On the occasion of the 61st Divine Ascension Anniversary of Adi Devi Jagadamba Saraswati, the first Administrative Head of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya
Prof. ( Dr.) Jayadeba Sahoo
History occasionally witnesses the emergence of extraordinary personalities whose influence transcends the boundaries of time and whose lives continue to inspire generations. Such individuals do not merely respond to the challenges of their age; they elevate human consciousness and redefine the values by which societies live.
Among the most luminous figures of modern spiritual history is Mateshwari Jagadamba Saraswati Ji, affectionately remembered throughout the Brahma Kumaris spiritual family as “Mamma.” Revered as the first Chief Administrator of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, she embodied a rare blend of wisdom, purity, humility, spiritual authority and universal maternal compassion.
On the occasion of her 61st Spiritual Ascension Anniversary, revisiting her enduring contribution to humanity’s spiritual awakening becomes both meaningful and timely. The timeless Upanishadic prayer states:
“Lead us from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, and from mortality to immortality.”
Few modern spiritual personalities embodied this aspiration as completely as Mateshwari Jagadamba Saraswati.
Born as Radhe in Sindh in the early twentieth century, she emerged as one of the earliest and most distinguished instruments of the spiritual movement founded by Prajapita Brahma Baba (Dada Lekhraj Kripalani). The social environment of that period was marked by entrenched patriarchal norms, limited opportunities for women and deep-rooted conservatism. Against such a backdrop, her rise to spiritual leadership represented a transformative milestone.
Recognising her extraordinary spiritual calibre, Brahma Baba entrusted her with major responsibilities and eventually appointed her as the institution’s first Chief Administrator. This decision symbolised not merely organisational confidence but the restoration of feminine spiritual leadership as a vital force for social transformation. Echoing the Rig Vedic declaration, “I am the sovereign force that guides and uplifts humanity,” Mateshwari’s life became a living expression of this ideal.
Divine Motherhood: Compassion Beyond Boundaries
Perhaps the most defining dimension of Mateshwari’s personality was her embodiment of universal motherhood. While biological motherhood nurtures a family, spiritual motherhood nurtures humanity itself.
Her affection transcended distinctions of nationality, religion, caste, gender and social status. Thousands who came into contact with her experienced acceptance, emotional healing and spiritual empowerment. The Upanishadic injunction, “Matru Devo Bhava”—Regard the mother as divine, found a profound expression in her life.
Her compassion was not based on attachment but on enlightened benevolence rooted in soul-consciousness. According to Brahma Kumaris philosophy, every human being is an eternal soul and a child of the Supreme Soul. Mateshwari’s interactions reflected this spiritual vision, enabling her to rise above social divisions and cultivate genuine universal brotherhood.
In an era marked by loneliness, social fragmentation and emotional distress, her model of spiritual motherhood offers a deeply relevant framework for human well-being.
Wisdom Beyond Formal Education
One of the most remarkable aspects of Mateshwari’s life was the depth of her spiritual wisdom despite limited formal education.
Her discourses revealed profound understanding of spirituality, ethics, psychology and human behaviour. Compiled in publications such as Mateshwari Ji Ke Anmol Mahavakya, her teachings continue to inspire seekers across the world.
The Vishnu Purana declares: “True knowledge is that which liberates.”
Mateshwari’s wisdom was transformative rather than merely informative. It arose from direct spiritual experience cultivated through Rajyoga meditation. She possessed the rare ability to explain profound truths in simple language, making spiritual concepts accessible to ordinary people.
Her teachings on soul-consciousness, karma, divine remembrance and self-transformation continue to retain both philosophical depth and practical relevance.
Rajyoga and Inner Transformation
At the heart of Mateshwari’s teachings lay the practice of Rajyoga Meditation.
According to Brahma Kumaris philosophy, the original nature of the soul comprises peace, purity, love, joy, wisdom and power. Human suffering emerges when individuals forget their spiritual identity and become excessively identified with the material world.
Rajyoga seeks to restore awareness of one’s eternal spiritual nature and relationship with the Supreme Soul. The Upanishadic declaration, “Tat Tvam Asi”—You are that Divine Reality, reflects this understanding.
