LEADERS CONDOLE DADI PRAKASHMANI'S DEMISE AND PAY HOMAGE

New Delhi , Sept. 3:

Religious & political leaders, social activists, statesmen, ambassadors, industrialists, businessmen, judges, media persons, bureaucrats, educationists from cross sections of society paid homage to Dadi Prakashmani, the late Chief of Brahma Kumaris at a Shradhanjali Sabha (condolence meeting) held in FICCI Auditorium here today. (She left her mortal body in Abu on 25^th August, 2007 . She was aged 87.)

Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India termed Dadi Prakashmani as a visionary & institution builder and condoled her demise a great loss to the organization and to the nation.

Recalling his several visits to Mount Abu and meetings with late Dadiji, Dr Kalam quoted her as how wisely she had said that it was the power of silence which constituted common basis for blending and development of science and spirituality.

Dr Kalam echoed Dadiji's advice and words of wisdom-- "only powerful souls can offer love, can afford to be humble; if we are weak, we are selfish; if we are empty, we take; if we are filled, we automatically give to all"-- that was the nature of Brahma Kumaris who were spreading such human values all over the world, he stressed.

Dr Kalam emphasized that apart from the spiritual discourses and divine atmosphere in Brahma Kumaris premises at Mount Abu, the institution's Global Hospital & Research Centre there which had successfully experimented with preventive cardiology through rajyoga meditation, had always attracted him in the past.

Mr. L.K. Advani, Leader of Opposition in his message condoled Dadi's passing away as an irreparable loss, not only for the institution but for all those who believed that spread of spiritual values was the noblest service that any body could do to this world afflicted by violence and strife.

Mr. Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister in his message grieved Dadiji's departure from the world as a great loss to the country and mankind.

Mrs. Sheila Dixit, Chief Minister of Delhi; offering tribute to Dadiji in a message said that later was very simple, humble and lovable in nature but at the same time spiritually very strong, noble and dedicated to the cause of human upliftment and world welfare.

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, AICC President in her condolence message said that Rajyogini Prakashmani was the founding figure & leading light of Brahma Kumaris institution and she represented the best spiritual tradition of our country with her enlightened human beliefs and strong commitment to social and community service. She hoped that Dadiji's radiant legacy would continue to illuminate, guide and inspire the work of the Brahma Kumaris for a long time to come.

Rajyogini B. K. Chakradhari, Director of Brahma Kumaris Rajyoga Centres in Russia and adjoining States recollected how Dadiji used to inspire and infuse confidence among her colleagues and fellow beings through her life examples and practice of values.

Rajyogi B. K. Brijmohan, Chief Spokesman of Brahma Kumaris in Delhi said that Dadi Prakashmani took over as Head of the institution after its Corporeal Founder Prajapita Brahma left his mortal coil on 18th January, 1969. She was instrumental in phenomenal growth of the organization from national to global and in gaining several national and international awards and recognitions for the institution including its affiliation to the United Nations, ECOSOC and UNICEF.

Prominent religious leaders including Mr E. I. Malekar, Head of Judaism in Delhi; Mr A. K. Merchant of Bahai Movement; Govt of Delhi's Power Secretary Mr Rakesh Mehta; Shriram Group's Mr Sidharth Shriram; Eminent Journalist Dr N. K. Trikha, etc. paid their tributes while former President of India, Shri R. Venkatraman sent his condolence message on the occasion.