Vadodara, September 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday called for greater emphasis on meditation, introspection, compassion and positive thinking amid growing stress, violence, intolerance and social divisions around the world, saying inner transformation could contribute to peace and harmony.
Addressing a programme organised by the Brahma Kumaris in Vadodara, the President said several regions were witnessing unrest and that efforts to strengthen the inner self had acquired greater importance in the prevailing global situation.
“In the present global scenario, challenges such as stress, anxiety, violence, intolerance and social divisions are widespread. There is an atmosphere of unrest in many regions. In such circumstances, initiatives that promote meditation, introspection, compassion and positive thinking become important,” she said.
Murmu was speaking at an event marking the Brahma Kumaris’ 90-year spiritual journey and the launch of its 2026 national theme, “Spiritual Awakening for World Renewal”.
She also inaugurated the Brahma Kumaris Global Spiritual Palace Retreat Centre in Vadodara and virtually launched the national initiative “Awakening Inner Strength for Nation Building” from Nadiad.
The President said development should not be viewed solely through economic growth and stressed the importance of human development. She said education should cultivate not only intelligence but also wisdom and discernment.
“Today, there is a need not only for economic development but also for human development,” Murmu said.
She said society needed progress that remained sensitive to nature and strength that enabled individuals to exercise self-control rather than seek to control others.
“We need a power that enables us to control ourselves rather than control others,” she said.
Referring to the Brahma Kumaris’ philosophy, Murmu said its message that “self-transformation leads to world transformation” remained relevant to contemporary challenges. She said spirituality could help strengthen bonds among people and noted the organisation’s efforts to spread meditation and spiritual knowledge across several countries.
“There is a possibility of transformation within every human being,” the President said. She added that the belief that changes in thoughts and actions could transform lives could restore hope and self-respect and generate positive change beyond the individual.
Murmu also referred to the Brahma Kumaris’ work in Central Jail, saying she had been informed that the organisation had been working there for nearly 30 years to provide inmates with spiritual knowledge and a positive outlook towards life.
Highlighting India’s traditions, she said yoga, meditation, non-violence, compassion and the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — continued to hold relevance in the contemporary world.
The President said the goal should be to build an India that is economically prosperous, scientifically powerful, socially inclusive and spiritually awakened.
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Minister of State for Protocol Praful Pansheriya were among those present at the programme.
FOLLOW NOW
