Brahma Kumaris organisation responds to PM Modi’s appeal for austerity

Agreeing that the present global situation is becoming “sensitive and rapidly changing,” the Brahma Kumaris organisation has quickly responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal from Hyderabad to adopt simplicity, restraint, prudent use of resources, and national cooperation.

BK Karuna Bhai, General Secretary of the NGO, on Monday issued an advisory for more than 7,000 meditation centres in India and 800 abroad.

In the letter, a copy of which has also been received at Abohar center, the NGO said that special attention should be given to simplicity, spirituality, and minimal expenditure in all programs, festivals and events.

According to the advisory, ostentation, unnecessary decoration, and wasteful spending should be avoided. It also called for conservation of fuel and other resources by encouraging the use of metro services, public transport and car-pooling wherever possible.

The organisation further advised reducing unnecessary travel and vehicle use during service activities. For this purpose, it has developed the BK Shubhyatra mobile app in Abu.

Karuna Bhai said that, except in compelling circumstances, foreign travel, tours and large external events should be postponed for the next one year. He also stated that the organisation would not issue letters to those going abroad.

The advisory says, “Service centres should inspire the followers to avoid purchasing gold jewellry and unnecessary luxury items for one year and to adopt a simple lifestyle.”

It further stated that programmes already scheduled and announced may continue in a smaller and simpler form as needed, but new large-scale programmes, grand events, high-expense ceremonies, or major infrastructure-related plans should, as far as possible, be postponed for the next year.

The organisation highlighted its existing sustainability initiatives, including the solar-powered kitchen at its Shantivan headquarters in Abu Road. The facility is capable of preparing up to 50,000 meals a day without using gas or electricity.

Using more than 1,200 solar reflectors to generate heat and steam for cooking, the kitchen serves residents and visitors while reportedly saving more than two lakh kilograms of LPG every year and avoiding carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels.