NEWS 2014

Bhadrak (Orissa)




Municipal Chairman Bro. Manas Kumar Mohanty, Divisional Director of Agriculture Bro. Mahesh Prasad Rath, Co-ordinator of the Rural Development B.K.Raju, B.K.Nathmal and B.K.Sis.Manju (program co-ordinator) at an awareness program on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture.




Gadwal (Telangana)




At the Inauguration of the Om Shanti Garden, an awareness program on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture was attended by Member of Legislative Assembly Sis. D.K.Aruna, Municipal Councillors, more than 300 farmers, and addressed by B.K.Mahadevi, B.K.Sumanth, B.K. Sujata, B.K. Lata, B.K. Manjula.



Adilabad (Telangana)




At the “Sustainable Yogic Agriculture” farmers' conference, addressees are B.K.Sumanth, B.K. Revathi, B.K.Sujata, B.K.Lata, B.K. Meenakshi and other eminent personalities where 300 farmers attended.






Umred (Maharastra)




At the inauguration of the farmers' conference, lighting the candles are: Nagpur Divisional Co-ordinator of Agriculture Bro. V. Ghavte, National Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing B.K.Rajubhai, Bro. Vijay Khavas, Bro. Dilip Bhoyar, B.K.Dashrathbhai, B.K.Gangadharbhai, B.K.Ashokbhai, B.K. Nitinbhai and B.K. Sis. Rekha. About 2000 farmers are benefited by this program.



Adayar (Tamilnadu)




B.K. Sis. Manisha and B.K. Sis. Muthumani explaining on the importance of Rajayoga as well as Sustainable Agriculture at a training program on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture. Director of Dena Bank Bro. J. Balakrishnan and Bro. Kannaiyyappan addressed this program of about 200 farmers. Information Technology youth group were enthusiastic participants at the initiation of the Yogic Farming.


Jhalawad (Rajasthan)




A Farmers' Conference on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture was addressed by Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing B.K.Raju, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Sis. Manorama Jain, Project Director ATMA Bro. Kailashchand Meena, Deputy Director of Agriculture Bro. Mahesh Sharma, Bro. Anil Shrungi from Awaz NGO, Bro. Vishnu Prasad Patidar, Bro. Hukumchand Patidar expert in organic farming, District Development Manager of Nabard Bank Bro. Anil Kothmere. As a part of the farmers' conference, a training program held for 300 farmers was addressed by B.K.Sumanth, B.K.Sashikanth and B.K.Prahlad.


Mount Abu (Rajasthan)




A Rajayoga Retreat-Cum-Dialogue on Holistic Rural Development through Spiritual and Natural Resources. The Retreat was organized by the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing(RERF) of Brahma Kumaris from 20 to 24 June, 2014 at Gyan Sarovar, Mt Abu was accomplished successfully. Over 750 delegates from different parts of India representing authorities of Rural Development and Agriculture Department, Agriculture Scientists, N.G.O, and different groups participated in this program. Addressing the Inaugural session the Director General of Maharastra Council of Agriculture Research, Mr Maruti Savant said that our villages are still dependent on chemical fertilizers based agriculture, where it is high time to adopt organic yogic farming.

Bro. Harnath Jagawat, Director of N.M Sadguru Foundation, Dahod, Gujarat said that it is due to excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides carcinogenic incidents are increasing. By reinstating Sustainable Yogic Agriculture as ancient agricultural practice the farmers can evolve a better yield. By adopting this durable agriculture method farmers can become wealthier over a period of time. He emphasized that a new green revolution can be brought through concentrated efforts in tribal pockets.

Sis. BK Sarla, National co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing clarified the aim & objective of the Retreat and said that in the ancient past there was no much of selfish attitude in the farmers, but they were used to nurture the nature through able and great thoughts. It is only through organic yogic farming the farmers can yield high quality nutritious crops.

BK Raju, H. Q. Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing said that the tribals who stay close to the nature can better understand the changes in the nature. He appealed to protect the natural resources. He said that our Social evils are blocking the path of our progress. Spirituality is the key to overcome this situation. By leading a spiritual life- style one can protect the natural resources. For that, it is necessary to elevate the life and character. Our emotions as well as the power of internal pure thoughts can change the environment and flourish the nature.

Sis. BK Rani, Senior Rajayoga Teacher from Bihar expressed good wishes in the programme. She appealed to sow the seeds of pure thoughts. If purity appears in mind, word and deed, automatically relationship will build up with the nature and this trail leads to the development.

Bro. BK Mruthyunjaya, Vice-President, Education Wing said that western convergence has eclipsed the rural lifestyle. He said that internal impurities are the reason behind all five elements getting polluted. Through an awakened consciousness a beautiful co-ordination can be established between nature and a human being .

