'I never find it difficult to smile'

q&a Dadi Janki is the administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, a group that teaches a modern form of the Raja Yoga meditation technique.

Dadi Janki says she was fortunate to grow up in a loving family.

Dadi Janki is the administrative head of the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, a group that teaches a modern form of the Raja Yoga meditation technique. She is 93 years old and has dedicated over 70 years of her life to the group, which today has over 8,500 centres in 100 different countries, including the UAE.

I am here because of the service that has been happening since our local centre opened 25 years ago.

The Middle East has become very advanced and materialistic, people have no time for themselves. There are so many luxurious facilities but people have forgotten their true selves. I feel merciful for the people trapped in this illusion. These people don't have love for themselves and I am here to help them.

You have to realise that Dadi is always smiling. When people are disheartened they find it difficult to smile - but never me. With faith and courage everything works out well. It is easier to remember what is taken away from you than what is given to you. The life our group lead is simple. We don't have jewellery or money so we don't attract thieves or jealousy; thieves would take away our happiness and bring sorrow.

I even forget what happened yesterday (I was in Muscat). Whatever is useful, those are the things you will never forget. Memory holds many experiences, and often can develop into arrogance.

Mother Teresa was a very good person. She looked after the poor. Dadi looks after the rich since they don't know what to do with all their money now that they're rich. Mandela also has a good soul.

Yes of course! However, under the influence of material things both sexes cannot use their strengths properly. Men become pampered and arrogant. Women become weak through self doubt. As a woman it is important to understand your negative and positive points and understand your specialities. There needs to be a balance between them.

In the past there were big extended families all living together under one roof, now so many families are broken. I was fortunate to be born into a family where I could remain virtuous and independent. From the age of two and half I was given so much love.

When I was eight or nine I would eat lots of these nuts behind my parents back. However, one of the ingredients made my teeth red so my parents always found out.

I have never cried. People only cry when they feel disheartened. If I feel disheartened it makes me try harder to reach my goal or destination. Not even when our founder left his body did I cry, it only made me try and make my life as elevated as his. Even when my parents left their bodies I did not cry. We are rewarded in the next life for the good deeds we do.