By Ananda Vrindavana devi dasi
The High School students of Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School in Vrindavan, along with some visiting alumin, held a nama yajna in memory of Anand McClure on Saturday night, July 22nd.
The students gathered on the central lawn of the Gurukula, where Anand attended in the 1980’s. After a small talk by Gurukula Director Ananda Vrindavaneswari devi dasi, Brajaraja das opened the yajna with the bhajan, Saparshada-bhagavad-viraha-janita-vilapa. Brajaraj, a former student who is now one of the High School asram teachers, is well known for his melodious and devotional singing. This beautiful prayer led us into the Maha Mantra with students surrounding the lead singer Caitanya, Grade 12.
As the kirtan deepened the stars above seemed to shine their blessings upon our efforts and the cool monsoon breezes allowed us to feel the soothing shelter of the holy name. We ended the yajna with the strong and vibrant Nrismhadeva chant.
We pray that Lord Krishna will shower his mercy and blessings on Ananda, who once served Him right here in Sri Vrindavana Dhama as a young Gurukula boy.