Chennai:TN: Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri R.N. Ravi today launched two trailblazing campaigns – “Values and Spirituality for Better Governance” and “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” (Addiction-Free India Campaign) – even as inclement weather prevented him from attending the event in person at Happy Village Retreat Centre, Sunguvarchatram. Undeterred, the Governor lit the traditional lamp online to inaugurate the campaigns, which aim to bring wide-ranging positive change in individual lives as well as across communities through the promotion of moral values, meditation and shunning of
intoxicants. In his virtual address transmitted to gatherings across Tamil Nadu, Shri Ravi stressed the urgent need for such value-based initiatives for the betterment of both people and society. He promised complete support from the government of Tamil Nadu to realize the objectives. During his briefing he said, The reason why Bharat stands tall in the world as a united Bharat despite different languages and cultures is built on the foundation of spirituality and virtues. The organization of Brahma Kumaris has been of great service to mankind in developing spirituality and virtue. Although Bharat has made economic and scientific progress, the development of character and spirituality is the real development that will make a strong Bharat. A person who observes virtues and spirituality does not get addicted to any addiction. This anti-drug campaign of Brahma Kumaris will bring positive change in the lives of many and this continuous change will ultimately create a better society. I appreciate the service of the Brahma Kumaris and wish them continued service and success in this anti-drug campaign.
Rajyogini B.K. Asha Ji Sets the Tone The stage had been set by Rajyogini B.K. Asha Ji, Chairperson of the
Administrators’ Service Wing of the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organization and the chief organizer of the campaigns. In her insightful keynote address, Rajyogini Asha Ji emphasized the importance of imbibing values and spirituality not just for good individual lives but also in the field of governance for the ethical administration of states. “When political leaders and bureaucrats internalize moral virtues such as honesty, integrity, patience, purity of mind and compassion in their conduct, they can steer regions towards all-round development with care and wisdom,” she noted. Rousing Welcome and Oath for De-addiction The Governor’s virtual presence amidst thousands of citizens gathered both offline and online was a high point of a lively event compered by senior Rajyoga teacher B.K. Beena. Dr Sachin Parab, Joint Secretary of the Medical Wing at Brahma Kumaris global headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan then took the momentum forward by administering a strongly-worded oath for de-addiction, which the audience repeated with enthusiasm. Taking Message of Change to Grassroots What followed was the most symbolic part of the event – district-wise representatives walked up to the stage to receive ceremonial pots (‘Kalashes’) and campaign flags from organizers, taking the blessings and good wishes of thousands present in the hall and many more watching online. Senior teacher B.K. Harish Bhaiji explained how this ritual signifies taking the message of values, spirituality and freedom from addictions from cities to the grassroots levels across villages and towns of Tamil Nadu. “Our teams will fan out starting today to spread the light of awareness and self-transformation through public meetings, coaching camps, conferences and enabling policy-level changes,” Harish Bhaiji added. Officials said sizable funds have already been set aside for outreach activities over the next few years.
Why These Campaigns Matter Experts point to worrying statistics that show rising crime, depression, intolerance, violence against women along with substance abuse eating into the social fabric of
India, including progressive states like Tamil Nadu. The twin campaigns launched by the Governor focus exactly on these malaises through advocacy of principles that promote social harmony, ethics, healthy lifestyle and spiritual wisdom. By improving human conduct even marginally, the tide can be turned for a better world, organizers say. The organizers said that a series of activities have been planned under these campaigns over the next few months to spread the message of moral values, meditation and shunning of intoxicants for the betterment of both individuals and society.
