Just a quick note about how the BKWSU uses and has used foreigners in its global expansion. The first example given dates back to the 1970s, the second bringing us to in 2005 where "Foreigners attending Brahmakumari conference" is considered newsworthy enough an event to feature it. Funny, when one considers that both "foreigners" were Indians, B.K. Praveena from London and our very own Colonel Dr Hansa Rawal from the USA, notable for having left her husband and child to join the BKWSU ... and then marrying within it to another BK.
The latter repeats the now proven and "officially withdrawn" lie of Dadi Janki being "the most stable mind in the world".
I am sure we all know of and remember such cases. Of course, I would argue that "the power of the whiteman" (or whitewomen) also works and is exploited in South America (Ken O'Donell etc), South East Asia (formerly the of Lee James of Joel's domain) and so on. Ditto, in reverse, the exoticism of Indianess is also used in foreigners, a sari-ed brown skin Sister (but not South Indian/Dravidian ... please) giving authority and identity to the movement in places as far flung as Russia.
Awfully body-conscious, surely ... no?
The latter repeats the now proven and "officially withdrawn" lie of Dadi Janki being "the most stable mind in the world".
terry wrote:On my first trip to India in '76-'77, we toured around "doing service" - stand up testimonials at public programs. We were among the first foreigners in Gyan, so we were a novelty & marketable - to show how BKs were now being recognised "in foreign".
One person was a hospital orderly/assistant, and they were regularly introduced as a medical doctor! Another person made a living as a craftsperson who made & sold leather goods at markets. Now a leather worker is close to the bottom of the heap in the caste system, so that person was told never to mention it. I had just graduated from film school, so was touted as a famous Australian film maker!
Foreigners to attend Brahmakumari conference - Tribune News Service Panipat, February 12 2005
A large number of foreign delegates will also participate in the world peace conference organised by Brahmakumaris on the HUDA ground here tomorrow. Some of these foreign delegates have already arrived in Panipat. They include cancer specialist from the US Army, Sister Dr Hansa Rawal also from the USA and RajYoga teacher B.K. Praveena from London.
Besides, the additional chief and overseas chief of Brahmakumaris, Dadi Janki, who has been declared woman with the most stable mind in the world, has also arrived in the city. She will preside over the conference.
I am sure we all know of and remember such cases. Of course, I would argue that "the power of the whiteman" (or whitewomen) also works and is exploited in South America (Ken O'Donell etc), South East Asia (formerly the of Lee James of Joel's domain) and so on. Ditto, in reverse, the exoticism of Indianess is also used in foreigners, a sari-ed brown skin Sister (but not South Indian/Dravidian ... please) giving authority and identity to the movement in places as far flung as Russia.
Awfully body-conscious, surely ... no?