President Ali calls for values-driven national development; celebrates 50 years of Brahma Kumaris in Guyana

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Saturday said Guyana’s rapid transformation must be accompanied by a stronger investment in values, consciousness and national unity, as he addressed the celebration marking 50 years of service by the Brahma Kumaris in Guyana.

The event, held under the theme “One Guyana, One Future: The Power of Conscious Leadership,” also welcomed internationally respected spiritual leader Sister Jayanti, whose early work helped establish the movement’s presence in Guyana.

Addressing attendees, President Ali said that while Guyana continues to expand through infrastructure and economic development, the country’s progress must also be measured by the character and values of its people.

“A nation can build highways, but it must also build character. A nation can construct buildings, but it must also construct values. And a nation can create wealth, but it must also cultivate wisdom,” the president stated.

He noted that development cannot be confined to physical achievements alone but must reflect the citizens’ consciousness and conduct.

President Ali commended the Brahma Kumaris for five decades of promoting meditation, self-awareness and emotional resilience, describing the organisation as an important contributor to Guyana’s spiritual and moral development.

“For five decades, the Brahma Kumaris have quietly but steadily contributed to the spiritual and moral development of our nation. Their work has touched countless lives and helped many individuals navigate the challenges of modern life with greater balance, resilience and purpose,” he said.

The head of state said the organisation’s philosophy aligns with the Government’s One Guyana vision, which seeks to strengthen national identity through mutual respect, compassion and shared purpose.

According to President Ali, the journey toward national development must include building connections across communities, cultures and generations.

“At the heart of the One Guyana vision is the belief that our diversity is a source of strength rather than division,” he stated.

The president said leadership should not dismiss values such as compassion, human connection and spirituality as “soft issues,” noting that these principles are central to building stronger societies.

“Spirituality and faith are not only foundational to national development, but importantly, they are a true test of consciousness,” President Ali said.

During a public dialogue with Sister Jayanti on leadership and governance, the President also reflected on the role of spirituality in public life and nation-building.

The president extended congratulations to the Brahma Kumaris on reaching the milestone and expressed hope that their work would continue to inspire future generations.

“May your work continue to flourish, may your message continue to inspire, may your service continue to uplift,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sister Jayanti, who serves as an additional administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris and represents the organisation at the United Nations in Geneva, underscored the importance of reconnecting with inner values amid rapid technological and social change.

She told the gathering that technology itself is not the problem facing modern societies.

“Technology is a tool, and one can use it for either thing… it’s human consciousness that drives whatever is happening in the world out there,” she said.

Linking spirituality to national development, Sister Jayanti endorsed the One Guyana vision and suggested that unity begins with recognising a shared human identity.

“The colour of my skin may be different to yours, but the colour of our blood, sweat and tears is the same,” she said.

She added that spirituality should be viewed as an important pillar in strengthening national cohesion.