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'''Shri Ram Chandra Mission''' ('''SRCM''')  is a [[non-profit organization]] and a spiritual movement originating in India, which teaches the practice of "[[Sahaj Marg]]" or "Heartfulness Meditation". It was registered in 1945 by [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Ram Chandra]] of [[Shahjahanpur]], Uttar Pradesh.  It has its current headquarters at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Kanha village, [[Ranga Reddy District]] near [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]].<ref name="president-speech-2020">{{cite web|title=Address by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovid on the Occasion of Inaguration of the New Globlal Headquarters 'Kanha Shanti Vanam' of Shri Ram Chandra Mission|url=https://www.presidentofindia.gov.in/speeches-detail.htm?800|publisher=www.presidentofindia.gov.in|date=2020-02-02|access-date=2020-02-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=President inaugurates 1,400-acre HQ of Heartfulness Institute| url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/president-inaugurates-1400-acre-hq-of-heartfulness-institute/article30720282.ece
'''Shri Ram Chandra Mission''' ('''SRCM''')  is an Indian [[non-profit organization]] and a spiritual movement originating. It teaches the practice of "[[Sahaj Marg]]" or "Heartfulness Meditation", was registered in 1945 by [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Ram Chandra]] of [[Shahjahanpur]], Uttar Pradesh, and it has its current headquarters at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Kanha village, [[Ranga Reddy District]] near [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]].<ref name="president-speech-2020">{{cite web|title=Address by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the Occasion of Inauguration of the New Global Headquarters 'Kanha Shanti Vanam' of Shri Ram Chandra Mission|url=https://www.presidentofindia.gov.in/speeches-detail.htm?800|publisher=www.presidentofindia.gov.in|date=2020-02-02|access-date=2020-02-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=President inaugurates 1,400-acre HQ of Heartfulness Institute| url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/president-inaugurates-1400-acre-hq-of-heartfulness-institute/article30720282.ece
|publisher=The Hindu Business Line|date=2020-02-02|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kovind-visits-ashram-near-hyderabad-plants-sapling-117122500591_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Be calm by positioning in the centre |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/be-calm-by-positioning-in-the-centre-says-kamlesh-desaibhai-patel/article25281534.ece}}</ref>
|publisher=The Hindu Business Line|date=2020-02-02|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title=Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kovind-visits-ashram-near-hyderabad-plants-sapling-117122500591_1.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Be calm by positioning in the centre |website=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/be-calm-by-positioning-in-the-centre-says-kamlesh-desaibhai-patel/article25281534.ece}}</ref>


==Purpose and practice==
==Purpose and practice==
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==Organization==
==Organization==
Shri Ram Chandra Mission was registered in India in the year 1945 by [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Shri Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur]], U.P. India, affectionately known  
Shri Ram Chandra Mission was registered in India in the year 1945 by [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur]], also known as "Babuji". He had adopted the name Ram Chandra after his teacher [[Ram Chandra (Lalaji)|Ram Chandra of Fatehgarh]], also known as "Lalaji". Babuji was succeeded as president and spiritual Master of SRCM by [[Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari]]. Following his death on 20 December 2014,<ref>{{cite news |title=21st December 2014 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/obituary/21st-december-2014/article6716140.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 December 2014 |access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> [[Kamlesh D. Patel]] became president of SRCM and the fourth spiritual Master of the Sahaj Marg system.<ref name="president-speech-2020"/> The organization was also registered as SRCM USA in California in 1997.{{fact|date=September 2025}}
as [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Babuji]] (1899–1983). The organization was named after the Adi Guru of the system [[Ram Chandra (Lalaji)|Shri Ram Chandraji of Fatehgarh]], U.P. India (aka "Lalaji"). Babuji was succeeded as president and spiritual Master of SRCM by Shri [[Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari]], affectionately known as Chariji (1927–2014). Following the death of Chariji on 20 December 2014,<ref>{{cite news |title=21st December 2014 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/obituary/21st-december-2014/article6716140.ece |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 December 2014 |access-date=21 October 2018}}</ref> Shri [[Kamlesh D. Patel]] has become the third president of SRCM and the fourth spiritual Master of the Sahaj Marg system.<ref name="president-speech-2020"/> The organization was also registered as SRCM USA in California in 1997.


