By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, Aug 31, 2023: The Indian Catholic bishops’ media institute in the national capital has celebrated “Rakshabandhan” (bond of protection), the festival of siblings with a group of Brahma Kumaris.
The National Institute for Social Communications, Research, and Training (NISCORT) on August 30 welcomed the Brahma Kumaris (Daughters of Brahma) to its premises situated in the National Capital Territory.
The festival, which symbolizes the bond of protection and care between siblings, was marked by the Brahma Kumaris tying “rakhi” (colored threads) on the wrists of NISCORT staff members, including its director Father Robinson Rodrigues and principal Ritu Dubey Tiwari.
Expressing his gratitude and admiration for the initiative, Father Rodrigues said, “Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful reminder of the ties that bind us as a community. It’s heartening to witness the Brahma Kumaris joining us in celebrating this festival of love and protection. Such interactions foster mutual understanding and appreciation, which are essential in our diverse society.”
Brahma Kumari Sister Lovely, who tied the rakhi to Father Rodrigues and other staff members, said, “Rakshabandhan transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It’s about recognizing the universal values of love and responsibility towards each other. By participating in this event, we aim to promote unity and strengthen the bonds of friendship that exist between different communities.”
NISCORT principal Tiwari said the institute “places a strong emphasis on intercultural understanding and harmony. Events like this enrich our understanding of different traditions and enable us to cultivate a more inclusive environment for our students and staff.”
Father Rodrigues said the celebration served as a poignant reminder of the significance of festivals in fostering a sense of togetherness among people from diverse backgrounds.
It highlighted the importance of respecting each other’s beliefs and traditions, ultimately contributing to the tapestry of India’s multicultural society, he added.
The priest told Matters India that they had celebrated Rakshabandhan last year too but as “a simple formality. This year we organized it.”
The Brahma Kumaris are a spiritual movement that originated at Hyderabad in Pakistan’s Sindh during the 1930s. The organization is known for the prominent role that women play in the movement.
It teaches a type of meditation that stresses identity as souls rather than bodies. Adherents believe that all souls are good by nature and that God is the source of all goodness. The organisation teaches the need to transcend labels associated with the body, such as race, nationality, religion, and gender, and it aspires to establish a global culture based on what it calls “soul-consciousness.”
Brahma Kumaris wear white clothes to symbolize purity.
They observe complete celibacy, a strict lacto-vegetarian diet avoiding eggs, onions, garlic and spicy food, cooked by the self or other members of the Brahma Kumaris.
They abstain from alcohol, tobacco and non-prescription drugs and do “Amrit Vela,” early morning meditation for 45 minutes from 4 am.
In 2008, the movement claimed to have more than 825,000 regular students, with over 8500 centres in 100 countries.
Happy feast of Raksha Bandhan.
Good initiative to be appreciated