Bhaktivedanta College began its seventh
academic year on September nineteenth with a ceremony that the teachers, staff,
community members, and twenty-three students happily took part in.
The college and the Radhadesh community have cooperated for years, and the temple president, Hridaya Caitanya Dasa, is an honored
guest at each college ceremony. This year, Hridaya Caitanya's
son, Nimai, and daughter, Lalita, joined the college as first-year students.
The eight Year-1 students who attended the ceremony come
from different parts of the world: Sheena and David from South Africa, Helena
and Syamli from Holland, Lalita and Nimai from Belgium, another Lalita from Croatia, and Ramacandra Kaviraj Dasa from the USA. Actually
there are twelve Year-1 students, but four were awaiting their visas and
arrived later in the term. Having students from different backgrounds and
countries adds a dynamic spirit to the group. Students can learn to look at
things from different angles. Every student is shown equal respect,
however, since all will give their best in the college.
The college students receive an academic strand of
education in Vaishnava theology, and they also take a strand of VTE (Vaishnava Training
and Education) courses in ministerial skills, and devotional seminars to
enhance their personal growth. The college activities are centered on Sri Sri
Radha-Gopinatha, who add beauty and sweetness to the family mood at the college
and the community.
There are twelve Year-2 students and three Year-3 students,
and their development in the field of academics is increasing. The college anticipates
the success of the new students and also appreciates the personal,
intellectual, and spiritual growth of the second-year and third-year students.
Urmila Dasi, a visiting teacher, gave the opening talk.
Anuradha Dasi, a visiting teacher, oriented students to the community.
Theater performance: the Kuruksetra battle on the eleventh day.
Shyamli, Helena, Lalita (Belgium), Yadunandana Dasa (College Principal), Sheena,
Lalita (Croatia), Anuradha (Orientation director), David, Ramacandra Kaviraja, Nimai
By Syama Sakhi Dasi