1. The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Presentation made at the UNEA 3 Faith based Organizations

2. Who we are
BK is an international non-governmental spiritual organization with its headquarters located in Mt Abu, Rajasthan.
We are a spiritual institution focused on self-transformation through spiritual education and reflective practices.
We focus on self-transformation by re-discovering and strengthening human potential.
This is done by providing a deep and clear understanding of Self, God and Human existence.
Through numerous service activities and partnerships, the organization promotes spiritual understanding and elevated actions towards a better world.

3. Introduction Founded in 1936 with it’s headquarters in Mt Abu, India.
Has 9000 Centers worldwide in 130 countries.

4. BK at the United Nations
The BK is an international NGO of the United Nations, in general consultative status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
It is also affiliated to the UN Department of Public Information (DPI).
And an accredited observer organization to United Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The organization’s work in human and social values allows it to contribute an ethical and spiritual approach to global concerns.

5. The Campuses

6. Campuses
BK headquarters comprises of three large complexes at Mt. Abu and Abu Road.
Pandav Bhawan, the International Headquarter
The Academy for a Better World (Gyan Sarovar) near Mt. Abu.
Shantivan Campus at Abu Road.
The institution can accommodate up to 25,000 people at a time.

7. The Universal Peace Hall

8. Shantivan Complex

9. Diamond Hall

10. Diamond Hall, 20,000 guests

11. The Academy for a better world

12. BK Om Shanti Retreat Centre

13. The academy for a better world #1
The academy strives to be eco-friendly while also taking advantage in new developments in technology, communication and education.

14. The academy for a better world #2
In the design of the complex, a commitment was made to integrate all buildings as much as possible within the natural environment
This was done by maintaining the existing topography, preserving rock formation, limiting the height of buildings on only 12% of land.
This left plenty of open space for gardens, trees, lakes and broad access ways.
Giving way to a modern village complex in a quiet, rural setting.

15. The Academy for a better world #3
Three man made lakes irrigate fruit trees and vegetables.
A solar water heater for cooking.
The telephone exchange, computers and emergency lighting systems are powered by solar and wind energy.
A waste treatment plant, that is capable of treating 200,000 liters of waste water daily, of which nearly 80% is available for use.
In 1992 the academy was recognized by UN habitat 11 as part of the Best Practice Initiative for human settlements

16. Research Activities

17. Research
Real change in any social or environmental systems must begin and be sustained in the minds and hearts of human beings.
To bring about sustained change in any social or environmental system, awareness grounded in self reflection, universal values, and personal transformation is essential.
Our researches are based on how to restore and strengthen the natural harmony between humanity and the environment.
Sustainable Yogic agriculture and Solar Energy are examples of such applied concrete change, based on spiritual values.

18. Renewable Clean Energy for the future: Solar Energy

19. Areas of research - Photo Voltaic Power Systems
- Solar Thermal Power Plants
- Solar Steam Cooking Systems
- Water Recycling Technologies
- Solar Hot Water Plants
- Passive Solar Architecture
- Energy Efficient Lamps

20. Alternative renewable energy concepts
The BK has been actively involved in the research and development of alternative renewable energy concepts for more than 15 years.
The Institution has done pioneering work in solar energy and sustainable energy, including developing the world's largest solar cooker.
This project uses 770 newly developed 60m2 parabolic dishes and features thermal storage for continuous operation.
The plant generates enough heat and power for the campus of 20,000 people and provides a sustainable model for decentralized solar energy generation.

21. India 1 solar thermal power: A field covered with parabolic mirrors

23. Wind project

24. The largest Solar cooker in the world
The system, through all six of its modules, can generate 3,500 kg of steam per day, which is used for cooking, water sterilization and preparing hot drinks.
Although originally designed to cater for 20,000 meals per day, during periods of peak solar radiation the system's output has been sufficient to cook a maximum of 38,500 meals per day.
The system attracts considerable attention and was described in a BBC World Service TV program as the largest solar cooker in the world.

25. Alternative renewable energy concepts
The thermal solar power plant (solar only) is the first of its kind in the world in dish technology.
This has been as part of an expression of respect for the natural resources and providing sustainable energy for the BK community,
And it has also been an opportunity to work together with other organizations and institutes to learn and share new technologies for wider use.

26. Alternative renewable energy and community service
The Organization has distributed 15,000 solar lanterns,
500 home lighting systems
400 solar cooking boxes
Operates a solar shop to further market the items.
In 2003 a solar demonstration area was set up in BK peace park in Mt. Abu for greater public awareness.

27. Partners
“India One” is executed by the World Renewal Spiritual Trust (WRST) a registered Charitable Trust, an affiliate of the institution and partly funded by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE), India and the German Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). For more details, visit

28. Other participating partners
Participating and contributing organizations:
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, New Delhi
- Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, IREDA
- The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi
- World Bank , Washington, USA
- The German Agency for Technical Operations (GTZ), Eschborn, Germany
- Institute of Solar Energy Technologies (ISET), Kassel, Germany
- Research Laboratory Experimental Building, University of Kassel, Germany
- IndiaCare Charitable Trust, Berlin , Germany
- HTT, High Temperature Technology, Herford, Germany
- Sunpower, Frankfurt, Germany
- Advanced Energy Systems, Perth, Australia
- Australian High Commission, New Delhi
- ECO Centre, Valsad, India
- Solar Brücke, Germany

29. Sustainable Yogic Agriculture

30. On going experiments in aligning awareness with action – sustainable Yogic agriculture
Sustainable yogic agriculture (organic farming plus meditation) is a pioneering initiative of the rural Development Wing of BK.
Farmers are integrating traditional knowledge, organic agriculture with modern methods of farming in ways that protect local culture, and promote the resilience and wellbeing of village communities.
This unique initiative has brought together 400 farmers in India with scientists from India’s leading agricultural universities, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and S.D. Agriculture University (Gujarat).

31. Sustainable Yogic Agriculture
Through this initiative farmers are witnessing a return of biodiversity by increased friendly insects and soil microbes along with other native plants and animals.
Cost benefits include greater crop yield for farmers as well as a higher return on sale because of the quality of the goods.

33. Forestation
Reforestation through tree planting is ongoing in Mt, Abu with the guidance of the of Forest Department of the Rajasthan Government.

34. Recreation

35. Peace park
The BK Peace park is a natural environment where silence and recreation co-exist. The park is an oasis of natural beauty.
The landscaping accommodates an orchard and a citrus corner as well as floral displays that include ornamental shrubs, and a rose garden.
Visitors can watch a short video film that highlights the innate beauty of the human soul.
For meditation, there is: a grass hut, a stone cave, a bamboo meditation hut and several quiet spots in the peaceful environs of the park.
Play grounds, picnic areas, swings and walking trails offer ample spaces for recreation.

36. Peace Park

37. Peace park

38. Health Care

39. The Global Hospital
The BK also supports medical institutions such as J. Wattumal Memorial Global hospital and Research Centre, Mt. Abu .
The Hospital offers alternative treatments.

40. Global Hospital