Sis. BK Mamta from Alwar, Rajasthan, said that if each person begins to transform himself then holistic rural development will happen automatically. It is only through the Spiritual Science that we can awaken each one's mind and the Soul. If spiritual science reaches each Indian, then definitely the rising sun of holistic development can be visible. She gave more clarifications on the aspect of development of natural resources through spiritual resources.

Executive Member of the Rural Development Bro. BK Rajendra from Palwal extended Vote of Thanks. Sis. BK Geeta from Bhinmal co-ordinated the stage.

A Special Seminar for Agriculture Scientists : The scientists enthusiastically participated in the seminar with the theme “ Joining Hands for Sustainable Agriculture” with great zeal. About 70 agriculture scientists from all parts of India pledged to co-operate this campaign. A Road map was framed to do yogic farming in different research places, Universities and at farmers places for demonstration. Scientists who are undertaking different trails at various universities made their scientific presentations. Farmers who have adopted yogic farming have shared their rich experiences with the scientists. Got highly inspired with the practical experiences, the scientists have unanimously passed a resolution requesting Indian Council of Agricultural Research to recognize Sustainable Yogic Agriculture as an Innovative way of farming.

Valedictory Session: Heralding Golden Rural India through Spiritual and Natural Resources

Bro. B. Nijalingappa, Special Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Jharkhand said that the villagers have an important role to make the Nation prosperous, Happy & Healthy. The overall development of Villages, the ancient heritage of Indian Culture should not be neglected. He emphasized on saving forests. He appreciated the efforts initiated by Brahma Kumaris to promote Sustainable Yogic Agriculture project.

Sis. BK Sarla, National Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing said that knowing thyself, shall be the solution for all the problems in this materialistic world to conserve our natural resources. The power of purity can only guide this world and help in improving the diversity of the nature. She emphasized that the Yogic Farming proves to be the best way of cultivating crops with rich micro as well as macro nutrient contents.

Bro. BK Balasaheb a progressive farmer and an expert in Yogic Agriculture from Ichalkaranji expressed his views that encouraging the farmers to adopt yogic agriculture paves the way of making an ideal village. Adopting Sustainable Yogic Agriculture improves the physical health. This campaign also serves in Inner Capacity Building of the villagers.

Sis. B K Lakshmi, Rajyoga Teacher from Hansi shared many remedies to save natural resources. It is by uplifting the human values every impossible task can be made possible. One should adopt spiritual lifestyle so that the nature becomes rich. This will protect the nature from pollution or degradation and paves the way towards attaining the satopradhan stage. Since nature comforts us it is our duty to prevent our natural resources from getting polluted.

Later Bro. BK Satveer & Sis. BK Swati from Delhi expressed their views on Holistic Rural Development.


Delhi




BK Satveer & Sis. BK Swati from Delhi B.K.Sis.Sapna explaining about the Sustainable Yogic Agriculture Project to the Union Minister for Agriculture Bro. Radha Mohan Singh. She extended an invitation to the retreat to be held at Gyan Sarovar on “Spiritual and Natural Resources for Holistic Rural Development”.



Bangalore




After giving a message on Sustainable Yogic Agriculture project, Co-ordinator of the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing B.K.Raju is giving a godly gift to the vice chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dr. K. Narayana Gowda.




Assandh (Haryana)




Lightening the lamps at the Sustainable Yogic Agriculture training programme held at Brahma Kumaris Center in Assandh are Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr. Pawan Sharma, former regional director Dr.J.C. Mahela, Dr. Man Singh, Director of Brahma Kumaris Punjab BK Amirchand, BK Raju, BK Lakshmi, BK Usha. Dr. Subhash Gill, BK Sumanth, BK Neelam and BK Sarita addressed this programme. BK Meharchand co-ordinated this successful programme. Above 1000 farmers took advantage of this programme.


Akluj (Maharastra)




Inaugurating the Sustainable yogic Agriculture exhbition stall at the "Shiv Ratna Krishi-2014" is former deputy chief minister of Maharastra,Bro.Vijay Singh Mahite Patil, BK Somprabha, BK Nanda, BK Shrikant with others. Awareness is brought among thousands of farmers through Sustainable Yogic Agriculture exhibition.



Nagpur (Maharastra)




Celebrating farmers' great contribution to our economy, Government of India and Government of Maharashtra along with CII as a strategic partner are jointly organising Krishi Vasant 2014 between 09 – 13 February 2014 at the country's most central location and  agriculturally vibrant city of Nagpur. Brahma Kumaris contributed their services at Sustainable Yogic Agriculture Stall. More than 1.5lakh farmers were introduced with the concept of Sustainable Yogic Farming. This stall was inaugurated by the General Manager of Maharastra Agriculture Industrial Development Corporation at Mumbai, BK Pushparani, BK Somprabha, Former MLA Bro. Vinayakrao, Radakeji with other brothers and sisters.

