By Nikunjavasini dasi
A memorable dinner was held on Saturday, July 8, in honor of the retirement of two special Vaisnavis: Laxmimoni dasi and Akuti dasi. In the Alachua Learning Center cafeteria, many devotees attended this special event to honor these two servants of Srila Prabhupada. They were lauded for their dedication to educating teen-age, devotee girls for the last thirty-five years.
Many speakers told stories of antics, drama, sacrifice, and heroism performed by the pair over the years. Former students, colleagues, friends, and family members expressed their love and gratitude for those many years of service to the young ladies of Srila Prabhupada’s movement. By implanting the seed of Krishna Consciousness in these young lady’s hearts, they made an important investment for the future of his mission. When all was said and done, there was not a dry eye in the house.
Humbly the two ladies gave all credit to Srila Prabhupada and their friends and colleagues for the success of the school, Vaisnava Academy for Girls, which held its last graduation ceremony in June of this year.
Although they have retired from the VAG, they are both ready to press on in service to Krishna: Akuti to develop innovative ways to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books and Laxmimoni to campaign for more of ISKCON’s focus and resources to be directed to education of young Vaisnavas.
The master of ceremonies was Laxmi Nrsimha and the evening was concluded with a sumptuous feast created by his wife, master cook, Pattarajni dasi.
All glories to these two wonderful Vaisnavis for their humble seva to ISKCON and the world.
We were very fortunate to host them both for a day, at our home. There was a small incident we share , which helped to remember each other for a long time. The room that these matajis stayed in at our apartment, got locked with the key inside and they outside the room. There was no duplicate key, and finally they had to hammer and break the door knob to get in.
Very short stay and could not arrange any program.
We welcome them this time to Singapore and we can arrange some program and this time we will take care the doors and keys are OK.
Hare Krishna,
Your humble servants,
Bhadra Govinda Dasa
Geeta Gamya Radhika Devi Dasi.