IPT oct 2014 - ISKCON Pune

iskcon pune today
Newsletter Vol 12 / Issue: 10 (Monthly) / October 2014 / Price: ` 1/-
400 students appear for the 1st
Spiritual Talent Search Exam
ISKCON Pune Today (IPT) interviewed
Sundar Shyam Das (SSD), who recently
led the effort in organizing the first
Spiritual Talent Search Exam for school
children, based on Srila Prabhupada's
books.
IPT: What inspired you to organize this
Spritual Talent Search Exam?
SSD: To uplift the moral character of the future
citizens of India, there is an urgent need of
educating children in value-based living and
leadership, based on the timeless, universal
teachings of Bhagavad Gita. Many great leaders,
educationists, philosophers such as Mahatma
Gandhi, Vinoba Bhave, Lokmanya Tilak,
Einstein, Newton, Dr. Radhakrishnan
considered this wisdom literature as their guide
book in life. Following in their footsteps, we
wanted to conduct this Spiritual Talent Search
Exam (STSE) - based on books like Bhagavad
gita and Srimad Bhagvatam.
IPT: How did you approach children in
schools?
SSD: Our team went to different schools in
Pune and met the respective Principals. We
explained how development of moral values
and leadership qualities in the students' lives
can be done by systematically studying Srila
Prabhupada’s books. The leaders of these
institutions happily gave us permission to
announce STSE. Our team went class to class
and announced about the contest and
requested them to register. We printed a
brochure for teachers and parents explaining
them the need and scheme of STSE. I am
happy to say that we were well received by
teachers, children and parents.
IPT: How many students participated in
STSE?
SSD: Due to lack of time, we could approach
only 12 schools. Nearly 400 students
registered. First 3 top scoring students were
awarded prizes and 25 consolation prizes
were given away.
IPT: What difference did the students
feel in their lives after studying for
STSE?
SSD: Many students gave us feedback after
the exam. They said they now better
appreciate the value of respecting parents,
teachers, elders. They came to know about
the importance of chanting Hare Krishna
Mahamantra, about the importance of
following values in life. The orientation
course conducted by our team was a source
of so much valuable eye-opening knowledge.
Many said that various questions and doubts
in their hearts were answered during the
studies, helping them gain faith in God and
spirituality.
IPT: How was your experience while
evaluating the answers?
SSD: We were concerned whether these
children might find it difficult to appreciate
the spiritual truths presented by Srila
Prabhupada. We were amazed to read that
many students grasped the teachings so
nicely. For example, many children wrote,
“The solution for controlling the troublesome
mind is chanting Hare Krishna Maha
Mantra”. The point is that even children could
understand this sublime message. This shows
that Srila Prabhupada has presented the
Krishna consciousness philosophy in a very
simple, easily understandable and practical
manner.
Sunder Shyam Das and team is planning to
expand the Spiritual Talent Search Exam to
reach out to a large number of schools in and
around Pune. To contribute in this service,
you may contact 880 5492076.
ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014
Page 1
ISKCON Pune Today | October 2014
Maharaj Bhagyachandra - Glorious King of Manipur
On 14th September, a team of devotees put
up a scintillating performance on the life of
Maharaj Bhagyachandra, who reigned
during the eighteenth century in Manipur.
Over 1000 devotees and visitors applauded
the performance on Sunday morning,
carrying with them the inspiring message
of surrender to the Supreme Lord
Govinddev.
Srila Praphupad explains in the First Canto
of Srimad Bhagavatam, “Traditionally, by
watching dramas, even simple people
while having entertainment could imbibe
spiritual knowledge and values... Even one
hundred years ago in India, all dramatic
performances were centered around the
superhuman activities of the Supreme
Lord. Therefore, expert players in drama,
dancers, singers, speakers, etc., are
required for the spiritual enlightenment of
the common man.” [Srimad Bhagavatam
Page 2
ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014
1.11.20]
Inspired by these writings of Srila Prabhupada,
a team of devotees led by Saci Tanuj Das
worked hard to present the drama - "The King
Of Devotion: A Legacy of Devotion and
Surrender." This drama was conceived as a
tribute to His Holiness Bhakti Swarup
Damodar Maharaj, stalwart and dear disciple
of Srila Prabhupada, from the state of Manipur.
