HISTORY
In 1937, the institution Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya was formally established in Sindh, Hyderabad (now in Pakistan). The institution has a very unique, unexpected and interesting beginning in an atmosphere of incredible divinity. The institution was established by the incorporeal God Father through the human medium.The process of the establishment of the institution and the divine force behind it can be clearly understood when we get glimpses of some extraordinary events that unfolded in the life of an ordinary man called Dada Lekhraj, who himself had the least idea of what was to follow later. With the establishment of the institution Prajapita Brahmakumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Dada Lekhraj was called Pitashri Prajapita Brahma, the father of humanity and people called him Brahma Baba. Pitashri Brahma followed the directions of God at every step of his life. He always had good wishes for everyone and carefully guided many to their predestined aim.The University came into being under the name "Om Mandali" and consisted of only a handful of men, women and children living in Hyderabad. Dada Lekhraj experienced a series of profound visions. The visions revealed spiritual truths about the nature of the soul and God, the Supreme Soul. These concepts were simple in their expression but their meaning so deep that they awakened a powerful sense of recognition in those with whom the visions were shared. A year after its establishment, the organization moved from Hyderabad to Karachi. For fourteen years, until after the partition of India and Pakistan, the founding group of 300 individuals, lived as a self-sufficient community spending their time in intense spiritual study, meditation and self transformation. In 1950, the community moved to Mount Abu, a quiet place reputed for its ancient spiritual heritage. Nestled high up in the Aravali mountains of Rajasthan, it provided an ideal location for reflection and contemplation.
Brij-Kothi was their first home. This building was located in a vast expanse of bare rocks, uninhabited except for a few recluses living in small caves. A few years later, the community moved to another site which remains the University's world headquarters - Madhuban (meaning 'Forest of Honey'). The potential of the place did not go unnoticed as the location offered opportunities for expansion. The courtyard of Madhuban, which serves as a meeting place for students from around the world, was once two large stables. These structures were the first to be transformed into classrooms and living quarters. With every year, there came an addition in the form of an extension or new building. In 1952, Brahma Baba, as Dada Lekhraj had become known, felt that it was time to reach out to the rest of India and share this knowledge, as he was aware of the devastating scars the troubled independence process and partition had left on peoples' lives. A few sisters left their haven and moved to Bombay and Delhi 'on service'. Their task was to establish study centers where the knowledge of Raj Yoga would be taught. Today, there is scarcely a town in India where the name of Brahma Kumaris has not been heard. Madhuban serves as the nucleus of the Brahma Kumaris' centers worldwide and Mt. Abu, 'the Father's mountain' is regarded as a pilgrimage place by many who are in search of spiritual rejuvenation.
As an international Institution, the Brahma Kumaris offer people of all backgrounds an opportunity to learn meditation and deepen their understanding of universal principles and innate values through a variety of educational programmes, courses and learning resources. As a worldwide family of individuals from all walks of life, the Institution provides a caring, co-operative and supportive environment which encourages individuals to bring out the best in themselves. As a global organisation co-ordinating worldwide community projects, the Institution has created opportunities for people in 129 countries to participate in a variety of initiatives aimed at creating a better world where people live in peace and harmony. Above all, the Institution emphasises the benefits of moral and spiritual approaches to life. It enables people to develop attitudes and behaviour which stem from universal core values.
