Who We Are

history of the Brahma Kumaris

The Brahma Kumaris, as it is today, doesn’t exist without its history. Our global community of peacemakers is built on the stories, discoveries, work and love of those who came before us. 

The Brahma Kumaris is a spiritual organization founded in Hyderabad, India in the 1930s by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, also known as Brahma Baba, after he experienced a series of spiritual visions. 

Inspired, he established a school to teach the principles of a virtuous, meditative life. A group of 400 committed individuals dedicated themselves to deep spiritual study, meditation, and self-transformation based on clear teachings about the soul, God, and time.

Brahma Baba formed a Managing Committee of eight young women and transferred all his assets to a Trust they administered. In 1950, two years after India’s Partition, the group relocated to Mount Abu, India. The organization expanded its services throughout India. By the 1970s, the first international center was established in the United Kingdom. 

Today, the Brahma Kumaris span over 120 countries with more than a million students worldwide.  

our history at the United Nations

INSPIRATION: a minute of silence

In 1977, Dadi Prakashmani, the Administrative and Spiritual leader of the Brahma Kumaris stood on the sidewalk of UN Plaza and faced the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.  She paused and observed a minute of silence dedicated to world peace in remembrance of God, the Divine.  In the space of that pause, a thought was ignited in her mind, — ‘one day the Brahma Kumaris will be serving with the United Nations in establishing world peace.’  She offered the gift of peace.

Three years later, in 1980 the Brahma Kumaris (BKs) became affiliated to the Department of Public Information, now known as the Department of Global Communications.  In 1983 the Brahma Kumaris were accredited consultative status with the Economic and Social Council.

The UN addresses the wellbeing of people in all sectors and in all nations. The principles of wellbeing include: “to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small …”   (Preamble, UN Charter); “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” (Article 1, Human Rights Declaration); and “That since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed;” (Constitution of UNESCO).  

These principles were used as bridges between the BK network and the UN. One such bridge was from UN Headquarters in New York to the BK Headquarters in Mt. Abu where high level UN officials participated as keynote speakers at the BK’s annual Universal Peace Conferences in the 80’s and 90’s. 

INTEGRATION: spiritual and secular

It was deemed important that there needed to be the integration of the spiritual with the secular; The approach was ‘keep it deep, make it simple, and let it grow.’

This approach was integrated in the various international and outreach projects related to UN observances such as ‘The Million Minutes of Peace Appeal’, ‘Global Cooperation for a Better World’, ‘The Living Values Education Program’ and the ‘Peace Manifesto’.  And through position papers and statements submitted to UN Conferences and Summits around the world.  

Over the years this theme has been central to our areas of focus: Climate Change, Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Social Development, Values Education, UN Program on Youth, the Sustainable Development Agenda, and the Summit of the Future.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT: leadership by women

The BKs was established in 1936 by Prajapita Brahma in Hyderabad, Sindh, in undivided India. The BK community comprises over a million individuals from all races, genders, faiths, cultures and socio-economic backgrounds in 120 countries, and is the largest spiritual organization led by women. The BK’s Office for the United Nations in New York represents the World Headquarters located in India.  We also have a presence in Geneva and Vienna.  

affiliations

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (BKWSU), with its spiritual headquarters in Mt. Abu, India, comprises a worldwide network of centers in 120 countries and is an international non-governmental organization of the United Nations accredited with General Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC); Associate Status with the Department of Global Communications (DGC); Observer Status to the United Nations Environment Assembly of UNEP; Observer Organization to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC);  the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

Dadi Ratan Mohini

BK Ratan Mohini is the Administrative Head of Brahma Kumaris. In this role she guides countless souls towards inner peace and enlightenment. Her life’s journey reflects a continual pursuit of spiritual elevation, devotion to contemplation, learning, and sharing divine wisdom, making her an instrumental figure in the task of world benefit.

Her travels for service took her across India and eventually led her to represent the institution at the 1954 World Peace Conference in Japan. BK Ratan Mohini’s services profoundly influenced diverse communities in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, fostering a newfound respect and understanding of the institution’s spiritual teachings. Her efforts catalyzed a broader acceptance of and curiosity towards divine knowledge among these communities, illustrating the universal appeal and transformative power of the teachings she represented.


From 2001-2006 she participated in and led National Advanced Meditation Retreats in Brazil, the USA, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, marking significant global outreach. From 2007-2008 she launched the Youth Empowering Program. The program encourages young people to face life’s challenges with courage and contribute positively to national reconstruction.

