Bhaktivedanta Manor: DEVI National Launch.
DEVI is the acronym for Devotional Empowerment Voluntary Initiative.
It was initially launched during Janmashtami 2014 at Bhaktivedanta Manor with the aim of empowering, connecting, protecting and inspiring women and girls in its community. In his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.12 Srila Prabhupada states that: âEveryone should be allowed to render service to the Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of othersâŠSince everyone is a servant, everyone is on the same platform and is allowed to serve the Lord according to his ability.â
DEVI, through the Temple Council and board of trustees ensures that there are no barriers to women serving in management roles at Bhaktivedanta Manor and monitors this to enable women to serve in any capacity âaccording to their desire and inclinationâ.
Another aim that DEVI sets out to fulfil is to protect women and girls from abuse and violence. This year, to commemorate ISKCON UKâs 50th Anniversary, DEVI was launched nationally. Delegates attending the event were trained in âDomestic Abuse Mattersâ by highly qualified specialists. They in turn were asked to âbe a pioneer and do something extraordinaryâ by becoming a DEVI ambassador, and to work with DEVI to protect women and girls in ISKCON..
The event brought delegates from different ISKCON Temples throughout the UK and enabled them to share ideas, but above all, it provided knowledge and resources on how to help women and children experiencing domestic abuse.