Posted: 03 May 2007
Ah, well .
Independent thought about the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University for those wishing to leave, and friends and family of followers
http://www.brahmakumaris.info/forum/
Arjun wrote:Excerpts from an article titled "Brahma Kumaris Story" written by Jeff von Kaenel, President/CEO of News and Review in Sacramento, USA published in the January edition of the 'Purity' magazine of BKs:
"First I enjoyed meeting the staff, who had wonderful stories about how Brahma Kumaris changed their lives. The volunteers mentioned that meditation helped them turn off repetitive negative thoughts in their mind and allowed them to focus on the here and now, improving relationships with their families and within their lives. Brother Ram Prakash, told me how meditation might have saved his life on 9/11, as he calmly made his way down the stairs of one of the World Trade Centers before it collapsed. He is now so focused on helping other people, something he clearly attributed to his BK experiences. These stories moved me."
Brahma Kumaris adopt village - Mohali, January 27 2005
Kambali village, near here, has been adopted as the first village of Punjab under a novel project “Call of the time — swachh, swarnim, gramin Bharat” by the Prajapati Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya.
A large number of Brahma Kumaris and Brahma Kumars went to different corners of the village and cleaned the streets and other localities. Villagers were inspired to keep their homes, streets clean in order to save themselves from the spread of diseases.
BK Meena, In charge of the Rural Development wing of Mohali Ropar circle, inaugurated the project and said that all efforts would be made by Brahma Kumaris to develop the village as a model with the cooperation of villagers.
BK Prem, In charge of centres in Ropar district, said here today that the first phase of the project was launched yesterday. The aim of launching the project was to implement numerous programmes of cleanliness, health awareness, drug de-addiction etc.
Snehalaya - Solapur
Cause: Snehalaya – Solapur was formed to provide proper education and to ensure overall rehabilitation of children from the Red light areas. During 9 years of its existence, Snehalaya has proved itself as a home of love & affection for these children and has been making all out efforts to inculcate in them the moral values so that they grow up as responsible citizens of the society.
Profile: The source of inspiration for this project was Late Rupali, the daughter of Snehalaya President – Shri. Pradeepkumar Shingavi. She was suffering from critical illness of Thalessamia. Due to her illness, she should not have survived beyond the age of 4 years; but her religious faith and strong humanitarian values helped her reach the age of 18 years. She used to celebrate her birthday in the school for the Blind & orphans in a very simple manner. She was very keen to work for the welfare of the handicapped and destitute children. When her Father (Pradeepji) asked about her last wish, she expressed, in no uncertain terms, her strong desire to help the most underprivileged children. Her strong and affectionate concern to help the underprivileged children till her last breath deeply moved and greatly inspired her Father.
As these children come from a very difficult background, it was necessary that the overall in-charge of the project should be a very compassionate and mature person capable of maintaining proper discipline also. Fortunately, they found Brahmakumari Pramilaben, who after offering her services to the spiritual institution, Prajapita Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, agreed to take the overall responsibility for the day to day running this institution. She is working as the Managing Secretary of Snehalaya and stays 24 hours at the Centre itself. She has played a very vital role in bringing up this institution by her total devotion and selfless service inculcating the spiritual and moral values amongst the residents of Snehalaya.
Initially a survey was carried out regarding women from the red light areas of south Maharashtra, especially areas of Solapur, Osmanabad, Latur, Barshi, Tembhurni and Pandharpur. These women were helped with their basic needs, such as water problems, House repairs and problems of getting their Ration cards etc. besides free medical checkup camps, AIDS awareness camps, etc.
After such confidence building measures, 21 children were given admission to Snehalaya. Adequate arrangements were made for their food, shelter, clothing and education. Gradually by proper counseling and training, the development of these children showed excellent progress and they became quite social, friendly and cheerful and started participating in various in-house activities including sports, etc. enthusiastically.