

2000 8

2006

Peace initiative ‘Just a Minute’ launched in UK

2000 10

2007

‘Radha Mohan Mehrotra Global Hospital Trauma Centre’ Launched at Abu Road

2000 9

2007

Dadi Prakashmani attained the Angelic form in 2007

2000 11

2007

Dadi Janki Becomes the Chief of Brahma Kumaris

2000 12

2007

First BK delegation goes abroad to the International Religious Conference held in Japan
2000 13

2008

‘Gokul Gaun’ nationwide Campaign, launched to promote rural cleanliness, health & Yogic Farming

2000 14

2009

Launched a nationwide campaign ‘My India, Healthy India’ to promote a healthy life-style

2000 15

2009

‘Value Education in Spirituality’ project with Graduate & PG Courses Launched

2000 16

2009

Accredited observer organization to UNFCCC

2011 - 2020

Institution Soars in Education, Healthcare, Media Sectors and Rural Area

2000 17

2010

‘Clean the Mind, Green the Earth’ campaign launched for elevated thinking and healthy Environment

2011 1

2011

The Platinum Jubilee (75years) of the organization celebrated at the HQs and many cities worldwide

2011 2

2011

24 hour Community FM Radio channel ‘Radio madhuban’ launched

2011 3

2011

Peace of Mind TV Channel goes on Air

2011 5

2012

Godlywood Studio built to enhance Spiritual Services through Media

2011 5 1

2012

Anand Sarovar Campus at Abu Road opened for Godly Service

2011 6

2013

A nationwide campaign ‘My India, Addiction Free India’ launched

2011 7

2013

A nationwide campaign “Shantidoot Youth Cycle Yatra” launched

2011 8

2014

A national Women Empowerment campaign ‘Nari Suraksha Hamari Suraksha’ launched

2011 9

2014

Granted Observer Status to the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP

2011 10

2015

Dadi Janki Ji nominated by the Government of India as one of the Ambassadors of ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’

2011 11

2015

A national campaign ‘Kisan sashaktikaran Abhiyaan’ launched in New Delhi

2011 12

2016

Dadi Janki becomes a Centenarian

2011 13

2017

3 years long ‘Mera Bharat Swarnim Bharat’, all India Exhibition Bus campaign launched from Ahmedabad

2011 14

2017

‘India One Solar Thermal Power Plant’ commissioned at Mt. Abu

2011 15

2017

Brahma Kumaris celebrate their 80th Anniversary

2011 16

2009 – 2018

MoUs signed with 16 universities and Seven Colleges on Value Education Courses

2011 17

2018

Jagdamba Bhawan Retreat Centre inaugurated in Pune

2011 18

2018

Nationwide Campaign ‘Swachchata hi Seva’ organized in collaboration with Government of India

Dadi janki ji portrait 66 e1633947421625

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.

Dadi gulzar 4

2021

Dadi Gulzar ascends as an Angel

Dadi ratan mohini ji - 2016+ (3)

2021

Dadi Ratanmohini is appointed as the Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris 

2021

2021

Commemorative Postage Stamp in the memory of Rajyogini Dadi Janki released by the Vice President of India