Shri Ram Chandra Mission claims to have spread this system of meditation amongst millions of people across 160 countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=TheWeek |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/03/15/yoga-not-associated-with-any-religion--says-president-kovind.html |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IndianExpress |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/an-ashram-offers-meditation-form-president-kovind-pv-sindhu-practise-6258965/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |date=10 February 2020}}</ref> Books published by SRCM have been translated to over twenty languages and read widely across the world.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Sahaj Marg system of meditation |url=http://sundaytimes.lk/080803/Plus/sundaytimesplus_11.html |journal=[[The Sunday Times]] |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref> The Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust (SHPT) was registered on 8 April 2009, with its headquarters at Kolkata, India. The SHPT undertakes all publication activities under license from the Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and the Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation (SMSF).<ref name="SHPT">[https://www.shpt.in/?route=information/information&information_id=4/ Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust]</ref>
Shri Ram Chandra Mission claims to have spread this system of meditation amongst millions of people across 160 countries worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=TheWeek |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/03/15/yoga-not-associated-with-any-religion--says-president-kovind.html |website=The Week |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=IndianExpress |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/hyderabad/an-ashram-offers-meditation-form-president-kovind-pv-sindhu-practise-6258965/ |website=The Indian Express |language=en |date=10 February 2020}}</ref> Books published by SRCM have been translated to over twenty languages and are read widely across the world.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Sahaj Marg system of meditation |url=http://sundaytimes.lk/080803/Plus/sundaytimesplus_11.html |journal=[[The Sunday Times]] |date=3 August 2008 |access-date=4 August 2010}}</ref> The Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust (SHPT) was registered on 8 April 2009, with its headquarters at Kolkata, India. The SHPT undertakes all publication activities under license from the Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and the Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation (SMSF).<ref name="SHPT">[https://www.shpt.in/?route=information/information&information_id=4/ Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust]</ref>


Shri Ram Chandra Mission is an [[NGO]] recognized by the [[United Nations Department of Public Information]] (UNDPI) as a "non-profit organization" in Denmark, the United States and India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Public Information – Non-governmental organizations |url=https://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=shri+ram+chandra+mission|publisher=[[United Nations]] |access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>
Shri Ram Chandra Mission is an [[NGO]] recognized by the [[United Nations Department of Public Information]] (UNDPI) as a "non-profit organization" in Denmark, the United States and India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Public Information – Non-governmental organizations |url=https://esango.un.org/civilsociety/simpleSearch.do?method=search&searchTypeRedef=simpleSearch&sessionCheck=false&searchType=simpleSearch&organizationNamee=shri+ram+chandra+mission|publisher=[[United Nations]] |access-date=20 February 2018}}</ref>


==Activities==
== Kanha Shanti Vanam ==
[[File:Hon President of India unveils the World's largest meditation hall.jpg|thumb|right|Hon. President of India unveils the World's largest meditation hall at Kanha Shanti Vanam]]
In February 2020 [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the [[President of India]], visited Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and unveiled the meditation center, which the organization claims is the largest in the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=President inaugurates meditation centre|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/030220/president-inaugurates-meditation-centre.html|publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=2020-02-03|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> In connection with the center there is a learning center for children between the ages of 3 and 13,<ref>{{cite press release|title=A Unique LEARNING CENTRE' inaugurated at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad| url=https://www.apnnews.com/a-unique-learning-centre-inaugurated-at-heartfulness-institute-kanha-shanti-vanam-hyderabad|publisher=APN News|date=2019-04-30|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> and a cricket stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/rohit-sharma-stresses-on-meditation-for-positivity/articleshow/73087705.cms|title=Rohit Sharma stresses on meditation for positivity |date=3 January 2020|access-date=20 October 2020|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>