BK Ratan Mohini has entered her 100th year, and starts her daily routine with Rajyoga meditation. She is an inspiration to many around the world.

BK Mohini Panjabi

BK Mohini Panjabi is the Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris.  She is known for her leadership, guiding thousands of people worldwide in spiritual practices and meditation.  Sr. Mohini is dedicated to spreading the teachings of Raja Yoga, emphasizing the importance of peace, love, and unity.  She also plays a significant role in managing the organization’s various educational and social programs aimed at uplifting individuals and communities.  Her work involves fostering a deeper understanding of spirituality, promoting values like compassion and self-discipline, and encouraging individuals to live more consciously.  Sr. Mohini is a respected figure within the Brahma Kumaris and is instrumental in overseeing its global activities that focus on self-transformation and world service.  Her leadership continues to inspire many, especially women, to embrace spirituality and personal growth, contributing to the organization’s mission of world transformation.

BK Jayanti Kirpalani

BK Jayanti Kirpalani is the Additional Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris and is also the Director of Brahma Kumaris activities in Europe and the Middle East. She is the Brahma Kumaris NGO representative at the UN in Geneva.

As a spiritual teacher for over 50 years, she has dedicated her life to self-transformation and service to humanity.  She continues to champion the co-operative role of spiritual organizations in creating a just and peaceful world, bringing spiritual principles to the discussion tables of politicians, economists, business leaders, scientists and nearly every stakeholder of our times. 

Sister Jayanti sees the erosion of spiritual values as the underlying cause of the crises the world is facing today. Her message invites each of us to embody a positive vision of a brighter world. Her spiritual knowledge, inner peace and love have inspired millions across the globe to empower themselves to make changes to their lives.

Gayatri Naraine

Gayatri Naraine is an author, speaker, and practicing Raja Yogi.  She considers herself a student of lifelong learning.  The core intent in the service that she does is focused on developing spiritual life skills and integrating them into practical lifestyles.

Gayatri is the main representative of the Brahma Kumaris to the United Nations.  In this capacity she, along with the BK team at the UN, explore transformation as a spiritual and universal phenomenon.

Gayatri is a member of the Interfaith Women’s Council, UNEP and the Vice-Chair of the International Day of Yoga Committee at the UN.  She is also a founding member of The Call-of-the-Time Global Dialogues.

Her publications include the book “Something Beyond Greatness – Conversation between a Man of Science and a Woman of God;” “The Story of Immortality, A Return to Self-Sovereignty;” and “Living Values a Guidebook.” 

She lives in New York City since 1978 and was born in Guyana.

Julia Grindon-Welch

Julia Grindon-Welch has served as the Braham Kumaris’ representative to the United Nations in New York since 1993. 

Currently part of various BK international teams including: the BK delegation to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, since 2012; Sustainable Development conferences since 2002; and the Commission on the Status of Women since 2007.  She also serves as Co-Chair of the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations and the Values Caucus of the United Nations. 

Julia is also part of the design and logistical team for the Call-of-the-Time Dialogues. COTT is a global leadership dialogue that has spent the last fifteen years exploring ‘experiments in silence’ the transformational depth of contemplative silence and the impact this has on the actions we take for world benefit.

Julia is a graphic designer specializing in creating spaces for programs and projects, and material for publications and publicity materials. She was born in the United Kingdom and currently lives in New York City, USA

Sabita Geer

BK Sabita Geer is an NGO Representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN in New York for nearly 10 years. Her work in co-organizing and participating in projects related to UN Sustainable Development Goals is based on the understanding that real change begins with a shift in awareness, facilitated by a practice of spirituality and yoga. Sabita represents the Brahma Kumaris as the Vice-chair of the NGO Committee on Spirituality, Values, and Global Concerns-NY and a member of the UN NGO Major Group Unitive Cluster.

Sabita is a practicing student and teacher of the art of Raj Yoga for the past 45 years. She has conducted courses, facilitated workshops and retreats in the Caribbean, UK, India, Middle East, and many states across the USA. She is currently based in the USA, and before that, she served in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Sabita was born in Guyana and has a background in Physics and Mathematics.

