2024 - Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi | Commemorative Coin

A commemorative coin of ₹100 will be issued to celebrate the Birth Centenary of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. The Ministry of Finance has issued the gazette notification on September 6, 2024.

Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, born Nirmala Srivastava on March 21, 1923, in Chhindwara, India, is esteemed as one of the most influential spiritual leaders and visionaries of the modern era. As the founder of Sahaja Yoga, she introduced a unique approach to meditation, providing humanity with a simple yet profound method for achieving self-realization and inner transformation. Her teachings emphasized that true spirituality resides within each individual and can be accessed through the awakening of the Kundalini energy—a dormant spiritual power located at the base of the spine.

Shri Mataji was born into a distinguished family; her father, Prasad Rao Salve, was a scholar and member of India's Constituent Assembly, and her mother was one of the first women in India to obtain a degree in mathematics. Raised in a culturally and politically aware environment, Shri Mataji became involved in the Indian independence movement, working closely with Mahatma Gandhi, who recognized her potential from a young age.

In 1970, she founded Sahaja Yoga, which quickly spread across the world, reaching millions of people. The practice is accessible to all, free of charge, and promotes inner peace, balance, and mental clarity. Shri Mataji traveled extensively, conducting free public programs in over 140 countries, offering guidance on how individuals could experience the state of thoughtless awareness and connection with the Divine.

Her teachings transcended religious, cultural, and geographic boundaries, earning her respect and admiration from people of all walks of life. Her contributions to global peace and spiritual growth were recognized with numerous awards, including the United Nations Peace Medal and recognition from the Italian government for her efforts in promoting human rights.

Beyond her spiritual work, Shri Mataji was deeply committed to social issues. She advocated for the empowerment of women, the eradication of poverty, and the importance of moral values in leadership. She believed that the personal transformation of individuals would lead to collective societal change, and she encouraged her followers to engage in charitable work and community service.

Shri Mataji’s legacy continues to inspire millions worldwide. Her birth centenary in 2023 highlights a life devoted to elevating human consciousness and fostering global peace, harmony, and unity. Her timeless teachings offer a path to self-realization and the vision of a world rooted in love, compassion, and inner joy.