Page 1ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014

iskcon pune todayNewsletter Vol 12 / Issue: 10 (Monthly) / October 2014 / Price: ` 1/-

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. �e 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. �ey said they now better appreciate the value of respecting parents, teachers, elders. �ey came to know about the importance of chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, about the importance of following values in life. �e 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, “�e solution for controlling the troublesome mind is chanting Hare Krishna Maha Mantra”. �e point is that even children could understand this sublime message. �is 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.

400 students appear for the 1st

Spiritual Talent Search Exam

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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. �erefore, expert players in drama, dancers, singers, speakers, etc., are required for the spiritual enlightenment of the common man.”  [Srimad Bhagavatam

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 - "�e King Of Devotion: A Legacy of Devotion and Surrender." �is 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 �akur and disciple of Ganga Narayna Chakravarti, both devoted followers of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

�e 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. �e drama focussed on the complete faith and surrender of this great King in all challenging events of his life. �e 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, "�is performance was possible due to the complete dedication, sincerity and commitment of all the actors. �ey took out time for rehearsal though many had stressful jobs. �e 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

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Govardhana Puja - 18th Oct (sat) in both temples

Govardhan puja: 18th Oct (sat) on both temples"�e 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. �is 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. �e 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.

Over 250 students from the premier engineering college Pune Institute of Computer Technology (PICT) gathered in the packed institute auditorium on 13th August. �e 3-hour event was titled "Releasing from the Vices - Intoxication," organized by the Gita Youth Society for Transformation. �e 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. �is was followed by a

further explained the ill effects of these vices on the human body and mind. �e audience was then introduced to another intoxication - albeit a healthy one - chanting the Holy names of God. �e audience of over 250 swayed to the melodious tunes of Hare Krishna during the Mantra Rock show. �e program ended with refreshments and snacks prasadam for all. --- Bh. Manjunath, GYST coordinator

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,

Upcoming Festivals

PICTians intoxicatedwith Mantra Rock Dance

Sharad Poornima - Katraj Kondhwa Temple 11th Oct • Camp Temple 12th Oct

�e Full Moon Night of the month of Aswin is known as the Sharad Purnima or Ras Purnima.�e festival is also referred as Kaumudi Festival, Kaumudi meaning moonlight. �e dazzling night is associated with the divine love filled Raas Lila (Expression of love by graceful dance) of Lord Krishna with Radha and Gopis.�is is the night when Krishna would play the Ras Leela the entire night. �e day is dedicated to this aspect of Lord Krishna.

iskcon pune todayRNI Res.No.72522/2000PCE/043/2012-14 Valid upto : 31/12/2014Published on 2nd October2014

From:Editor,

ISKCON PUNE TODAY4, TARAPORE ROAD, CAMP, PUNE - 411001 (MS)Phone: 020-41033222, 41033234

Registered NewspaperISKCON PUNE TODAYPosted at GPO, PuneOn 5th, 6th & 7th of every monthTo,

Page 4 ISKCON PUNE TODAY / October 2014

4, Tarapore Rd, Next to Dastur Boys School, Camp, Pune | Phone: 020-41033210 / 22 Mobile: 9225545984 | Email: nvcc@iskconpune.in | www.iskconpune.in

International Society for Krishna ConsciousnessFounder Acharya : His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

“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

New Temple Address: ISKCON NVCC, S. No. 50, Katraj Kondhwa bypass, Pune - 411048, M: 9225545984

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. �e entire day is dedicated to remembering Krishna and lakhs of people visit the 2 temples in Pune to participate in the festivities. �is 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.

Besides the ‘Abhishek’ ceremony, the celebrations included kirtans, lectures and mahaprasad distribution to all.

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.

�e 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. �e 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. �is 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.

Celebrate Janmashtami in your home