Juan Milling

Juan Milling is an NGO representative for Brahma Kumaris and has actively participated in UN conferences focused on Climate Change, Sustainable Development, and Biodiversity. He is a Homeopath and Naturopath with expertise in holistic health and natural medicine, as well as in circular economy and zero waste practices. Currently, he serves as a senior financial representative and eco-ambassador at the National Bank of Canada.  Driven by a deep passion for the intersection of consciousness and environmental stewardship, Juan co-created youth-led green programs around the world and collaborates with interfaith leaders globally on areas of consciousness and environment.

Juan is currently coordinator of Biodiversity for Brahma Kumaris, leading a team who prepare for the UN Biodiversity conferences.

Kinnary Murthy

Kinnari Murthy, MBBS, MPH, is an NGO representative of the Brahma Kumaris.  Professionally, she worked as a cardiology research coordinator at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia for 15 years.  Her areas of interest include SDG1 (the United Nations’ goal to eradicate poverty around the world), self-development and values in healthcare. 

An integral member of the Brahma Kumaris’ SDG1 team, Kinnari has written and presented oral and written statements, and conducted workshops centered on social issues that stem from poverty.  She follows avenues of exploration to understand what causes poverty and works towards its eradication.  Kinnari represented the Brahma Kumaris at World Bank’s Faith-Based and Religious Leaders Roundtable, out of which emerged the Moral Imperative statement, a commitment to end extreme poverty by 2030.

Alongside her work at the UN, Kinnari has participated in, led, and initiated many programs relevant to healthcare professionals and youth.  She is currently serving in Guyana at our Raja Yoga Center in Georgetown. 

Ir. Dr. Muralindran Mariappan

Ir. Dr. Muralindran Mariappan is an NGO Representative of the Brahma Kumaris at the UN.  His work focuses on Youth Coordination and projects related to youth development activities related to UN Sustainable Development Goals. He represents the Brahma Kumaris as an Advisor and Planning Committee member for the United Nations International Youth Conference (IYC).  He is also a reviewer and contributor for the Independent Youth Statement for the SDG Summit. He has represented the Brahma Kumaris as a presenter on Youth Development and Emotional Health at the Youth Summit on Peace and Sustainable Future in Montpelier, France.  Dr. Muralindran received the Most Engaged Delegate Award at the UN 8th International Youth Conference (IYC8) in New York. 

He is the Coordinator for the Kota Kinabalu Meditation Centre in Malaysia and oversees activities in North Borneo. Born in Malaysia, and currently a professional engineer, and Professor of Robotics at the University Malaysia Sbah, he continues to travel widely engaged in Brahma Kumaris international projects.

Valériane Bernard

Valériane Bernard.  Since 2005 Valériane has served as a Brahma Kumaris representative to the United Nations, Geneva. Her focus is the Human Rights Council.  She is one of the founding members of the Geneva Interfaith Forum for Climate Change, Environment and Human Rights, which promotes the ethical and human rights aspects of climate change, raising public awareness about justice aspects of climate change.  She is also the co-chair of the Interfaith Liaison Committee to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNCCCC).

She is actively involved at the UN with the Geneva NGO CSW and is also part of the Geneva NGO committee on Freedom of Religion and Belief, and the Geneva Climate Change Consultation Group.

She is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese and has the ability to work with people from different cultural contexts, helping to develop self-awareness, bringing ethics and values to the international context.  She has taught meditation in France, Chili, Argentina, USA, Costa Rica, and Switzerland.

Valériane was born, and studied in Paris, France.

Maureen Goodman

Maureen Goodman.   As Programme Director for the Brahma Kumaris UK, Maureen works with many diverse communities.  Her interests include young people, women’s empowerment, sustainability and building spiritual capacity. As the Brahma Kumaris main representative at the United Nations, Vienna, she dialogues with leaders in politics, religion, education and community.  She headed the BK delegation to the UN Climate Conference (UNCCC) COP 27 and COPs 15 and 16 for Biodiversity (CBD).

For over 40 years, Maureen has participated in many international interfaith conferences and dialogues. She represents the Brahma Kumaris on the Board of World Religious Leaders of the Elijah Interfaith Institute. In April 2022, she joined a group of religious leaders on a visit to Ukraine as part of the Faith in Ukraine initiative.

Maureen is part of the Strategic Circle of the Spirit of Humanity Forum. Hosted by the City of Reykjavik, the Forum creates a safe space for dialogue among leaders seeking transformation based on core human values.