<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:28.17%;"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/2024_01_Africa_Sr_Shirley_of_South_Africa_e1cba09955.jpg" alt="2024-01-Africa-Sr Shirley of South Africa.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_2024_01_Africa_Sr_Shirley_of_South_Africa_e1cba09955.jpg 110w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_2024_01_Africa_Sr_Shirley_of_South_Africa_e1cba09955.jpg 352w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_2024_01_Africa_Sr_Shirley_of_South_Africa_e1cba09955.jpg 528w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/large_2024_01_Africa_Sr_Shirley_of_South_Africa_e1cba09955.jpg 704w," sizes="100vw" width="704px"></figure>On the 1st January, our dearest and lovely Sister Shirley surrendered her body and peacefully flew into Baba’s lap. After a few years of physical illness, which became worse during 2024, she powerfully prepared herself for her onward journey. It was a privilege to witness her strength, courage and determination to settle all her accounts cheerfully while serving until her last breath.Sister Shirley was one of the first kumaris in South Africa to surrender to Baba in the mid 1980’s when the first centre was established in Lenasia - her hometown. Although she served in different centres around the country, Lenasia was always her ‘home’. It was here that she cared for and nurtured both the community and Baba’s children tirelessly for almost 4 decades. Loved and respected by members of the community and the many organizations that she contributed to, for her gentle and compassionate nature.Sister Shirley was a long-standing member of the NCT and the South African BK Board of Trustees. She brought a kind and understanding heart to all matters, keeping us focussed on the importance of maintaining good relationships, no matter what.As we reflect on the example she set for us all, we wonder at the power of such love for God. Never a trace of discontent nor despair was visible despite the extreme tests that the body endured. Sister Shirley was a true credit to her Father, Teacher and Satguru. Farewell, dear soul – you will be a great blessing wherever you go.

Sister Shirley, Baba’s special diamond from South Africa, has flown away

Loving Tributes to Ratan Dada

Ratan Thadani – Baba’s Jewel<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:28.77%;"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Ratan_Bhai_d547c311bb.jpg" alt="Ratan Bhai" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Ratan_Bhai_d547c311bb.jpg 245w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Ratan_Bhai_d547c311bb.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw" width="500px"></figure>Dear Divine Family, Ratanbhai, a pillar of Baba’s Yagya, peacefully flew into Baba’s lap on 22nd November, 2024 at 5.45pm India time. He was an exceptional instrument for Baba’s service especially in the building and renovation of Baba’s main centres in the UK and around the world. Ratanbhai was born in August 1939 in Hyderabad Sindh. During partition he left by ship with his mother and 5 siblings for Baroda. After 3 years the family moved to Mumbai and shortly afterwards Ratanbhai went to Pune to study civil and structural engineering, which in those days also included architecture. Ratanbhai came to London, UK in 1965 to study for his masters in engineering. He then stayed on and began working. He married Ratnaben in February 1972 and she then joined him in London, from India. They were blessed with two daughters, Saira and Rina. Sadly Rina passed away in July 2024. Ratanbhai came to Gyan in 1979 and Ratna in 1980. Ratanbhai was a dedicated student who never missed class or yoga. He came very close to Avyakt BapDada and all the Dadis and seniors. Of the many blessings Baba gave him was a message through Dadi Gulzar that, “I belonged to the family and would manage its projects. I, His child, would do my best for Baba’s service and its economy.” Ratanbhai quickly became involved in service. As UK trustee Sanjay says: “Another factor that stands out is Ratanbhai’s pivotal role in the acquisition of properties on behalf of Brahma Kumaris UK. His work behind the scenes, negotiating, and acquiring these essential assets, was nothing short of remarkable.” Ratanbhai was especially close to Dadi Janki and he would always be ready to realise her vision of the next step in Baba’s service. The building of Global Co-operation House (opened in 1991) would not have been possible without Ratanbhai. After completion BapDada told him: “Ratan, you have done wonders and made the impossible, possible”. In 1993 he negotiated overnight to sign the contract for the Global Retreat Centre. He then oversaw the renovations. Later in 2022 he oversaw the second renovation by BKs which included replacing the plumbing throughout the whole building. Ratanbhai went on to be instrumental for many more centres in the UK, in Worthing, Leicester and Hounslow and also Inner Spaces in Covent Garden, Wembley and Manchester. Ratanbhai was also regularly called upon for advice for buildings in other countries including India. He had a huge wealth of experience and expertise on every level. In the past few years, Ratanbhai regularly toured many centres in India giving classes and sharing his profound life experiences with Baba. He uplifted many. Ratanbhai is a rare jewel who will be remembered for his depth of Gyan, broad intellect, deep insight and constant loving intention and compassion in Baba’s work. Baba has taken him for an even more elevated role. Funeral details: Final respects will be offered on Sunday 24 November 2024 from 10.30am to 11.30am at the Brahma Kumaris Worli Centre (Merryland building) after which the body will be taken to Worli crematorium for the last rites at 11.45am. Tributes: If anyone would like to write a tribute to Ratanbhai, please go to the link: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchzbMExqMHb3z7BQMsAZLQCTTBfm3ANH63fC0uxmp-bOkbtg/viewform">Tributes for Ratanbhai</a>. Your tributes will be posted on the Our Yagya website under the News section "Transitions" <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ouryagya.brahmakumaris.org/news/list/15">https://ouryagya.brahmakumaris.org/news/list/15</a>&nbsp; With love, In Baba’s yaad, Sister Jayanti

