BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, October 3, 2024: “Practice the awareness of being a soul, not just the body or external roles. Remind yourself throughout the day that you are a timeless, eternal soul,” BK Sister Shivani (Didi) of the Brahma Kumaris organization quoted during her visit to Atlanta.
The Impact Hall of Global Mall, immersed in white with a central orange Brahma Kumaris logo featuring different rays emanating from the central point to represent the energetic vibrations of spiritual virtues and powers that elevate human consciousness, reflected a harmonious and peaceful milieu as the crowd filled up the hall on September 17, 2024.
At the Suman Center, Shakti Mandir, over 4,000 people from across the U.S. participated in an uplifting and empowering speech themed “Master Your Mind and Master Your Life.” Sister Shivani provided various practical solutions to everyday life problems.
Spiritual seekers in Atlanta filled halls across the city for Sister Shivani’s inspirational sessions, both on September 17 at the Global Mall in Norcross and on September 14 at the Shakti Mandir of Atlanta.
BK Sister Shivani has been a practitioner and teacher of Rajyoga Meditation, which is at the heart of the teachings of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, since 1996. First telecast in 2007, her widely popular television show Awakening with Brahma Kumaris focuses on self-transformation. For over a decade, the show has empowered individuals from all walks of life. Viewers have overcome mental stress, depression, addictions, low self-esteem, and unhappy relationships by taking personal responsibility for their emotions.
Since 2017, she has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Psychiatric Association. In March 2019, Sister Shivani was awarded the prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskaar, the highest civilian honor for women in India, for her role in transforming human behavior.
Sister Shivani emphasized the importance of recognizing oneself as a soul and understanding how various roles and relationships impact one’s consciousness. She highlighted the need to address five vices—lust, greed, jealousy, ego, and attachment—through the practice of “I am a soul.” The conversation also stressed the significance of selfless service (seva) and creating positive karma in every interaction. She also underscored the transient nature of material possessions and the need to prioritize spiritual growth and daily meditation to handle life’s challenges and maintain stability.
Speaking to NRI Pulse after the event, Mustafa Ajmeri, CEO of Global Entertainment and Media Services and organizer of the event, said, “It is my great privilege to organize world-renowned Sister BK Shivani’s event in Atlanta. Heartfelt thanks to hosts Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Madhuben Sheth of the Sheth Family Foundation, Shiv Aggarwal ji of Global Mall, and BK Hansaben, Center Coordinator for Brahma Kumaris Atlanta. It would not have been possible without their cooperation. It was wonderful to have Consul General of India, Atlanta, Hon. Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, grace the full-house event. I’m overwhelmed by the response from the Atlanta community. BK Sister Shivani mesmerized the audience with her speech on the Power of Decision Making.”
At the Global Mall, Dr. Jagdish Sheth and Mrs. Madhu Sheth introduced Didi to the crowd and honored her with a plaque. Shiv Aggarwal, owner of Global Mall, felicitated and thanked her by planting a tree at the Global Mall. Drs. Paddy Sharma and Chandler Sharma, along with members of the Rotary Club of Emory Druid Hills, honored her with the Paul Harris Pin (service above self). Other supporters and contributors included Usman Gandhi of Tritone Properties, Hiten and Bhavish Bhuta of Cyberwebhotels & Sakar Foundation, Jaslin Chahal of Gold Star Mortgage, the Rotary Club of Emory Druid Hills, and AccessLife America.
Several community dignitaries and media personnel were present, including Bob Erramilli of the Johns Creek City Council, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 50 Narender Reddy, Sanjay Sehgal of Heartfulness, Dr. Vasudev Patel of FOGA USA, Geeta Mehrotra of Dada Vaswani Center, Ani Agnihotri of IACA, Poonam and Ashok Datta of Seva Senior Center, and Veena Rao and Jyothsna Hegde of NRI Pulse, as well as Anjali Chhabria of TV Asia.
Sister Shivani shared several practices that can be incorporated into daily routines:
- Practice the awareness of being a soul, not just the body or external roles. Remind yourself throughout the day that you are a timeless, eternal soul.
- Reflect on your thoughts, words, and actions from the past week. Identify any intentions, words, or behaviors that need improvement, and make a conscious effort to change them.
- Engage in selfless service (seva) without seeking recognition or material benefits. Focus on creating comfort and happiness for others.
- Treat your family members, employees, and others as trustees rather than possessions. Approach relationships with responsibility, love, and respect.
- Avoid getting into conflicts or entanglements over material things, as they are temporary and will be left behind when the body is discarded. Maintain stability and equanimity.
- Prioritize daily meditation and spiritual practice to build inner strength and stability, especially during challenging times.
The key to making these principles a natural part of your daily life, she emphasized, is consistent practice and awareness.
Mustafa Ajmeri expressed heartfelt gratitude for the tireless efforts of the volunteers who made the event a success. “This event would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of Milind Bavadekar, Prakash Srivastava, Varshaben Patel, Jyotsnaben Patel, Chaula Zavri Shah, Jatin Shah, Jayshriben Patel, Tanvi Ghangrekar, Sreedhar Venkat, Anwar Ajmeri, and the entire BK team. Special thanks to BK Shashi ji for her constant communication and support in creating the flyer and invitations.”
Ajmeri also praised the delicious catering provided by Mumbai Masala, Amul Vegetarian Restaurant, Bhavnaben Sanjay Patel, Anupam Goyal Puri, and SMVS – Swaminarayan Mandir. “The beautiful, eye-catching decorations by Bepsi Patel added to the event’s charm.”
Ajmeri highlighted the exceptional contributions of Jyothsna Hegde, a talented digital creator, and Sandeep Savla of AV Creations for the flawless production and sound presentation. “We also thank Monalisa Khandke for her photography and Leonardo Willis of Atlanta Commercial Production for videography, both of whom captured the essence of the event perfectly,” he added.