The following material is excerpted from the Brahma Kumaris official Charter for International Functioning:
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University (Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya) comprises a global community or family of individuals, associating themselves together as a non¬governmental organization through the various recognized Centres and Sub-Centres in India, and also Associate Centres and Associate Sub-Centres outside India, of the Brahma Kumaris around the world. The Brahma Kumaris was established in 1937 in undivided India.
The Administrative Head upholds the aims, principles, policies, practices, and methods of functioning of the Brahma Kumaris worldwide.
At the World Headquarters, located in Mt. Abu Rajasthan, India, the Administrative Head is assisted by an Additional Administrative Head, a Joint Administrative Head, Executive Directors, and a Management Committee.
At the International Coordinating Office, located in London, U.K., the Administrative Head is assisted by Regional Coordinators and National Coordinators.
The International Coordinating Council (ICC) oversees and endorses the activities of the Brahma Kumaris. The ICC has an advisory, consultative, and supporting role in relation to overseas activities in all matters relating to the Brahma Kumaris’ aims, principles, policies, practices, and methods of functioning. The ICC may develop, clarify, and interpret the overseas activities of the Brahma Kumaris.
The National Coordinating Council (NCC) is comprised of National Co¬ordinators having responsibility for the activities and affairs of Associate Centres and Associate Sub-Centres of the Brahma Kumaris in various countries. Each member of the NCC represents and has responsibility in relation to a particular country and such member of the NCC is drawn from the Associate Centres of the Brahma Kumaris in each country.
The National Coordinating Office (NCO) comprises of the National Coordinator and members of the local body as formulated under local laws and shall be situated in the respective country of operation.
The Regional Coordinators have duties and responsibilities as delegated to them by the Administrative Head while serving in different regions of the world. The Regional Coordinators establish and maintain within their regions a Regional Coordinating Office (RCO) which serves as the primary interface between the Administrative Head and Associate Centers/Associate Sub-Centers in that region.
Brahma Kumaris Students
Students are individuals aged 18 or above who support the philosophy and teaching of the BKWSU, are committed to its objectives and attend its daily classes at least twice a week on a regular basis. They reflect a diversity of backgrounds, levels of education, occupation and age. Enrolment is free and open to individuals wishing to participate in an active change process through personal growth based on spiritual knowledge and the practice of meditation.
Present statistics indicate that the University has 825,000 students and over 8,500 centres in 100 countries and territories. This figure is over and above the countless individuals who attend the University’s courses, seminars, retreats and public programs worldwide.
Sources of Financial Support
The Associate Centres and Associate Sub-Centres are supported financially by the voluntary contributions of its teachers and students who live and work in the local community. All activities are free of charge and offered as a community service.