HH Bhakti Swarup Damodar Maharaj
contributed immensely in scientifically
presenting the Krishna consciousness
movement to intellectuals and scientists all
over the world, through the Bhaktivedanta
Institute. His contribution also included revival
of the ancient devotional culture propounded
by the great Vaishnava King Of Manipur Maharaj Bhagyachandra - the grand disciple of
Narottam Das Thakur and disciple of Ganga
Narayna Chakravarti, both devoted followers
of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The performance began with a video
depicting the loving service and
contributions of HH Bhakti Swarup
Damodar Maharaj. Going into the glorious
history of the state of Manipur, the devotees
enacted the life devotional life of King
Bhagyachandra. The drama focussed on the
complete faith and surrender of this great
King in all challenging events of his life. The
King's selfless surrender and devotion
attracts the Supreme Lord Govindadev,
who reciprocates with His devotee in
mystical way, establishing him as the
unrivalled King of Manipur.
Saci Tanuj Das, who helped direct the
drama, remarked, "This performance was
possible due to the complete dedication,
sincerity and commitment of all the actors.
They took out time for rehearsal though
many had stressful jobs. The making of the
whole drama was a joyful experience for all
involved and helped develop deep loving
relationships and cooperative team work. It
involved participation from all age groups,
the smallest being 5 yrs to the eldest being
50 yrs. We are very happy to serve the
devotees and visitors and showcase India's
glorious culture of devotion."
ISKCON Pune Today | October 2014
PICTians intoxicated
with Mantra Rock Dance
Over 250 students from the premier
engineering college Pune Institute of
Computer Technology (PICT) gathered in
the packed institute auditorium on 13th
August. The 3-hour event was titled
"Releasing from the Vices - Intoxication,"
organized by the Gita Youth Society for
Transformation.
The event began with a video show depicting
the addiction of smoking and drinking - how
a person slips into the habit without even
realizing that he is completely captured and
victimized. This was followed by a
pantomime show that described the
dialogue between the mind and the
intelligence - the mind want to enjoy and
intelligence advises caution and refrain.
Prof Karthick Subramanian, head of the
Computer Engineering Department at VIT
college and an alumnus of PICT, was the
invited speaker. His lucid talk on "Power of
Habits"
smashed
all
'glamorous'
misconceptions the audience had about
smoking and drinking. Dr. Keshavanand
Das, who completed his MBBS studies from
the prestigious BJ Medical college in Pune,
further explained the ill effects of these
vices on the human body and mind.
The audience was then introduced to
another intoxication - albeit a healthy one chanting the Holy names of God. The
audience of over 250 swayed to the
melodious tunes of Hare Krishna during the
Mantra Rock show. The program ended
with refreshments and snacks prasadam for
all.
--- Bh. Manjunath, GYST coordinator
Upcoming Festivals
Sharad Poornima -
Katraj Kondhwa Temple 11th Oct • Camp Temple 12th Oct
The Full Moon Night of the month of Aswin is known as the Sharad Purnima or Ras
Purnima.The festival is also referred as Kaumudi Festival, Kaumudi meaning moonlight.
The dazzling night is associated with the divine love filled Raas Lila (Expression of love by
graceful dance) of Lord Krishna with Radha and Gopis.This is the night when Krishna
would play the Ras Leela the entire night. The day is dedicated to this aspect of Lord
Krishna.
Govardhana Puja - 18th Oct (sat) in both temples
Govardhan puja: 18th Oct (sat) on both temples"
The day after Diwali is called Annakuta, or Govardhana Puja. On this day the inhabitants of
Vrindavan (Lord Krishna’s abode on Earth) used to hold a festival to honor King Indra, the
demigod responsible for providing the rains essential for a successful harvest.
One day, however, sensing that Indra had become overly proud of his position as king of heaven,
Lord Krishna convinced the residents of Vrindavan to modify their festival and celebrate
Govardhana Hill instead, arguing that it was the fertile soils on the hill that provided the grass
upon which the cows and bulls grazed; that the cows and bulls who provided milk and ploughed
the lands should be worshiped. This turn of events naturally upset the mighty Indra, who retaliated with terrifying rains and
thunderstorms.
Seeing this, Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of His left hand and held
it up like a giant umbrella, providing a shelter for the people and animals of Vrindavan from the torrential downpours. The rains intensified.
