Raipur: In a heartfelt address at the inauguration of Shanti Shikhar – Brahma Kumaris Meditation Centre in Nava Raipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the event as a defining moment in India’s ongoing spiritual and developmental journey. The Prime Minister, who shares a long association with the Brahma Kumaris, called the new meditation academy “a living embodiment of peace, discipline, and spiritual wisdom.”
The occasion coincided with a historic milestone — the 25th Foundation Day of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand. The Prime Minister extended his warm congratulations to the people of these states and reaffirmed that “the development of the nation lies in the collective progress of its states.”
“I am not a guest here — I belong to you”
Speaking warmly to the gathering, which included Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, and senior Brahma Kumaris dignitaries, PM Modi said, “I have been associated with this movement for decades. I am not a guest here — I belong to you.” He recalled his past engagements with the Brahma Kumaris, including the ‘Future of Power’ event in Ahmedabad in 2011 and various other programmes held in Mount Abu, Prayagraj, and Delhi.
Modi shared how he had always admired the institution for its sincerity, humility, and commitment to service. “Here, there are fewer words and more service,” he remarked, drawing applause from the audience.
A Vision for Peace – ‘Shanti Shikhar’ as an Academy for a Peaceful World
The Prime Minister described the concept of Shanti Shikhar — the Academy for a Peaceful World — as a reflection of the timeless teachings of the late Dadi Janaki and Dadi Hriday Mohini. He expressed confidence that the centre would grow into “a major hub for meaningful efforts towards global peace.”
He extended his best wishes to the Brahma Kumaris family, saying their mission resonates deeply with India’s spiritual heritage. “In the times to come, Shanti Shikhar will not just be a place for meditation, but a centre for nurturing world peace,” he said.
“Conduct is the highest religion” – The Spiritual Core of India
Quoting an ancient Sanskrit verse, the Prime Minister emphasised that “achaarah paramo dharma” — conduct is the highest religion. He noted that transformation is possible only when words translate into action, and the Brahma Kumaris embody that principle.
“Your very greeting — ‘Om Shanti’ — represents the essence of peace. ‘Om’ symbolises the universe, and ‘Shanti’ represents the wish for peace. That is why your teachings reach the deepest core of every human being,” he observed.
PM Modi underlined that world peace has always been central to India’s spiritual philosophy. “Every ritual in our culture ends with the prayer — ‘May the world be blessed.’ Our spirituality not only preaches peace, it teaches us how to live it,” he said.
He added that self-restraint leads to self-knowledge, and through self-realisation comes inner peace — a path that the seekers at Shanti Shikhar would help others discover.
India as a ‘First Responder’ to the World
The Prime Minister took pride in India’s growing global role, describing it as the “First Responder” during crises and disasters. “Whenever the world faces a crisis, India is among the first to reach out with help. This is our way of translating compassion into action,” he said.
On environmental challenges, he noted that India has emerged as a global voice for nature conservation. “We have always regarded rivers as mothers and trees as divine. Our relationship with nature is based not on taking, but on giving back,” he said, stressing that living in harmony with nature is the true key to a sustainable future.
India’s Global Vision: One Earth, One Family, One Future
Highlighting India’s international initiatives, the Prime Minister spoke about ‘One Sun, One World, One Grid’ and ‘Mission LiFE’ (Lifestyle for Environment). He said these efforts reflect India’s belief in collective progress and universal well-being.
“These ideas go beyond geopolitics — they are for the welfare of humanity. They are born from our conviction that the Earth is one family,” he explained.
Brahma Kumaris – The Force Behind Peace and Empowerment
PM Modi lauded the Brahma Kumaris for their consistent contribution to social empowerment and moral awakening. “Institutions like Brahma Kumaris continuously strengthen society. The energy that radiates from here will connect millions across the world with the idea of peace,” he said.
Recollecting his global travels, Modi shared a personal reflection that drew smiles from the audience: “In every corner of the world, whether at an airport or at an event, I have met members of the Brahma Kumaris. Their blessings always accompany me. This shows your global reach and strength.”
He called this strength “a quiet power — a force that transforms hearts without confrontation.”
“Dreams are not just dreams — they are pledges”
Expressing gratitude for being part of the occasion, the Prime Minister concluded with heartfelt words: “The dreams you nurture are not mere dreams — they are pledges. And I have complete faith that your pledges will be fulfilled.”
He congratulated the entire Brahma Kumaris family on the inauguration of Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World, calling it “a sanctuary for the mind, a lighthouse for humanity, and a step towards a world rooted in compassion and harmony.”
The event witnessed a large gathering of spiritual leaders, dignitaries, and devotees from across the country and abroad. As chants of “Om Shanti” resonated through the air, the message was clear — peace begins within, and from there, it radiates outwards to touch the world.
“May peace prevail in hearts, homes, and nations,” the Prime Minister concluded, as the audience stood in unison, echoing the spirit of harmony that Shanti Shikhar aims to nurture.