SRCM in collaboration with the [[United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan]] hosts the "All India Essay Writing Event", an annual essay writing event for school and college students across India. Prizes are awarded for national and state level winners. In 2014, a total of 185,751 students from 11,857 schools and colleges across India took part in this annual contest.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/srikakulam-youth-shines-in-essay-contest/article6822459.ece | title= Srikakulam youth shines in essay contest | date=26 January 2015 | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=9 November 2018 }}</ref>
'''Kanha Shanti Vanam''' is a [[Spirituality|spiritual]] centre with integrated township located 25 kms from [[Rajiv Gandhi International Airport]] in Kanha Village, [[Ranga Reddy district|Ranga Reddy District]], [[Hyderabad]], spanning 1,200 acres. It supports extended spiritual training and [[mentorship programmes]].<ref name="ksv5">{{cite news |title=Kanha Shanti Vanam for city-weary souls seeking spirituality |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2017/nov/29/kanha-shanti-vanam-for-city-weary-souls-seeking-spirituality-1714235.html |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=29 November 2017}}</ref> The centre also supports environmental initiatives including [[water conservation]] and saving [[endangered plant]] species.<ref name="Ksv2" />
In 2017, the event was hosted with participants writing essays in English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.
 
=== Activities ===
[[File:Hon President of India unveils the World's largest meditation hall.jpg|thumb|right| President of India unveils the World's largest meditation hall at Kanha Shanti Vanam]]
In February 2020 [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the [[President of India]], visited Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and unveiled the meditation center, which the organization claims is the largest in the world.<ref>{{cite news|title=President inaugurates meditation centre|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/030220/president-inaugurates-meditation-centre.html|publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=2020-02-03|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> In connection with the center there is a learning center for children between the ages of 3 and 18,<ref>{{cite press release|title=A Unique LEARNING CENTRE' inaugurated at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad| url=https://www.apnnews.com/a-unique-learning-centre-inaugurated-at-heartfulness-institute-kanha-shanti-vanam-hyderabad|publisher=APN News|date=2019-04-30|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> and a cricket stadium.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/rohit-sharma-stresses-on-meditation-for-positivity/articleshow/73087705.cms|title=Rohit Sharma stresses on meditation for positivity |date=3 January 2020|access-date=20 October 2020|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref>
 
SRCM in collaboration with the [[United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan]] hosts the "All India Essay Writing Event", an annual essay writing event for school and college students across the country. Prizes are awarded for national and state level winners. In 2014, a total of 185,751 students from 11,857 schools and colleges across India took part in this annual contest.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/srikakulam-youth-shines-in-essay-contest/article6822459.ece | title= Srikakulam youth shines in essay contest | date=26 January 2015 | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=9 November 2018 }}</ref> In 2017, the event was hosted with participants writing essays in English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.


Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Kanha Shanti Vanam, was awarded the "Haritha Mitra" (Green Friend) Award by the Telangana government in 2016, in recognition of exemplary contribution to the greening movement undertaken by the Government of Telangana by Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali of [[Telangana State]], India.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-telangana/award-for-green-commitment/article19506739.ece | title=Award for green commitment | date=17 August 2017 | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=9 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/over-300-trees-uprooted-for-road-widening-get-new-lease-of-life-in-kanha-shantivanam/articleshow/60717887.cms Kanha Shanti Vanam's Green Initaitive]</ref>
Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Kanha Shanti Vanam, was awarded the "Haritha Mitra" (Green Friend) Award by the Telangana government in 2016, in recognition of exemplary contribution to the greening movement undertaken by the Government of Telangana by Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali of [[Telangana State]], India.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-telangana/award-for-green-commitment/article19506739.ece | title=Award for green commitment | date=17 August 2017 | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=9 February 2020 }}</ref><ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/over-300-trees-uprooted-for-road-widening-get-new-lease-of-life-in-kanha-shantivanam/articleshow/60717887.cms Kanha Shanti Vanam's Green Initaitive]</ref>


