Youth development in New Govardhana, Australia.
“…youth organizations are a vital part of the future of the Hare Krishna movement …”
By Parama Karuna dasa
Srila Prabhupada said of the younger generation: “You are the flower of your country and society”.
Engaging youthful energy in Krishna conscious activities can offer vast personal and community growth for everyone, not just the younger generation itself.
One main idea in a youth ministry is to enable teenagers to choose what they think is fun and have talents in, and developing Krishna conscious programmes or projects around these ideas.
“The formation of youth organisations is such a vital part of the future of the Hare Krishna movement,” said His Holiness Romapada Swami.
Historically, New Govardhana has seen the youth garner global recognition by successfully lobbying the release of imprisoned devotees in Soviet Russia. This came from a song composed and sung by Sri Prahlada dasa when he was just a young boy.
Recently Premavati devi dasi organised regular youth kirtanas in the temple on Sundays. She has long-term teaching experience in the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula and knows how to inspire the children.
Premavati regularly teaches musical instruments such as the harmonium and singing of bhajanas. She excels in including the children in the spiritual community by creating space for them and welcoming them to utilise their talents.
Tulasi dasi and Rasamandali dasi, both graduated students of the Gurukula, have been participating in organising the Youth Bus Tour, beach visits, bush walks and other activities bringing the youth together in fun activities outside of regular school times.
Another aspect of encouraging children to participate in temple programmes has been led by Devagaurahari dasa and Krishnabhavana devi dasi. Every Friday morning they bring delicious sweets they have made and serve them to the children who have attended the morning prayers. As parents of a large family and also business owners, it is a highly commendable service.
Srila Prabhupada also encouraged those who first joined him by himself preparing sumptuous feasts for his young disciples and distributing abundant prasadam.
I would like to thank all the devotees mentioned here and to those members of our community who are creating opportunities to fan the inclinations and natural exuberance of the younger members of our society. This way they feel a part of the temple and community and have the scope to explore the possibilities of leading a Krishna-centred life and to reach out to others.
If you have any ideas or would like to participate in implementing activities, and fanning the talents of our wonderful children you are very welcome to contact me when you see me at the temple.
“Bhajanas in boardshorts, presented with youthful enthusiasm; kids of all ages can enjoy kirtana; on Fridays delicious sweets are provided for the kids who come for prayers; our young musician shows that deep focus is not just for the adults.”