Upendrra Rai, Chairman, Managing Director, and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network, received the prestigious National Chetna Award presented by the Brahma Kumaris Institute at Shantivan. Rai earned this honor for his significant contributions to the field of journalism. The award recognizes Bharat Express and Rai as synonymous with ethical journalism, reflecting his unwavering commitment to unbiased reporting focused on the welfare of the people.
Global Summit on Spirituality
The award ceremony took place during a four-day global summit organized by the Brahma Kumaris Institute at Shantivan, the organization’s international headquarters in Sirohi, Rajasthan. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the summit, which runs from October 4 to 7. The event focuses on fostering a clean and healthy society through spirituality. President Murmu’s presence underscores the importance of spiritual practices in addressing contemporary societal challenges.
The summit aims to explore the contributions of meditation and spiritual awareness to global peace and unity. Participants include spiritual leaders, academics, and thought leaders dedicated to promoting well-being through spirituality.
Rai’s Insights on Spirituality
Bharat Express CMD Upendra Rai, speaking at the Brahma Kumaris Global Summit, highlighted the difference between spirituality and religion. He stated that in India, people often mix the two, but they are fundamentally different. He reflected, “Religion may have emerged from a revolution in someone’s life, but for many of us, it is inherited rather than experienced.” Rai advocated for giving children the freedom to explore all religions before choosing one that resonates with their soul.
Acts of Kindness Are Spiritual
Rai stressed that spirituality lies in small acts of kindness, such as removing stones from a path or cleaning someone’s yard. “This is spirituality. The rest is just ritual,” he explained. Rai illustrated his point by sharing a story of Mahatma Buddha. He emphasized that people often perform rituals hoping for the impossible, like asking the riverbank to come to them. “True spirituality is about finding peace within, not demanding external miracles.”
Story of Saint Eknath
To conclude, Rai narrated a story of Saint Eknath. He explained how Eknath taught a young boy the importance of keeping one’s mind clear of distractions, especially when faced with the reality of death. “Spirituality prepares us to live as though we are constantly near death, helping us clear our minds of unnecessary desires,” Rai said. He ended his speech by reminding the audience that spirituality is a part of everyday life, but sainthood is its ultimate goal.
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