In December 2017, [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the [[President of India]], [[E.S.L. Narasimhan]], [[Governor of Andhra Pradesh|Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana]], visited SRCM's Kanha Shanti Vanam Ashram and planted the 100,000th tree with [[Kamlesh D. Patel|Kamlesh Patel]] under the Green Kanha initiative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kovind-visits-ashram-near-hyderabad-plants-sapling-117122500591_1.html|agency=IANS|publisher=[[Business Standard]]|date=2017-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Telangana: Green drive –18 crore more saplings planted than before|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/pets-and-environment/261217/telangana-green-drive-18-crore-more-saplings-planted-than-before.html|publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=2017-12-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Observing International Day of Peace|url=https://telanganatoday.com/observing-international-day-of-peace|publisher=[[Telangana Today]]|date=2017-09-26}}</ref>
In December 2017, [[Ram Nath Kovind]], the then [[President of India]], [[E.S.L. Narasimhan]], [[Governor of Andhra Pradesh|Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana]], visited SRCM's Kanha Shanti Vanam Ashram and planted the 100,000th tree with [[Kamlesh D. Patel|Kamlesh Patel]] under the Green Kanha initiative.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/kovind-visits-ashram-near-hyderabad-plants-sapling-117122500591_1.html|agency=IANS|publisher=[[Business Standard]]|date=2017-12-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Telangana: Green drive –18 crore more saplings planted than before|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/pets-and-environment/261217/telangana-green-drive-18-crore-more-saplings-planted-than-before.html|publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]|date=2017-12-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Observing International Day of Peace|url=https://telanganatoday.com/observing-international-day-of-peace|publisher=[[Telangana Today]]|date=2017-09-26}}</ref>
 
=== Environmental Initiative ===
 
==== Tree Conservation ====
At Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Tree Conservation Center's project was launched by Union Agriculture Minister Mr. [[Narendra Singh Tomar]].<ref name="ksv1">{{cite news |title=Tissue culture lab for endangered plant species come up at Kanha Shantivanam |url=https://www.telugu360.com/tissue-culture-lab-for-endangered-plant-species-come-up-at-kanha-shantivanam/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=telugu360.com |date=29 December 2021}}</ref> The centre undertook plantation of 50,000 plants over the years.<ref name="Ksv2">{{cite news |title=Bookmark these meditation centres in India for a serene getaway |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/bookmark-these-meditation-centres-in-india-for-a-serene-getaway/photostory/92257473.cms?picid=92257563 |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=Times of India Travel |date=16 June 2022}}</ref> A contemporary [[tissue culture]] laboratory has been built to aid in the propagation of critically [[endangered plant]] and tree species.<ref name="ksv3">{{cite news |title=Kanha Shanti Vanam rain forest, a slice of the Western Ghats in Telangana |url=https://telanganatoday.com/kanha-shanti-vanam-rain-forest-a-slice-of-the-western-ghats-in-telangana |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=Telangana Today |date=19 August 2022}}</ref> Tissue culture is used in addition to the traditional methods of seed propagation, cutting, and layering.<ref name="ksv3" />
 
==== Rainforest ====
The [[Rainforest]] in Kanha Shanti Vanam, which is grown in the formerly arid [[Nandigama mandal|Nandigama Mandal]], covers five to six acres, claims to have increased the area's green cover and has become home to vulnerable and endangered species in the past four to five years.<ref name="ksv3" />
 
==== Water Conservation ====
There are twelve [[water harvesting]] ponds built to replenish the [[groundwater]] surrounding the site. The year 2017 saw the first significant rainfall in the area after 120 years of drought-like conditions. The increased green cover is claimed to be the reason for this change in climate.<ref name="Ksv4">{{cite news |title=Bringing in the greens from all quarters |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/apr/30/bringing-in-the-greens-from-all-quarters-1808439.html |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=30 April 2018}}</ref>
 
