Posted November 27, 2002

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Under the auspices and direction of the GBC Ministry of Educational Development, Bhaktivedanta College, at Radhadesh, in Belgium, opened in late September and launched a systematic training program to create preachers, teachers, and leaders throughout our movement.

The College Inauguration Ceremony:

Sunday, September 15, 2002

At the auspicious time of 10 a.m., Kunjabihari Prabhu, our South Indian brahmana (originally from ISKCON Bangalore and now the president of ISKCON Munich), introduced the mantras to be chanted for this rare ceremony. Generally, throughout India, the name Saraswati is chanted to invoke her presence at a seat of learning that is being established, but for this occasion, Kunjabihari explained the tradition in South India, wherein the worship of Saraswati is superseded by the worship of Lord Hayagriva, who embodies all knowledge.

The teachers sat on one side of the yajna stana, the students on another. Krishna Ksetra Prabhu was invited to take part in the post of one of the distinguished masters of the college. He received pranams from the teachers and trustees, and then each student was called forward for the vidya rambhara samskara, the ceremony marking the commencement of study.

One by one, the students were shown, by guiding their index finger on a plate of rice, how to write their first word. They then offered obeisances and dakshina. Many prayers and mantras were chanted, followed by the installation ceremony of a small murti of Srila Prabhupada. Grains were thrown in the fire as the ceremony climaxed with more prayers to Lord Hayagriva.

The assembled Vaisnavas then carried Srila Prabhupada to the new library, where an abhiseka ceremony was accompanied by an inspiring kirtan. Srila Prabhupada was worshiped and offered guru-puja. He then received his seat on a vyasasana at one end of the library, where he will preside over the development of this new project.

The vision for the college was conceived by Saunaka Rsi Prabhu in 1994. He expressed his ideas to Mukunda Maharaja and Anuttama Prabhu in Abenthuer, Germany, in 1995 and later scattered the seeds of his vision in many directions. Gradually interest grew. In 1998, Anuttama sponsored the writing of the curriculum. With more sponsorship by Sita Rama Prabhu, a team developed that included Anuradha Dasi and Bhaktavatsala Dasa. They completed a curriculum in the summer of 2000.

Meanwhile, the idea of establishing the college in Radhadesh was being considered. Radhadesh already had a culture of education, as the Communications/VIHE conventions were held there every year. With the cooperation of temple president Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu, along with Mahaprabhu and Visnu Murti Prabhus of the Bhaktivedanta Library Services (who contributed major funding), the college found a base.

With the continued input and blessings of the Ministry of Educational Development and Vaisnava Training and Education (VTE), Bhaktivedanta College has taken shape. The introductory prospectus was printed in the winter of 2001, and the enrollment drive began. Nine students were attracted to the pilot program of one year. Work on accreditation will enable the college to eventually offer degree-level courses.

Bhaktivedanta College now offers a one-year diploma in ministerial studies, which covers three main strands of study:

theology and philosophy,
practical ministerial and missionary skills,
personal introspection and devotion.

With such courses, the college is striving to invest in the future of devotees, young and old, and to provide temples with responsible, competent preachers dedicated to the mission and spirit of Srila Prabhupada. Bhaktivedanta College hopes to provide men and women with initiative, ability, and the foresight to develop programs and projects for the benefit of ISKCON worldwide. Centers can look forward to energetic and active graduates with a lifetime vision of Srila Prabhupada's mission.

"It was definitely inspiring for me to meet the students and to be part of the gatherings and the yajna. There really was a feeling that this is a historic event and that the blessings of all the acaryas are upon this project." —Krishna Ksetra Dasa (Faculty Council)

"I am sure that Srila Prabhupada is pleased with your efforts. Krishna conscious education is so important in this world of ignorance and passion. Our challenge is to stem the rising tide of Kali-yuga. With the help of guru, sadhu, and shastra it is possible. Your school will be a fortress of these principles and personalities. I am glad to be a part of it." —Ambarisa Dasa (Trustee)

"Thank you for putting so much effort into this. I am grateful that such a system of Vaisnava education is beginning." —Krishna Chandra Dasi (Second-generation ISKCON devotee and student)

"The Orientation Week enlivened me. The introspection and realignment exercises were extremely helpful, as were the advanced learning techniques and mind maps. The team-building exercise left an impression on me. The facilitators gave their hearts to this week, and their willingness and desire to help us made me feel comfortable and satisfied." —Bhakta Daniel (Student)

"The orientation included a good balance between theory and exercise. The study materials are good. The classes were not dry and academic, but full of sweetness. Very well done, professional. Thank you very much." —Bhakta Rabin (Student)

© dipika.org November 27, 2002