Mateshwari emphasised that spiritual growth is not about acquiring something external but rediscovering the divinity already present within.
Interestingly, contemporary studies in meditation and neuroscience increasingly support many of these insights. Research suggests that meditative practices enhance emotional regulation, reduce stress, foster empathy and improve overall well-being. Thus, her teachings reveal a compelling convergence between ancient spiritual wisdom and modern scientific understanding.
Leadership Rooted in Values
Long before modern management theories popularised the concept of transformational leadership, Mateshwari exemplified its essential qualities.
Her leadership was characterised by visionary clarity, moral integrity, service orientation, emotional intelligence, spiritual authenticity and the empowerment of others. She led not through authority alone but through personal example.
She inspired individuals to transcend self-interest and contribute to a higher collective purpose. Her influence played a decisive role in laying the foundations of a spiritual organisation that today serves millions across more than 140 countries.
The global expansion of the Brahma Kumaris movement stands as testimony to the enduring effectiveness of leadership grounded in values and spiritual consciousness.
A Pioneer of Women’s Empowerment
Mateshwari’s contribution to women’s empowerment remains among her most significant legacies.
At a time when women rarely occupied positions of leadership, she demonstrated that spiritual authority transcends gender-based limitations. Her life challenged prevailing assumptions and affirmed the immense potential of women as agents of social transformation.
The Devi Mahatmya proclaims that the Divine Feminine resides within all beings as spiritual power. Mateshwari personified this truth through her service and leadership.
Her example inspired generations of women to recognise their intrinsic dignity, inner strength and capacity for meaningful contribution. Today, the Brahma Kumaris continues to be one of the world’s largest women-led spiritual organisations, reflecting the enduring influence of her pioneering vision.
A Vision of a Better World
One of the distinctive dimensions of Brahma Kumaris philosophy is its vision of a future civilisation founded on peace, purity, prosperity and spiritual awareness.
Mateshwari played a central role in articulating this vision. Unlike materialistic models of progress that emphasise external advancement alone, this perspective places transformation of consciousness at the centre of social renewal.
The ancient ideal of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—The world is one family captures the essence of this worldview.
Mateshwari taught that sustainable peace and prosperity cannot be secured solely through political reforms or technological innovations. Lasting change begins within the individual.
Her philosophy may be succinctly expressed as:
Self-Transformation → Family Transformation → Social Transformation → World Transformation
This framework continues to hold relevance in contemporary discussions on peace-building, ethical leadership, sustainable development and global citizenship.
Relevance in an Age of Uncertainty
The twenty-first century faces unprecedented challenges, including armed conflicts, environmental crises, mental health concerns, social polarisation, ethical uncertainty and excessive materialism.
Mateshwari’s teachings address these concerns at their roots by emphasising the transformation of human consciousness.
She understood that violence first emerges within the mind before manifesting externally. Therefore, peace must begin within the individual. Her emphasis on Rajyoga meditation, self-awareness, compassion and spiritual identity offers practical pathways towards cultivating both inner stability and social harmony.
In a world searching for meaning amidst rapid change, her message remains strikingly contemporary.
An Enduring Legacy
Sixty-one years after her spiritual ascension, Mateshwari Jagadamba Saraswati continues to shine as a beacon of wisdom, service and universal motherhood.
Her life demonstrates that authentic leadership is rooted not in power but in service; not in domination but in compassion; not merely in external accomplishment but in inner mastery.
She inspired countless individuals to awaken to their inherent divinity and to participate in the creation of a world founded upon peace, purity and spiritual consciousness.
The timeless prayer remains a fitting tribute to her life and mission:
“May all be happy. May all be free from illness. May all behold what is auspicious. May none suffer from sorrow.”
Her enduring legacy continues to guide humanity towards this noble ideal, reminding us that the transformation of the world begins with the transformation of the self.
( The author is a Faculty, Brahma Kumaris & Professor (Ex-Dean & Head), Faculty of Education, Rajiv Gandhi (Central) University, Itanagar; Cell 8837245051, 9436042658;
Email: [email protected] , [email protected] )