=== Facilities ===
 
==== Meditation Hall ====
Kanha Shanti Vanam claims to have the largest [[meditation centre]] in the world, accommodating 100,000 people at a time for meditation.<ref name="Ksv6">{{cite news |title=38,000 practitioners physically participate every day 123rd Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Heartfulness Founder held at Heartfulness Headquarters in Hyderabad |url=https://indiaeducationdiary.in/38000-practitioners-physically-participate-every-day-123rd-birth-anniversary-celebrations-of-heartfulness-founder-held-at-heartfulness-headquarters-in-hyderabad |access-date=3 January 2023 |work= |publisher=India Education |date=1 May 2022}}</ref> [[File:Kanha Shanti Vanam Meditation Center Dome.jpg|thumb|Kanha Shanti Vanam meditation centre]]
 
==== Medical Center ====
The medical center has adequate [[medical facilities]] to assist the local populations and visitors. Shri Thaneeru Harish Rao, the [[Government of Telangana|Telangana government]]'s honourable minister of finance, health, medical care, and family welfare, officially inaugurated the Kanha Medical Centre.<ref>{{cite news |title=Harish Rao inaugurates Kanha Medical Centre |url=https://telanganatoday.com/harish-rao-inaugurates-kanha-medical-centre |access-date=4 January 2023 |publisher=Telangana Today |date=24 April 2022}}</ref>
 
==== Heartfulness Learning Center ====
As part of its educational activities, the Heartfulness Institute has established the "Heartfulness Learning Center," which intends to offer children from Pre-KG through Grade 8. Mr. [[Suresh Prabhu]], Union Minister for Commerce and Civil Aviation, and his wife Mrs. Uma Prabhu attended the inauguration of the Learning Center.<ref name="ksv8">{{cite news |title=A Unique LEARNING CENTRE' inaugurated at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad |url=https://www.apnnews.com/a-unique-learning-centre-inaugurated-at-heartfulness-institute-kanha-shanti-vanam-hyderabad/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=APN News |date=30 April 2019}}</ref>


==See also==
=== Events ===
* [[Sahaj Marg]]
 
* [[Kanha Shanti Vanam]]
A conference for "Rising with Kindness" took place between 12 and 14 August 2022. As per Heartfulness Institute, the goal of the conference was to promote acts of kindness for oneself, others, and the [[Natural environment|environment]].{{citation needed|date=May 2023}} In addition to raising understanding of [[Culture of India|Indian culture]] and heritage amongst youth, the programme aimed to connect young leaders for [[sustainable development]] and offer more possibilities with Heartfulness through [[yoga]], [[meditation]], and interfaith conversation.<ref name="ksv10">{{cite news |title=The way of heartfulness {{!}} The Navhind Times |url=https://www.navhindtimes.in/2022/08/26/magazines/kuriocity/the-way-of-heartfulness/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=The Navhind Times |date=26 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Ram Chandra (Babuji)|Shri Ram Chandra (Babuji)]]
 
* [[Kamlesh D. Patel]]
The first ever international conference on integrative health and wellbeing (IHW), took place in Kanha Shanti Vanam between 16 and 18 December 2022. The conference combined traditional with integrative holistic approaches to [[health and wellness]] that are supported by research. Several prestigious national and international institutions provided support for the conference. Dr. [[Mansukh Mandaviya]], the then Union Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilisers, delivered the conference's keynote address alongside Shri [[Kamlesh Patel (Daaji)|Kamlesh Patel]], the Global Guide of Heartfulness Meditation.<ref name="ksv12">{{cite news |title=The Govt. has established 1,50,000 wellness centres in India and encourages research in integrative health and wellness, says Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya at Heartfulness Headquarters |url=https://www.apnnews.com/the-govt-has-established-150000-wellness-centres-in-india-and-encourages-research-in-integrative-health-and-wellness-says-union-minister-shri-mansukh-mandaviya-at-heartfulness-headquarters/ |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=APN News |date=18 December 2022}}</ref><ref name="ksv13">{{cite news |title=India believes in the ideology of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/india-believes-in-the-ideology-of-vasudaiva-kutumbakam-union-health-minister-mansukh-mandaviya-1503139119.html |access-date=3 January 2023 |publisher=The Statesman |date=18 December 2022}}</ref>
* [[Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari]]
 
