Dadi Janki ji honored by Consul General of India in St. Petersburg, Russia

Dadi Janki ji, Chief of Brahma Kumaris was honored by 200 dignitaries in the fields of administration, social service, culture, medicine and education in St. Petersburg, Russia, 

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.