By Bhaktisiddhanta Swami
During Independence day, on behalf of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Iskcon devotees from Rādhā Kunda assisted in a long-range plan of tree replantation around Giri Govardana. Perhaps a feather within the worldwide mission, is the care for the Holy Dhāma through dhāma seva; a tribute to a place where the founder ācārya desired to circumambulate in his final physical days.
Representing the UP. goverment was CDO Śrīmati Durga Shakti Nahphal, who met with local officials and Iskcon representatives, Bhaktisiddhanta Swami, Devakī Prana dasa, and Aishvarya dasa; planted trees near Govinda-kuṇḍa.
Supporters, Bhaktirasamritasindhu Mahārāj and Pancha Gauda, resident of Iskcon Vrindaban, endorse this effort with Devakī
Prana dasa as an acting local representative.
Requests were made for electricity, water and 4 kinds of trees. The response from Śrīmati was: “You give us the area, and we will provide the land, water and solar lights. You do what ever you want, you just plant! Iskcon is doing such great work through their prasadam distribution.” Several trees were planted on location by Śrīmati and the Braja caregivers. efforts
The government is planning a 300 crore rupee project under the Member of Parliament, Hema Malini for the development, road systems etc., around Giri Govardhana.
Dhāma seva for the preservation and protection of Braja, is an affair where the material and spiritual collectives can meet, share, and unite. The continued teamwork of concerned parties is a ‘unity in diversity’ for similar projects, to save the Yamuna etc., are humble attempts to bring Braja back closer its original glory.
Best wishes
Your servant,
Bhaktisiddhanta Swami