Hundreds gather to honor the life and legacy of the founder of Sahaja Yoga Meditation, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi
Our Bureau
Ridgefield Park, NJ
Thousands around the Tristate and around the United States and the world, proudly viewed the Inauguration of the first Shri Mataji Nirmala devi Exhibition last week at Ridgefield Park, a town nestled in Bergen County, at the banks of Overpeck Creek, a tributary of Hackensack river, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of volunteers, community leaders, and elected officials.
Hosted by Sahaja Yoga Meditation, a non profit organization started in 1970, which hosts free meditation workshops and programs in approximately 180 countries. The private exhibition offers an intimate introduction to the life and legacy of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, founder of Sahaja Yoga and a spiritual leader whose work has touched communities worldwide. While Her influence is global, this exhibition focuses on Her deep connection with the United States, a country Shri Mataji regarded as uniquely positioned to cultivate collective awareness through its ideals of freedom, liberty, and shared responsibility.
The celebration marked a milestone in the organizations’ efforts to honor and highlight a deeper understanding of Shri Mataji’s life and teachings, and with a sense of inspiration drawn from Her message of inner balance, compassion, and shared human connection.
The evening featured blissful musical performances on Flute and Tabla playing Raag Durga , a reading of ‘Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Day’ proclamations and commemorations from the office of New Jersey State legislature Senator Vin Gopal, Congressional District 5 Josh Gottheimer, City of Jersey city Mayor James Soloman, Township of Edison Mayor Samip Joshi, West Windsor Township Mayor Hemant Marathe, Township of Chatham Mayor Jennifer Rowland, Borough of Chatham Mayor Carolyn Dempsey and Borough of New Milford Mike Petrino, a ceremonial ribbon cutting by NY Senator Andrea Cousins and SUNY FIT Professor Brenda Cowan, a tour of the exhibition and festive Indian tea and refreshments and that delighted guests of all ages. Attendees included New York State Senator Andrea Cousins, Former Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula, Councilman Ajay Patil, Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal, Councilman Amit Chopra, Indian NY Consul Piyush Singh and NJ India Commissioner Suchira Kamath, underscoring the shared commitment to mental health, well being and world peace.
“Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi’ museum is a beautiful narrative that unfolds across five thematic chapters, tracing Shri Mataji’s journey from childhood in India during the independence movement through the decades of Her work, bringing meditation, balance, and self-realization to people across America.
“The exhibit enshrines the story of Shri Mataji in America for future generations so they have the opportunity to know Her”, said Dave Dunphy, a retired architect visiting the exhibition. Councilwoman Priti Dhariwal, from Borough of River Edge added, “Humbled to be invited and thrilled to be part of this historic moment. The exhibition is a true sense of personal and universal being and one experiences a sense of calm while there.”
“The remarkable showcase of spirituality and inner peace inspires our community to embrace Self-Realization and unity in these challenging times. Volunteers have beautifully celebrated the profound journey and timeless wisdom of Shri Mataji”, remarked Councilman Ajay Patil from Township of Edison.
The exhibition, designed and curated by Lorem Ipsum Corp, is housed within Shri Mataji’s New Jersey home – the only residence in the United States personally designed by Her. At the heart of the exhibition is an immersive spatial narrative built around the flowing form of Khadi sari fabric, a historic symbol of freedom, dignity, and self-reliance. The fabric moves through the exhibition as a continuous thread, gently guiding visitors from one chapter of the story to the next while creating a calm, contemplative environment.
Sahaja Yoga Meditation expressed their gratitude to the volunteers, performers, and community members who made the event possible.
About Sahaja Yoga Meditation and the Founder, Shri Mataji
Sahaja Yoga teaches a unique method of meditation, rooted in ancient spiritual knowledge where you can achieve a state of balance in just 10 minutes.
Shri Mataji envisioned a world where people would be transformed, and lead more balanced lives. Starting in 1970, She worked to help people meditate and achieve greater spiritual heights and developed the techniques that form the basis of Sahaja Yoga. She had an innate gift to help people experience their Self-Realization.