Indra's fury raged. Finally, after seven days, beholding the wonder of the situation and realizing the futility of his own actions, King Indra
surrendered. He came down from the heavens and bowed before Lord Krishna with folded hands, offering prayers and asking for
forgiveness. He realized his true position as servant of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In this way Lord Krishna demonstrated that
He is Deva Deva, the Lord of the Demigods, and that any purpose for which demigods might be worshiped could easily be served by
worshiping Him, the supreme cause of all causes.
ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014
Page 3
iskcon pune today
RNI Res.No.72522/2000
PCE/043/2012-14 Valid upto : 31/12/2014
Published on 2nd October2014
From:
Editor,
ISKCON PUNE TODAY
4, TARAPORE ROAD, CAMP,
PUNE - 411001 (MS)
Phone: 020-41033222, 41033234
Registered Newspaper
ISKCON PUNE TODAY
Posted at GPO, Pune
On 5th, 6th & 7th of every month
To,
Celebrate Janmashtami in your home
Besides the ‘Abhishek’ ceremony, the
celebrations included kirtans, lectures
and mahaprasad distribution to all.
Janmashtami is the largest festival celebrated in
ISKCON. Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated
with pomp and fervor and the entire city is
invited to join in the celebrations. The entire
day is dedicated to remembering Krishna and
lakhs of people visit the 2 temples in Pune to
participate in the festivities. This year too was
no exception and the main attraction was the
‘Abhishek’ of the Lord that can be performed on
this auspicious day. Hundreds of families got the
privilege to perform the auspicious ‘Kalash
Abhishek’ of the Lord and seek His blessings.
Even though the entire city converges at
the temples on this day there are many
who want to have celebrations in their
homes to seek blessings of the Lord for
their families and friends. Given this
sentiment, temple devotees extend
themselves to take Janmahstami
celebrations to homes of people across
the city. Janmashtami programs held at
homes generally last for upto 3 hours to
include the Lords ‘Abhishek’, decorating
the Lords, singing kirtans, having a
lecture and offering a sumptuous
prasadam to the Lord. Each and
everything is aimed at seeking Krishna’s
love and blessings.
Janmashtami programs at home include the
‘Abhishek’ wherein the Lord is bathed with
milk, yogurt, honey, fruit juices, coloured
sweet waters, etc followed by beautiful
dressing of the deities with decorations and
bhoga offering. ISKCON temples arrange for 4
to 5 ‘pujaris’ who personally make all the
arrangements Host families also participate in
the festivities by making many special
arrangements and are ready to welcome the
Lord in their homes and hearts with
enthusiasm.
The atmosphere at these programs is also full of
devotion and joy where ‘kirtans’ resonate
through the time and also have children
participate with plays or songs, etc. showcasing
their talents as well. The festivities conclude
with a prasadam feast for all. Till date, 35
families all over Pune celebrated Janmashtami
in their house this year from different areas like
Kalyaninangar, Koregoan park, Wonwori,
Aundh, Karvenagar, Shivajinagar, Bavdhan etc.
This celebration continues for almost a month
after Janmashtami day.
In fact one of the hosts this year, Mrs. Kavita
Shah hosted the festival in her home on her
own birthday and was completely
overwhelmed by the devotion and beauty of
the ceremonies. She said, “Krishna
Janmahotsav Arranged by ISKCON on Aug
29th at my home enlightened the living of the
entire family. It was a special occasion where
the entire family and our friends got a chance to
bond in such a vibrant atmosphere. We look
forward to have this every year at our home.”
If you wish to celebrate Janmashtami/ Other
festivals, Bhajan sandhya, lectures in your home
please contact 8380077625.
New Temple Address: ISKCON NVCC, S. No. 50, Katraj Kondhwa bypass, Pune - 411048, M: 9225545984
“ISKCON PUNE TODAY” monthly magazine is printed and published by Radheshyam Das for the owner ISKCON-Pune Br. Printed at Yashraj Printers,
5 - Gulmohar Manor, Nagar Road, Pune 6 & Published at 4, Tarapore Road, Camp, Pune 411001. Editor - Mr. Kiran Shinde
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder Acharya : His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
4, Tarapore Rd, Next to Dastur Boys School, Camp, Pune | Phone: 020-41033210 / 22
Mobile: 9225545984 | Email: [email protected] | www.iskconpune.in
Page 4
ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014