PM inaugurates ‘Shanti Shikhar’

New Delhi, Nov 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated “Shanti Shikhar – Academy for a Peaceful World”, a new centre for spiritual learning, peace, and meditation established by the Brahma Kumaris in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said the day was special as Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Uttarakhand completed 25 years of their formation. Extending greetings to the people of these states, he said, “Driven by the guiding principle that the development of states fuels the progress of the nation, we are actively with the Brahma Kumaris, PM Modi recalled several past events with the organisation and said its work for peace and self-transformation had deeply inspired him.

He said institutions like the Brahma Kumaris are playing a vital role in shaping India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. Emphasising that “conduct is the highest form of dharma”, the Prime Minister said that real transformation comes when words are turned into action. He described the Brahma Kumaris as a symbol of this principle, noting that the invocation “Om Shanti” embodies the universal aspiration for peace.

“India is a nation that sees the divine in every living being and perceives the infinite in the self. Our spirituality not only teaches peace but also shows the path to it,” he said. PM Modi added that self-restraint leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to self-realisation, and self-realisation brings inner peace, an ideal that the new academy will nurture.

Referring to India’s global role, the Prime Minister said, “Whenever a crisis strikes anywhere in the world, India steps forward as a trusted partner to offer help, acting as the first responder.” He also cited India’s initiatives such as Mission LiFE, One Sun, One World, One Grid, and One Earth, One Family, One Future as examples of India’s leadership in sustainable and harmonious living. The event was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, and senior members of the Brahma Kumaris organisation.