Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Just a note to inform you, the well-wishers and supporters of Bhaktivedanta College, that on June 28, before Their Lordships Radha-Gopinatha, the Bhaktivedanta College students received their graduation certificates for the first Ministerial Program. "An historical event indeed," commented Krsna-ksetra Prabhu from the Oxford campus.

The simple ceremony was led by Yadunandana Prabhu, our principal (or "active principle" as someone said). He drew the attention of the Radhadesh community to the history of the College, which he related with devotional and heartfelt satisfaction. This was the pilot year, and we nine students were guinea pigs in this pioneering effort to establish systematic training and education in ISKCON.

Seated with Yadunandana Prabhu were Prahladananda Swami; two of the College trustees, Hridaya Caitanya Prabhu and Visnu Murti Prabhu; and Tattvavit Prabhu. They handed the certificates and maha-prasadam to each student after Yadunandana briefly described his or her character and performance.

Each student said a few words to the audience. Mostly, they described their experience and gratitude. Then Prahladananda Maharaja, Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu, and Visnu Murti Prabhu spoke. Finally, in a surprise ending, Tattvavit Prabhu had all of the students stand before the altar and read a most wonderful prayer by Srila Rupa Gosvami in praise of Govinda, which expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Radha-Gopinatha for Their sweetness. Many devotees were moved by the ceremony.

All glories to Sri-Sri Radha-Gopinatha and Lalita-Visakha! All glories to Bhaktivedanta College! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Your servant,
Jaya Govinda Dasa

© dipika.org July 14, 2003