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Defence Minister and Lucknow Member of Parliament Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly constructed Divya Sanskriti Bhawan at the Gulzar Upvan Rajyoga Training Centre on Sultanpur Road on November 13, 2026, emphasising that a nation is governed not by law alone, but by character. Held under the banner of Navdashakotsav, the ceremony celebrated 90 years of the spiritual journey of the Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya and 72 years of its services in Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and senior spiritual leaders joined the Defence Minister for the inauguration of the Rs 6 crore facility, which will serve as a centre for free Rajyoga training, meditation, and a spiritual way of life.
Addressing the gathering, Singh stated that while India is establishing itself among the world's leading powers in economics, strategy, science, space, and artificial intelligence, outer progress must be matched by inner awareness. He noted that there is no need to set aside separate time for spirituality, describing it instead as a process of changing creation through one's vision and understanding oneself as a conscious soul rather than merely a body. He added that modern psychology, physiology, and scientific studies now acknowledge the positive effects of yoga and meditation on the mind and body, making spirituality a subject of both scientific experience and faith. Connecting inner values to public life, he observed that economic development and spiritual development complement and strengthen each other.
"Politics should not be merely a means of gaining power or winning elections," Singh said during his address. "Its real purpose is to give society the right direction and lead the nation towards all-round development. For this, morality and spiritual consciousness must be joined with politics."
Elaborating on this concept of the spiritualisation of politics, Singh stated that leaders assuming office must prioritise responsibility over authority, public interest over personal gain, and humility and discretion alongside power. Drawing parallels from Indian epics, he noted that the life of Lord Shri Ram teaches that public welfare comes above personal life for a ruler, while Shri Krishna imparted the essence of duty, action, and spirituality to Arjuna. Remarking that doing the right thing for the public good matters more than winning or losing an election, he added that re-establishing public service, morality, and character-building is vital to drawing young people into politics.
This emphasis on aligning inner consciousness with public responsibility also reflects the Brahma Kumaris' broader environmental philosophy. Across its global centres, the institution promotes the principle that sustainable care for nature and outer ecological balance begins with inner transformation, simple living, and mindful resource conservation. The Lucknow inauguration took place during the same week the organisation presented its official statement on consciousness-led climate action at the United Nations COP31 climate summit in Antalya, building on its established Indian campaigns such as Sustainable Yogic Agriculture and Clean the Mind, Green the Earth.
Turning his attention to the youth, Singh urged young citizens to treat themselves as the present builders of the nation rather than merely its future. He advised them to utilise technology without allowing it to dominate their lives, and to embrace modernisation without forgetting their cultural roots. Distinguishing external achievement from inner fulfilment, he explained that success comes from outside through position, prestige, and wealth, whereas true meaning comes from within and is measured by how many lives are changed positively. Observing that a career makes a person resourceful while character earns respect, he urged youth to become part of the solution rather than merely criticising society's problems. Linking youth discipline to the national resolve of building a Viksit Bharat by 2040, he stated that a developed India requires honest citizens, families with strong values, social harmony, respect for women, and a collective sense of civic duty.
Highlighting his personal bond with Lucknow, Singh said he felt compelled to attend despite being unwell and busy. He noted that Lucknow has embraced spiritual consciousness while making its mark in defence, security, industry, and strategic achievements such as BrahMos. Commending the Brahma Kumaris for growing from a modest effort in Sindh into a priceless heritage of humanity spanning approximately 140 countries, he praised the institution for transforming the lives of lakhs of people over nine decades.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who opened his remarks with the call of Bharat Mata ki Jai and noted his good fortune in witnessing the journey from the foundation stone ceremony to the inauguration, described Rajyoga and meditation as powerful tools for mental discipline. "Indian culture teaches us to conquer the mind to conquer the world," Pathak said, citing Lord Buddha, who was born into a royal family yet became known across the world as Mahatma Buddha because he conquered his own mind.
Senior leaders of the Brahma Kumaris also shared their perspectives on the institution's expanding role in Uttar Pradesh. Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Asha Didi, Director of the Om Shanti Retreat Centre in Gurugram, described Singh as a true karmayogi and stated that the greatness of Divya Sanskriti Bhawan will lie in the lives it transforms rather than its physical grandeur. Remembering Gulzar Dadi, she encouraged attendees to face life's challenges with knowledge and strength rather than running from them, much like a cricketer improves by facing the ball. She added that even while living a household life, individuals can lead an elevated life by adopting noble sentiments such as giving and taking blessings and transforming feelings of revenge to help make India a Vishwaguru.
Rajyogini Brahma Kumari Manorama Didi, Regional Coordinator of Prayagraj, noted that the Rs 6 crore centre was realised through the cooperation of Lucknow residents and the efforts of Lucknow Regional Coordinator Radha Didi. Mentioning the spiritual heritage of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura, she called for flying the banner of spirituality even higher across Uttar Pradesh. Brahma Kumar Mrityunjay Bhai, Deputy Secretary of the Brahma Kumaris in Mount Abu, addressed Singh as an elder brother and praised India's strategic strength, stating that no one dares to look at the nation with hostile intent. Appreciating work related to Ram Janmabhoomi and Krishna Janmabhoomi, he added that the message of Jai Adhyatmikta is now becoming India's global identity alongside Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, and Jai Vigyan.
The programme opened with a welcome from Lucknow Regional Coordinator Radha Didi, a welcome dance by Indu, Yukti, and Mahi, and a musical performance by Nitin Bhai and Satish Bhai from Madhuban, followed by the lighting of the ceremonial lamp. Dignitaries on stage included Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council Mukesh Sharma, Mohanlalganj MLA Amresh Kumar, and BJP Lucknow Mahanagar President Anand Kumar Dwivedi, alongside MLAs A.P. Srivastava and Yogesh Shukla, Pawan Singh Chauhan, Arpan Ji, and Senior Rajyoga Teacher Manju Didi. According to organisers, future expansion plans for the Gulzar Upvan campus include an auditorium with a seating capacity of 2000 and residential accommodation for 300 people. Following a vote of thanks by Manju Didi, the event concluded with one minute of collective silent Rajyoga meditation and a song of thanksgiving to the Supreme.
Editor's Note
The inauguration of Divya Sanskriti Bhawan highlights an ongoing effort to integrate ethical grounding, ecological mindfulness, and mental discipline into public administration and youth development in Uttar Pradesh. As Lucknow expands rapidly as a hub for defence manufacturing and urban infrastructure, pairing civic growth with accessible community wellness programmes offers a practical framework for fostering social cohesion, responsible stewardship of nature, and value-driven leadership ahead of the 2040 development goals.
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