Some may say that learning is about academic knowledge, while for others it is about building relationships. Both types of learning help produce the well-rounded Vaishnava graduates of Bhaktivedanta College, and the eighth freshman class is being given all resources to achieve this goal. At the inauguration ceremony, the college students and the Radhadesh community members sang and ate, laughed and applauded, and reflected upon and appreciated the Hare Krishna movement together. Some were there to be formally introduced to the community, and others were there to offer support, but all relished the event in the same mood: how to further Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
The college has seven new students (I am one), a new building in the middle stage of being completed, and is coming up with a new Bachelor’s degree specialization. Yadunandana Swami, the Principal, is eager for these developments.
“This year,” he said, “we intend to complete the residential building for students and teachers, to write the curriculum for an undergraduate program in business administration, and to further develop our prasada distribution as a source of funding.”
A staff of great mahatmas
sadhus very rare
Persons like our Yadu
Always there to care.
Jaya Krsna working hard
to keep us solvent still.
And exceptional teachers
with knowledge and great skill.
The loving mood continued as Anuradha Dasi, the Orientation Week facilitator, introduced us new students with continuous compliments for five minutes. This left us speechless, smiling, and blushing for a group photo.
A drama done by some of the girls was vibrant and imaginative. It told the tale of Lalita swinging with Krishna. The clever, charming depiction was as comforting as a bedtime story, and a beautiful bhajan sung by Vinode Manjari Dasi during the drama soothed the audience.
The night was capped off at the tent, where everyone tasted scrumptious pizza and strawberry sweet-rice, made by a few students.
“Making sweet rice is an art requiring integrity and righteousness,” joked the cook and second-year student, Ramachandra Kaviraj Dasa. He gave credit for his stupendous ability to Kripa Sindu Dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who taught him how to make it. He added, “It was my immense pleasure to use this ability in the service of Bhaktivedanta College.”
Written by Kumari Sherreitt
Anuradha introducing Tivra Bhakti to the Radhadesh community
Yadunandana Swami addressing the audience
The lady with the microphone is from a TV station
“Lalita Swings with Krishna,” a theatre performance by some students
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