In 2024, Kanha Shanti Vanam hosted several interfaith and cultural events, including the [[Global Spirituality Mahotsav]] held from 14 to 17 March 2024, organized in collaboration with the [[Ministry of Culture (India)|Ministry of Culture]], [[Government of India]], which featured participants from diverse spiritual backgrounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Spirituality Mahotsav |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089036}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 62: Line 87:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.srcm.org SRCM (Official site)]
{{wikiquote}}
*[http://www.sahajmarg.org/homepage Sahaj Marg]
* [http://www.srcm.org SRCM (Official site)]
*[http://www.spiritualityfoundation.org/en-us SMSF]
* [http://www.sahajmarg.org/homepage Sahaj Marg]
*[https://kanha.sahajmarg.org/ Kanha Shanti Vanam]
* [http://www.spiritualityfoundation.org/en-us SMSF]
 
* [https://kanha.sahajmarg.org/ Kanha Shanti Vanam]
* [https://bitterwinter.org/shri-ram-chandra-mission-the-miviludes-loses-a-court-case/ "Shri Ram Chandra Mission: The MIVILUDES Loses a Court Case"] by [[Massimo Introvigne]] at ''Bitter Winter'' (22 March 2024)


[[Category:Non-profit organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1945]]
[[Category:Spiritual organizations]]
[[Category:Yoga organizations]]
[[Category:Yoga organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1945]]
[[Category:New religious movements established in the 1940s]]
[[Category:Spirituality]]
[[Category:Non-profit organisations based in India]]

Latest revision as of 22:31, 9 March 2026


Shri Ram Chandra Mission
Founded1945
FounderRam Chandra (Babuji)
TypeNon-profit organization
FocusYoga, Spirituality
Area served
Worldwide
MethodSahaj Marg, Meditation
Key people
Kamlesh D. Patel
Websitewww.srcm.org

Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) is an Indian non-profit organization and a spiritual movement originating. It teaches the practice of "Sahaj Marg" or "Heartfulness Meditation", was registered in 1945 by Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and it has its current headquarters at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Kanha village, Ranga Reddy District near Hyderabad, Telangana.[1][2][3][4]

Purpose and practice[edit | edit source]

Shri Ram Chandra Mission teaches the "heart based" Raj Yoga meditation system known as Sahaj Marg or Heartfulness meditation.[5]

Organization[edit | edit source]

Shri Ram Chandra Mission was registered in India in the year 1945 by Ram Chandra of Shahjahanpur, also known as "Babuji". He had adopted the name Ram Chandra after his teacher Ram Chandra of Fatehgarh, also known as "Lalaji". Babuji was succeeded as president and spiritual Master of SRCM by Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari. Following his death on 20 December 2014,[6] Kamlesh D. Patel became president of SRCM and the fourth spiritual Master of the Sahaj Marg system.[1] The organization was also registered as SRCM USA in California in 1997.[citation needed]

Shri Ram Chandra Mission claims to have spread this system of meditation amongst millions of people across 160 countries worldwide.[7][8] Books published by SRCM have been translated to over twenty languages and are read widely across the world.[9] The Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust (SHPT) was registered on 8 April 2009, with its headquarters at Kolkata, India. The SHPT undertakes all publication activities under license from the Shri Ram Chandra Mission (SRCM) and the Sahaj Marg Spirituality Foundation (SMSF).[10]

Shri Ram Chandra Mission is an NGO recognized by the United Nations Department of Public Information (UNDPI) as a "non-profit organization" in Denmark, the United States and India.[11]

