© 1998 VNN
| WORLD November 21, 1998 VNN2537 Awakening The Youth FROM THE HINDUSTAN TIMES INDIA, Nov 21 (VNN) — New Delhi, November 18, 1998 The Hindustan Times By Pooja Jain B.A. Hons Student/DU Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Thus runs the divine mantra chanted by a multitude of youngsters gathered around at the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). A mantra echoed around the world including the land of erstwhile Soviet Union. It is regarded as the key to attainment of purity to spiritual life through virtuous character and freedom from bondages of materialistic world. In fact, by the very segment of the society that once believed spiritual life to be orthodox, boring and dogmatic in nature. This amazing transition has come about thanks to the tents and dedicated missionary efforts of the ISKCON. Although there have been numerous theologists, Vedantists, and yogis, the ISKCON cult is something that has transcended faith boundaries and brought various nationalities close together. The ISKCON was founded by Srila Prabhupada in the USA in 1966. It was a time when hippy culture had hijacked the youth in the west and the society was on the verge of succumbing to the web of narcotic drugs like the LSD, grass. The ISKCON was born with the objective of bringing a fresh consciousness among the youth, giving them a sense of direction and security. Especially the youth wing of ISKCON, the Youth Forum (IYF) was constituted a couple of years back to stress all the more on the deteriorating state of youth morals, their increasing lust for material pursuits and short term pleasures. Such waywards trends led the discerning elderly members of the ISKCON to think up various programs to wean the misguided youth away from the path of ignorance and lead them on the right road of wisdom. IYF's objectives, according to Chaitanya dasa, an active member, "are based on the Indian Vedic scriptures, the Bhagavat Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam in particular. Echoing the message of Gita, it has taken up a Herculean task of educating the masses through the young volunteers to release the society from illusions of Maya. Temperance and vegetarianism are the basic steps each IYF volunteer must adhere to." Of course, the IYF's crusade means putting the breaks some of the so-called modern lifestyles. The primary objective remains to raise the youth's level of character, integrity and caliber, broaden humane outlook and get rid of narrow-mindedness, dogmas and world tensions. On how the IYF helped him transform, says Deepak Bakshi, "Eighteen months ago, I was a disco freak, but today, the Krishna mantra sounds more exciting and joyous to my ears than the night long gyrating dance parties." With a smile of contentment on his beaming face, he adds, "Krishna consciousness has transformed me completely in this era of jet-set culture." Echoing the same note is Pave from Russia, now re-christened Paramatma das a became a devotee while on his teens, aged 15 years. It was after being disheartened with life and wand western way of life. Similarly, another Russian, Irra, now Kunti devi dasi admits, "Once I loved wearing minis. Presto! The day I inherited the lessons from the Gita in my life, I turned over a new leaf...a woman in real terms. And today, saree makes me not only graceful but also comfortable." Does Krishna consciousness mean abdicating social responsibilities and essential pursuits of life? "No," stresses Deepak and adds. "Any individual can take it up even though he or she is leading a routine worldly life. But bear one thing in mind, none can instantly accept or radically alter a lifestyle. Despite this, one can always under Krishna in one's heart according to one's own perceptions by chanting His name as well as following the simple message of the Gita." Everyday an hourlong discourse on each chapter of the Gita is rendered by Vishnu Priya dasi, an old devotee and lawyer by profession. As part of its interaction amongst all the members, IYF circulates newsletters and brings out a colorful bi-monthly Back to Godhead, published by youngsters. Chaitanya dasa says, "IYF's commitment to usher a new lease of life to every individual is aimed at ending baser emotions of arrogance, anger, and greed. Virtues values are what we strive to inculcate in the youth." © Copyright The Hindustan Times This story URL: http://vaishnava-news-network.org/world/WD9811/WD21-2537.html |