Baba's Rare Jewel, Ratan Thadani of London, has flown to Baba

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:25.45%;"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/2024_11_UK_Br_Don_of_Manchester_69c774a0c3.jpg" alt="2024-11-UK-Br Don of Manchester.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_2024_11_UK_Br_Don_of_Manchester_69c774a0c3.jpg 131w," sizes="100vw" width="131px"></figure>Dear Brothers &amp; Sisters, Don joined the Brahma Kumaris family in 1994, and from the very beginning, his heart was filled with immense love for Baba, Dadi Janki, the Seniors, and the entire BK family.Don had a remarkable sense of humour that everyone adored. His playful and unexpected antics brought laughter to even the simplest situations. On one visit to Don's house, as we entered the hallway, he extended his hand to take our coats, only to drop them on the floor immediately! We were all in stitches, with Joan, his loving wife, trying to reprimand him while barely containing her own laughter.Beyond the humour, Don was wise and compassionate. He had a rare gift of helping others see their own strengths and weaknesses without judgment. His frank yet kind approach made him a pillar of support. The heart-to-heart conversations he had with many of us were enlightening and deeply sustaining.Don’s thoughtfulness knew no bounds. When one of the twin sisters was unwell, he brightened her day with a beautiful and generous bouquet of flowers, a gesture that spoke volumes of his healing presence. He often offered them lifts to the morning classes, always punctual and considerate. His respect for time—both his own and others'—was one of his unique qualities, and he exemplified it in everything he did.For many years, Don was like a big brother to them. He created countless wonderful memories filled with laughter, soulful chats, practical help, and immense kindness.&nbsp;Whether helping with programme decorations or offering a helping hand, Don’s contributions were filled with patience, humility, and a touch of humour. His silent yet diligent work, paired with occasional witty remarks, made even the simplest tasks joyful.He was an inspiring, generous, supportive, and encouraging person. Don’s passion for sharing Raja Yoga was truly inspiring.Don was deeply observant, reflecting on the students’ questions and responses, always seeking to improve his understanding and teaching methods.People enter our lives for different reasons and times, but a rare few leave imprints on our hearts forever. Don was one of those rare souls. His generosity, wisdom, and kindness will always be remembered and cherished.We were truly blessed to know Don.We send our love and good wishes, in Baba’s remembrance, to Don and his family.In Baba’s yaad, BK Mukesh On behalf of the Manchester Family

Brother Don of Manchester, UK, Passes Away

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:21.07%;"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_Headshot_38731e2a11.jpg" alt="MainishaSaini_Oct_10_2024_Headshot.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_Headshot_38731e2a11.jpg 157w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_Headshot_38731e2a11.jpg 500w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_Headshot_38731e2a11.jpg 750w," sizes="100vw" width="750px"></figure>Dear Divine Family,The Calgary Family (Canada) wishes to share news that our sweet Sr Manisha flew to BapDada’s Lap at approximately 11:00am on October 10. The soul was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in June 2024, just four months earlier. &nbsp; Sr Manisha came to Baba in 2013. Through her entire Brahmin life, including the last months, she was the embodiment of lightness and love... a truly gentle and kind soul, who was always smiling from the heart.Manishabhen was a visionary, and focused her love of children on opening a unique childcare centre, The Mighty Learner, which was very much aligned with Baba’s principles. With children from the Ukraine to Colombia, the daycare was a beautiful demonstration of openness and inclusivity. Little &nbsp;mighty learners enjoyed Brahma Bhojan daily, cooked and offered by Brahmins who worked there. The kitchen was run according to the Maryadas, and the food was offered in a Baba’s Room onsite. Not surprisingly, the curriculum focused on awakening the souls in little bodies to spiritual values.Manishabhen was very involved in centre activities, as a dedicated student, and an invaluable member of the kitchen team. Her sweet presence will be missed, but we have no doubt her future journey will continue to be bright, beautiful....and with Baba.Her memorial service with immediate family (Ravinder, Mehr and Neil), extended family &amp; BK Family will be held Wednesday, October 16 at 10:00am MDT.With much love In Baba's Sweet Yaad Sr Judi and the Calgary Family &nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_d175153c44.jpg" alt="MainishaSaini_Oct_10_2024.jpg" srcset="https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/thumbnail_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_d175153c44.jpg 121w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/small_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_d175153c44.jpg 389w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/medium_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_d175153c44.jpg 585w,https://d3dfjidmqdc9yy.cloudfront.net/images-prod/large_Mainisha_Saini_Oct_10_2024_d175153c44.jpg 780w," sizes="100vw" width="780px"></figure>

news

Transitions

Sister Shirley, Baba’s special diamond from South Africa, has flown away

Loving Tributes to Ratan Dada

Baba's Rare Jewel, Ratan Thadani of London, has flown to Baba

Brother Don of Manchester, UK, Passes Away

Sr Manisha from Calgary, Canada - flew to BapDada’s Lap