Kanha Shanti Vanam[edit | edit source]

Kanha Shanti Vanam is a spiritual centre with integrated township located 25 kms from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Kanha Village, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad, spanning 1,200 acres. It supports extended spiritual training and mentorship programmes.[12] The centre also supports environmental initiatives including water conservation and saving endangered plant species.[13]

Activities[edit | edit source]

President of India unveils the World's largest meditation hall at Kanha Shanti Vanam

In February 2020 Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, visited Kanha Shanti Vanam, the global headquarters of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, and unveiled the meditation center, which the organization claims is the largest in the world.[14] In connection with the center there is a learning center for children between the ages of 3 and 18,[15] and a cricket stadium.[16]

SRCM in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan hosts the "All India Essay Writing Event", an annual essay writing event for school and college students across the country. Prizes are awarded for national and state level winners. In 2014, a total of 185,751 students from 11,857 schools and colleges across India took part in this annual contest.[17] In 2017, the event was hosted with participants writing essays in English, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu.

Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Kanha Shanti Vanam, was awarded the "Haritha Mitra" (Green Friend) Award by the Telangana government in 2016, in recognition of exemplary contribution to the greening movement undertaken by the Government of Telangana by Deputy Chief Minister Mahmood Ali of Telangana State, India.[18][19]

In December 2017, Ram Nath Kovind, the then President of India, E.S.L. Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, visited SRCM's Kanha Shanti Vanam Ashram and planted the 100,000th tree with Kamlesh Patel under the Green Kanha initiative.[20][21][22]

Environmental Initiative[edit | edit source]

Tree Conservation[edit | edit source]

At Kanha Shanti Vanam, the Tree Conservation Center's project was launched by Union Agriculture Minister Mr. Narendra Singh Tomar.[23] The centre undertook plantation of 50,000 plants over the years.[13] A contemporary tissue culture laboratory has been built to aid in the propagation of critically endangered plant and tree species.[24] Tissue culture is used in addition to the traditional methods of seed propagation, cutting, and layering.[24]

Rainforest[edit | edit source]

The Rainforest in Kanha Shanti Vanam, which is grown in the formerly arid Nandigama Mandal, covers five to six acres, claims to have increased the area's green cover and has become home to vulnerable and endangered species in the past four to five years.[24]

Water Conservation[edit | edit source]

There are twelve water harvesting ponds built to replenish the groundwater surrounding the site. The year 2017 saw the first significant rainfall in the area after 120 years of drought-like conditions. The increased green cover is claimed to be the reason for this change in climate.[25]

Facilities[edit | edit source]

Meditation Hall[edit | edit source]

Kanha Shanti Vanam claims to have the largest meditation centre in the world, accommodating 100,000 people at a time for meditation.[26]

Kanha Shanti Vanam meditation centre

Medical Center[edit | edit source]

The medical center has adequate medical facilities to assist the local populations and visitors. Shri Thaneeru Harish Rao, the Telangana government's honourable minister of finance, health, medical care, and family welfare, officially inaugurated the Kanha Medical Centre.[27]

Heartfulness Learning Center[edit | edit source]

As part of its educational activities, the Heartfulness Institute has established the "Heartfulness Learning Center," which intends to offer children from Pre-KG through Grade 8. Mr. Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister for Commerce and Civil Aviation, and his wife Mrs. Uma Prabhu attended the inauguration of the Learning Center.[28]

Events[edit | edit source]

A conference for "Rising with Kindness" took place between 12 and 14 August 2022. As per Heartfulness Institute, the goal of the conference was to promote acts of kindness for oneself, others, and the environment.[citation needed] In addition to raising understanding of Indian culture and heritage amongst youth, the programme aimed to connect young leaders for sustainable development and offer more possibilities with Heartfulness through yoga, meditation, and interfaith conversation.[29]

