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Mount Abu, India: Dadi Janki was an empowering leader renowned in the world for her depth of wisdom and the power of her presence. She was the Spiritual Head of the Brahma Kumaris, an organisation of students and volunteers working for world change through a worldwide network of centres in more than 140 countries. For eight decades, Dadi dedicated her life to serving humanity. She has travelled to over 110 countries, and crossed all barriers of status, race, religion and creed. Even at the age of 104, Dadi maintained a demanding touring and lecturing schedule, meeting hundreds of thousands of people each year, from grass roots level to CEO’s and government leaders, inspiring them to create a better life for themselves and make a contribution to a better world. Dadi was a designated ‘Keeper of Wisdom’, one of an eminent group of leaders convened to advise the Earth Summit in Brazil. She addressed the United Nations on various occasions. She was also the patron of several organisations including the Janki Foundation which promotes human values within the health care professions, and she was the recipient of numerous honours and awards. In 2004 Dadi was awarded the Medal of independence by the King of Jordan for her humanitarian work. A mine of wisdom and compassion, Dadi Janki seemed to live beyond the time-space barrier as she tirelessly travels from one country to the other, offering insights and inspiration to millions of people, After establishing numerous centres throughout India, in 1974 she established the first BK centre outside India, in London. She co-ordinated the overseas BK centres 140 countries. She presided over numerous international conferences and engaged with leaders from various fields. She was one of the ten wisdom keepers of the world nominated by the World Parliament of Religions, and also the President of Janki Foundation for health care. Dadi was well aware of the challenges of the time, and her overarching message is clear: When we change, the world can change. Brief Profile: Born as Janki Kriplani on 1st January 1916 in Sindh, Pakistan, she joined Brahma Kumaris sometime around 1937. After independence of India, [in 1947], she came to Mount Abu with Dada Lekhraj, the founder father of the Brahma Kumaris. She traveled all over India to impart spiritual education. She visited London in 1974 to set up Spiritual services there. She helped set up the first European Brahma Kumaris Center in London. In 1997, a charitable trust, the Janki Foundation for Global Healthcare, was opened in London. In 2004, she was awarded the Grand Cordon of the first order of Al Istiklal (medal of independence) by HM King Abdullah of Jordon for her humanitarian services to the world. In August 2007, she became the Chief Administrator of the Brahma Kumaris. In 2015, she was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Mission), nominated by the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi. She has also published many books, such as Wings of Soul and Pearls of Wisdom. Dadi Janki dedicated her life to spiritual service at the age of 21 after coming into contact with the Brahma Kumaris. She served for 35 years, expanding the institution’s services to more than 140 countries. Dadi Janki became head of the Brahma Kumaris in 2007 after the passing away of the previous head of the organisation, Dadi Prakashmani. Even at an advanced age, Dadi Janki maintained a busy schedule, which began at 4 am with meditation and included spiritual study and meetings with visitors. During the year 2019, Dadi set a record of sorts by travelling about 72,000 kilometres in India and 10 other countries. The Brahma Kumaris, which is active in 140 countries, has more than 8,000 centres run by about 46,000 dedicated women members. Over 20 lakh people all over the world regularly benefit from its spiritual teachings and other services aimed at creating a value-based society. |
