Convocation Ceremony at Brahma Kumaris HQ Campus

Abu Road (Rajasthan): Although materialism seems to reign supreme amongst youth today, still there are many youngsters who are studying spirituality seriously and getting degrees for the same. They aspire to imbibe good principles in their lives through these degrees and further teach others as well. Their enthusiasm for this is visible by the massive response which these degrees and diplomas — being offered by the Education Wing of the Rajayoga Education and Research Foundation of the Brahma Kumaris in collaboration with various universities — have received.

Under this endeavor, a convocation ceremony was held for the students of M.Sc. in Values by Annamalai University and Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris Education Wing which was celebrated at the Conference hall in the Shantivan Campus. About 200 students of Annamalai University and 120 students of YCMOU received their degrees and certificates during the ceremony.  Students turned up in huge numbers to be a part of it. They took out a rally in the whole campus dressed in their convocation attire. General Secretary of the Brahma Kumaris, BK Nirwair, while addressing the gathering said that only that education is worthy which helps develop good qualities in us. Today, many problems are being faced by the youth due to the lack of these qualities.

Registrar of Annamalai University, Dr. M. Ramachandran, said that they were pleasantly surprised by the huge response to these degrees and diplomas by the youth. A lot of students have opted for these courses since the university began offering them in collaboration with the Brahma Kumaris. He appreciated these efforts of the Brahma Kumaris organization. BK Mruthyunjaya and Dr. Pandiamani (Organizer of the program) also shared their views and encouraged the students.

Professor Dr. Umesh of YCMOU, during his convocation address emphasized the importance of the value of “Om shanti” and stressed the need and importance of values and spirituality to overcome academic stress and suicide-related cases. He stated that if the foundation is not strong the building would fall; similarly, materialistic study without spirituality is a building without a strong foundation that would lead to social instability. So, value education and spirituality need to be given importance in the education system.

Rajyogini BK Sheilu, Vice-Chairperson of the Education Wing, said that “Values are important for the betterment of society but it is only when spirituality is combined with values, that the society would become heaven.” She motivated the students to implement the values in their life to create a lasting impact in self, family and in the society.

Rajyogi BK Mruthyunjaya, Chairperson, Education Wing, in his felicitation address expressed his vision to create a study system through a mobile application, by which the students can study with their mobile devices in future. He expressed his gratitude to the Dadis and the seniors especially Rajayogi BK Nirwair  for rendering unconditional support and providing guidance during resistance and growth. He said that “During the food crisis in India, the then-Prime minister Indira Gandi gave the slogan “Jai kisan” through which our food grain production reached the status of self-sufficiency; at the time of war with neighboring countries, the then-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri had given the slogan “Jai Jawan” that gave strength to our soldiers to win over the enemies. In the same way to create a better society of peace and prosperity in this world, we should have a new slogan of “Jai spirituality” to energize the spirit within.

During his felicitation, Rajyogi BK Nirwair, the Secretary General of the Brahma Kumaris, reminded everyone of the service theme of this year, “Global Enlightenment for the Golden Age.” He said that values and virtues give enlightenment that remove the darkness of  spiritual ignorance. To enlighten the society, the Brahma Kumaris have about 40,000 Sisters, 10,000 Brothers and millions of householders who are serving the society with an altruistic attitude and working tirelessly to give the introduction of God and His inheritance. He noted that “Rajyoga meditation is nothing but the practice of transforming thoughts. Here the thoughts are directed towards God, called ‘Manmanabhav’, through which the soul receives enlightenment. To carry out this task, the Incorporeal Supreme Father is giving spiritual knowledge through corporeal father Brahma to the entire world. People receive value education and spirituality from that knowledge.” In his address, he also praised the representatives from both the Universities for their initiatives.  Further to the students, he stated, “It gives happiness to receive degrees but you have to embody the teachings given in the courses. You have to do service with love, regard and humility. I congratulate you to become such world servants.”

The program concluded with vote of thanks given by Dr. R.P. Gupta. BK Suman, National Coordinator, Education Wing, co-ordinated the programme.

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