The first ever international conference on integrative health and wellbeing (IHW), took place in Kanha Shanti Vanam between 16 and 18 December 2022. The conference combined traditional with integrative holistic approaches to health and wellness that are supported by research. Several prestigious national and international institutions provided support for the conference. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the then Union Minister for Health, Family Welfare, and Chemicals and Fertilisers, delivered the conference's keynote address alongside Shri Kamlesh Patel, the Global Guide of Heartfulness Meditation.[30][31]

In 2024, Kanha Shanti Vanam hosted several interfaith and cultural events, including the Global Spirituality Mahotsav held from 14 to 17 March 2024, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, which featured participants from diverse spiritual backgrounds.[32]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Address by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind on the Occasion of Inauguration of the New Global Headquarters 'Kanha Shanti Vanam' of Shri Ram Chandra Mission". www.presidentofindia.gov.in. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  2. ↑ "President inaugurates 1,400-acre HQ of Heartfulness Institute". The Hindu Business Line. 2 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  3. ↑ "Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling".
  4. ↑ "Be calm by positioning in the centre". The Hindu.
  5. ↑ "Spirituality India's precious gift to world: Kovind". Telangana Today. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  6. ↑ "21st December 2014". The Hindu. 22 December 2014. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  7. ↑ "TheWeek". The Week.
  8. ↑ "IndianExpress". The Indian Express. 10 February 2020.
  9. ↑ "Sahaj Marg system of meditation". The Sunday Times. 3 August 2008. Retrieved 4 August 2010.
  10. ↑ Spiritual Hierarchy Publication Trust
  11. ↑ "Department of Public Information – Non-governmental organizations". United Nations. Retrieved 20 February 2018.
  12. ↑ "Kanha Shanti Vanam for city-weary souls seeking spirituality". The New Indian Express. 29 November 2017. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Bookmark these meditation centres in India for a serene getaway". Times of India Travel. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  14. ↑ "President inaugurates meditation centre". Deccan Chronicle. 3 February 2020. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  15. ↑ "A Unique LEARNING CENTRE' inaugurated at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad" (Press release). APN News. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  16. ↑ "Rohit Sharma stresses on meditation for positivity". The Times of India. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 20 October 2020.
  17. ↑ "Srikakulam youth shines in essay contest". The Hindu. 26 January 2015. Retrieved 9 November 2018.
  18. ↑ "Award for green commitment". The Hindu. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2020.
  19. ↑ Kanha Shanti Vanam's Green Initaitive
  20. ↑ "Kovind visits ashram near Hyderabad, plants sapling". Business Standard. IANS. 25 December 2017.
  21. ↑ "Telangana: Green drive –18 crore more saplings planted than before". Deccan Chronicle. 26 December 2017.
  22. ↑ "Observing International Day of Peace". Telangana Today. 26 September 2017.
  23. ↑ "Tissue culture lab for endangered plant species come up at Kanha Shantivanam". telugu360.com. 29 December 2021. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 "Kanha Shanti Vanam rain forest, a slice of the Western Ghats in Telangana". Telangana Today. 19 August 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  25. ↑ "Bringing in the greens from all quarters". The New Indian Express. 30 April 2018. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  26. ↑ "38,000 practitioners physically participate every day 123rd Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Heartfulness Founder held at Heartfulness Headquarters in Hyderabad". India Education. 1 May 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  27. ↑ "Harish Rao inaugurates Kanha Medical Centre". Telangana Today. 24 April 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
  28. ↑ "A Unique LEARNING CENTRE' inaugurated at Heartfulness Institute, Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad". APN News. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  29. ↑ "The way of heartfulness | The Navhind Times". The Navhind Times. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  30. ↑ "The Govt. has established 1,50,000 wellness centres in India and encourages research in integrative health and wellness, says Union Minister Shri Mansukh Mandaviya at Heartfulness Headquarters". APN News. 18 December 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  31. ↑ "India believes in the ideology of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam". The Statesman. 18 December 2022. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  32. ↑ "Global Spirituality Mahotsav".

External links[edit | edit source]

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