It was the biggest ever congregation of farmers from the entire country, agro-industries, research organizations Krishi Vigyan Kendras, State Governments, Financial Institutions and all otherstake-holders. The event is unique because more than 300 live demonstration plots of cereals, pulses, fodder, oilseeds, vegetables and fiber-crops are being organised.  Best quality animals, poultry and fish will also be on display.


Bangalore (Karnataka)




During the great national festival held at Lalbagh the Agriculture and Rural Development Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Chamarajept Branch, Bangalore, have also arranged a stall for the farmers from 17-01-2014 to 26-01-2014 to convey the message about Yogic farming and Ideal Village. Thousands of people visited the stall and taken the information about the Yogic Kethi and Ideal Village and appreciated this innovative concept.

In this great national festival Agriculture and Rural Development Wing of Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Chamarajept Branch, Bangalore, have also displaced their stall from 17-01-2014 to 26-01-2014 to convey the message about Yogic Kethi and Ideal Village. Thousands of people visited the stall and taken the information about the Yogic Kethi and Ideal Village and appreciated the innovative concept.


Mount Abu (Rajasthan)




Earlier, the task of environment protection was carried out by the United Nations on the basis of science. Later they realized that more than science, spiritual organizations can play a better and significant role in awakening people on this subject. Thus, the General Secretary of United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, from UK decided to work together with various religious and spiritual organizations across the globe. To this effect, Hindu Environment Week is being organized through Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies in temples and spiritual organizations throughout the world.

Under this campaign, Holistic Environment Exhibition was organized in Gyan Sarovar complex of the Brahma Kumaris at Mt.Abu, from 17 th to 23 rd February 2014. To bring awareness on this matter, a public programme was organized on 20 th February 2014 for national and international guests.

Addressing the gathering in this programme, Sister Jayanti, Director of Brahma Kumaris centers in Europe and Middle East, in her speech said, “ Global warming and climate change are causing imbalance in the environment. Natural calamities are on the rise across the globe. Internal pollution (pollution of the human mind) is the reason for external pollution in the atmosphere. In today's world, vices are not letting us make the best use of science. The one and only way to attain victory over the vices is spirituality.”

Sister Jayanti added, “ Environment can be protected through conservation of energy, renewable energy, reuse and recycling programmes. The various activities carried out by Brahma Kumaris for protection of environment are regularly presented in the conferences of the United Nations for the last 7 years.

The Chief Administrative Head of the Brahma Kumaris, Dadi Janki, said that spirituality brings truthfulness, cleanliness and simplicity in one's life and that these values form the basis for the protection of environment. She also mentioned that the practice of Rajayoga Mediation brings about transformation in one's life and that this spiritual path of non-violence, love and benevolence can rejuvenate the environment.

The coordinator of Scientists and Engineers Wing of the Brahma Kumaris, Brahma Kumar Brother Mohan, presented details of the various conferences and campaigns on environmental protection held by Brahma Kumaris till date in India. In the last few years, 19 campaigns were held in India to bring awareness on this subject to lakhs of people. As a fruit of such efforts, awards like Paryavaranshri, Green Idol were conferred on the Brahma Kumaris.

The coordinator of Agriculture and Rural Development Wing of the Brahma Kumaris, Brahma Kumar Brother Raju, presented details of the various efforts undertaken through Sustainable Yogic Agriculture to make agriculture pollution-free. Thousands of farmers have benefitted globally and they realize that they can make land, water and food free from pollution through this technique of agriculture. Brother Raju emphasized on the re-establishment of bio-diversity through yogic agriculture.

The advisor of the Solar One Project of the Brahma Kumaris, Brahma Kumar Brother Golo said that Brahma Kumaris are the pioneers among various spiritual organizations in the usage of solar energy. For many decades, Brahma Kumaris have been using solar cooking system to serve thousands of people.

Brother Jignesh Patel of Bhoomi Project threw light on the purpose of this programme. The Director of Gyan Sarovar - Academy for a Better World of the Brahma Kumaris, Brahma Kumari Dr. Nirmala, gave her good wishes for the programme. Sister Valerian conducted guided meditation and BK.Srinidhi compered the programme.


Dadi Hridaya Mohini Chief of Brahma Kumaris
“This methodology is very essential to produce pure & pious food, fruits & vegetables for good health. My good wishes are always with the farmers following yogic agriculture methodology by experimentation of Rajyoga Meditation, preperation of Organic Manures, adopting various ancient methods of conservation of crops - which will result in achieving 100% success.”

B.K. Sarla Chairperson Agriculture and Rural Devp. Wing
“This is a farming process based on Rajyoga Meditation, which will have its valuable contribution in the creation of the new age. I express my best wishes to all the farming community for adopting this sustainable yogic methodology.”

B.K. Raju Vice-Chairman Agriculture and Rural Devp. Wing
“ This novel project will guide the farmer brothers & sisters all around the world & inspires them for a life style filled with total bliss & peace. It leads to imperishable prosperity by means of holistic & healthy crop production. I wish you all the success, which is your birthright.”