Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji Inaugurates Women’s Initiative on “Inner Peace… Strong Families… Viksit Bharat”

Kolkata, 24 September 2026:*Marking the completion of 90 years of spiritual and social service by the Brahma Kumaris, the four-day “Festival of Inner Empowerment and Social Transformation” is being organised by the Brahma Kumaris Eastern Zone Headquarters, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, from 24 to 27 September 2026.*As part of the festival, a *special Women’s Initiative on the theme “Inner Peace… Strong Families… Viksit Bharat” was inaugurated today.*The programme was held in the serene and spiritually uplifting ambience of the Global Enlightenment Retreat Centre, Amtala, and was *inaugurated by Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Shri R. N. Ravi Ji.**The programme was graced by the presence of senior Rajyoginis of the Brahma Kumaris — B.K. Vedanti Behn, Director, Brahma Kumaris, Africa, and B.K. Chandrika Behn, Sub-zone In-charge, Mahadevnagar, Ahmedabad.**Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji’s Message*Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Governor Shri R. N. Ravi Ji highlighted the importance of inner peace and family values, stating that lasting positive transformation in society is possible not merely through external development, but through the cultivation of values, peace and positive thinking within the individual.He emphasised that the family is the fundamental unit of society, and that strong and value-based families form the foundation of a strong nation. He also highlighted the important role of women and their contribution, leadership and participation in social transformation.Congratulating the Brahma Kumaris on completing 90 years of spiritual and social service, the Governor said that the Brahma Kumaris today stands as a remarkable example of a spiritual organisation guided and led by women.He further observed that the Brahma Kumaris has demonstrated that spirituality can become a powerful instrument for addressing contemporary challenges.He noted that the programmes of the Brahma Kumaris reach women across different sections of society and seek to promote dignity, equality, positive thinking and a peaceful way of living. He also appreciated the organisation’s initiatives that extend to rural and grassroots communities.*B.K. Vedanti Behn Highlights the Power of Inner Empowerment*Senior Rajyogini B.K. Vedanti Behn emphasised that true empowerment is not limited to external achievements, but lies in the ability to keep the mind peaceful, stable and powerful.Speaking about women, she highlighted that when a woman becomes internally peaceful and empowered, her positive influence extends to her family, workplace and society at large.*B.K. Chandrika Behn Emphasises Peace Within the Family*B.K. Chandrika Behn highlighted the importance of love, respect, understanding and positive communication within the family. She emphasised that before trying to change external circumstances, it is essential to give a positive direction to one’s own thoughts and emotions.She also spoke about Rajyoga Meditation as an effective means of developing mental stability, self-awareness and inner peace, encouraging participants to make meditation a regular practice.*Honouring Inspiring Women*A major highlight of the programme was the felicitation of women achievers from diverse fields, recognising their contribution, leadership, service and achievements.The distinguished women felicitated on the occasion included:Mrs. Suman Sood – Director, B.D. Memorial School, KolkataPadmashri Ms. Bula Chowdhury – Legendary Indian SwimmerMs. Saumya Varma & Ms. Mahima Varma – Co-Directors, Calcutta FoundationMs. Shamlu Dudeja & Ms. Malika Dudeja – Kantha FoundationMs. Sheetal Dugar – Chairperson, JITO Apex Ladies WingMs. Bharati Jainani, Media journalist, Kolkata The women were felicitated for their distinguished contribution, leadership, service, achievements and positive impact on society.Experiencing Inner Peace through Rajyoga MeditationThe programme also featured a Guided Rajyoga Meditation Experience, offering participants an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and experience silence, peace and inner strength.The central message of the programme was that “Inner peace leads to strong families, and strong families form the foundation of a Viksit Bharat.”*Special Initiatives Ahead in the Four-Day Festival*The Festival of Inner Empowerment and Social Transformation, being held from 24 to 27 September, will feature a series of social and awareness initiatives in the coming days.The festival will include the launch of the special youth programme “Utho Jagat Ke Vaaste”, an initiative promoting cultural values, and the launch of “Sangam”, a social project dedicated to senior citizens.