Event Report: National Conference – Navigating Towards Success
Organised by the Shipping, Aviation & Tourism (SAT) Wing of Brahma Kumaris
Date: Saturday, 28 June 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Venue: Muthamizh Peravai, T.N. Rajarathinam Kalai Arangam, Chennai

The National Conference titled “Navigating Towards Success”, organised by the Shipping, Aviation & Tourism Wing of the Brahma Kumaris, commenced on the evening of 28th June 2025 with a serene atmosphere of silence. Held at the prestigious Muthamizh Peravai in R.A. Puram, Chennai, the programme brought together distinguished guests, spiritual leaders and professionals from across the travel, transport and tourism sectors.

The session began with a two-minute period of collective silence, creating a sacred space for reflection and inner stillness. Guests were then warmly invited onto the stage, followed by a soulful invocation song by BK Ajai Gautham, a visual concept artist and singer.

BK Manivannan, a senior Rajayoga teacher from Adyar, extended a heartfelt welcome, setting the tone for an evening of spiritual wisdom and industry insight. BK Sisters honoured the guests with floral felicitation, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the kuthuvilakku by the dignitaries, symbolising the light of knowledge and purity.

BK Prashanti Lakshmi, Core Committee Member of the SAT Wing, offered a brief yet insightful introduction to the Brahma Kumaris institution and its service to humanity since 1936.

Rajayogini Dr. BK Muthumani, Zonal Coordinator of the SAT Wing and Director, Brahma Kumaris, Adyar, who guided the organisation of this event, delivered a blessing address highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership in today’s professional world.

The guest speeches reflected a thoughtful blend of professional wisdom and spiritual insight:

• Dr. P. Vijayan, Former Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University, addressed the career opportunities in the shipping industry, especially for the younger generation, encouraging parents and students to view it as a promising and purposeful field.
• Mr. R. Radhakrishnan, Retired GM (Commercial), Air India, spoke on rebuilding trust in aviation post-crisis. He emphasised how leaders can uphold safety, compassion, and transparency even in times of uncertainty.

The keynote address was delivered by Rajayogini BK Kamlesh, National Coordinator of the SAT Wing and Director of Brahma Kumaris, Santacruz, Mumbai,  who emphasised meditation as an anchor for navigating both professional responsibilities and personal well-being. AI is all about the “Awareness of I ”

• Mr. Suren Thulsiram, Dean, Academics at Chennais Amirta Group of Institutions, spoke about enabling students to embrace AI and technology with adaptability and purpose-driven learning.
• Mr. Sriharan Balan, MD of Madura Travel Services, shared his personal journey of inheriting and evolving a legacy business, defining success with clarity and long-term vision.

Ms. Vani Sengupta, HR Director at The Leela Palace, Chennai, shared her approach to managing employee burnout and emotional balance during demanding periods. Also spoke on how she evolved as a professional facing so many challenges mentally and socially.

A guided meditation by BK Vasundaradevi, Rajayoga Teacher from Adyar offered the audience a moment of quiet inner reflection. The gathering then observed a minute of silence to honour the victims of the recent Air India tragedy, as a gesture of collective empathy and remembrance.

Following a brief break, a classical performance by Kalaimamani Smt. Parvathi Ravi Ghantasala’s, Kala Pradarshini team added a rich cultural dimension to the evening. Dances from each state of Bharat was performed and it was really a feast to the audience.

The panel discussion offered deeper dialogue from diverse perspectives:

• Kalaimamani J. Balasubramanian, Managing Trustee, Savithri Foundation and JB Cultural Foundation, spoke on the relevance of integrating spirituality into everyday leadership, drawing from his experiences in finance and culture. Also shared his experience with Brahma Kumaris for the past 13 years.
• Captain K. Karthik, Principal, AMET Institute of Science & Technology, highlighted the emerging role of women in maritime careers and how educational institutions can support their growth.
• Mr. K.M. Sundaram,Ex IRS, Vice President, Grace Group of Shipping, reflected on the values needed to lead in an increasingly automated world.
• Mr. B. John Kennedy, Principal, Chennai Amirtha International Institute of Aviation, addressed the rising mental health concerns among youth and the importance of building emotional resilience alongside career ambition.
• Mr. A.V. Mohanan, Ex Coordinator (commercial) – Air India, CEO Sapthagiri Group of Companies, explored how spiritual practices and self-mastery support decision-making in a fast-paced business environment.
• Rajayogini BK Kamleshaddressed how meditation helps professionals maintain peace in high-pressure careers and how young achievers can grow with inner strength and purpose.

The session closed with a guided meditation by Sister BK Manjula, Senior Rajayoga Teacher from Mysore, followed by the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the guests and a warm vote of thanks by Sister BK Gayathri, Rajayoga teacher from Adyar.

The evening was a harmonious convergence of inner reflection and professional dialogue, reaffirming that navigating towards success requires not just direction but also depth, balance, and spiritual clarity.

The Global Peace University selected BK Muthumani for an Honorary Doctorate degree for her dedicated services to various sectors of humanity in spreading the message of peace and love.

BK Sister Muthumani was selected for a variety of service projects executed across various places, various sectors of humankind, and various institutions to spread the Godly Message of establishing peace in the universe.

The Award Function:

The University organised a function jointly with the AL4S Charitable Trust of Chennai for awarding the Honorary Doctorate Degree under the Social Service category, at Sir Pitty Thyagarayar Hall in Chennai.

Many dignitaries, including Honorable S.K. Krishnan, former Judge, Madras High Court; Mr. Lion V. Santhanam, S.C.S. Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chrompet, Chennai; Dr. Lalitha Suryanarayanan, Managing Director, AL4S Charitable Trust; Mr. J. Balasubramanian, founder, Savithri Foundation, and Chairman, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund; Dr. R. Selvam, B.A., L.L.B., Chairman, Global Achievers Council; Smt. Jayanthi Raju, founder, R. J. Tamilmani Charitable Trust; Mr. John Peter, Advisor, Global Achievers Council, GPU; Mr. Rayal Prasent, Senator, GPU; and Mr. Amir, Film Director, took part in the function and presented the Doctorate Certificates to the awardees.

Apart from being a recipient of the award, BK Muthumani was also a guest of honour in presenting the award to the other awardees. The other award recipients include Vasanthi Ranganathan, Rotarian; Jayanthi Raju, founder, RJ Tamilmani Charitable Trust; healer P. Karthikeyan; Anuradha Amar, Vedas recital expert; and Sadhana Rajkumar, social activist.

Global Peace University offers an honorary doctoral degree which is often awarded in recognition of one’s life experiences. Global Peace University mainly focuses on encouraging academicians, industrialists, achievers, social activists and research scholars.