Middle and elementary school kids who participated in the “Dhruva” performance.

Recently, the Duluth High School auditorium in Duluth, Georgia, USA, was transformed into a lively spiritual haven as GitaWise hosted its annual day celebration, an extraordinary event dedicated to the reverence of Lord Krishna. The event, attended by nearly 400 community members, featured over 90 talented students who took to the stage, enchanting the audience with mesmerizing dances and thought-provoking dramas.

The September 7th event was distinctively themed “Back to the Future,” a reference to the changing modes of devotion through time. The different yugas: Satya, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali, are known for exemplifying varying characteristics of deity worship. Despite their differences, all of these paths to devotion are significant in their own ways as the overarching concept of carrying love towards Lord Krishna. The creative presentation highlighted the spiritual evolution of humanity, traversing the various yugas.

The performance commenced with four young girls embodying the influences of our Kaliyuga age – laziness, confusion, and disorientation. As they struggled to find their way, Lord Krishna appeared, guiding them on a transformative journey through the yugas. This poignant depiction illustrated the eternal relevance of Lord Krishna’s teachings, illuminating the path to spiritual realization.

In addition to this performance, the event showcased an array of captivating performances, each one reflecting a facet of Lord Krishna’s divine glory. From elegant Kuchipudi to vibrant folk dances, every presentation was infused with devotion and passion. In addition to these traditional performances, three dramas titled Sakshigopal, Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill, and Dhruva were performed, each with ornate props and costumes. These performances featured voice recording overlays by the students alongside passionate theatrical performances. Thus, the GitaWise Annual Day demonstrated the power of art and culture in conveying timeless spiritual truths. As the students’ performances brought Lord Krishna’s stories to life, the audience was captivated by the enduring significance of His teachings.

A Triple Win: Empowering Students, Teachers, and Community

The GitaWise program embodies the spirit of win-win-win, encouraging spiritual growth across several audiences.

· The Students win: By learning deep spiritual values, developing empathy, and cultivating compassion.

· The Teachers and volunteers win: Through selfless service to Krishna, they find empowerment and spiritual growth.

· The Community wins: Benefiting from GitaWise’s philanthropic contributions, which have exceeded $100,000 over the past eight years, supporting social causes and projects worldwide. Each year, Gita Wise donates to temples, ashrams, and other nonprofits in the United States and India.

Fostering Community Through Spiritual Connection

This remarkable event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the GitaWise team, parents, and students. Their collective dedication inspires others to embark on a similar journey of spiritual exploration, bringing families, students, and the community together.

As the curtains closed on this extraordinary celebration, the audience departed with hearts filled with joy, minds enriched with spiritual insights, and souls nourished by the divine presence of Lord Krishna. This can be seen most prominently through the impact the event had on students participating in the program.

Rasagna Vuppala, a student in the GitaWise collegiate team, remarked, “Not only was I able to share my understanding of lessons from the Gita to over +300 people in the audience, but I was also very inspired by all the programs to apply this wisdom.” Sonika Tatipalli added, “Having been a part of GitaWise for the past 11 years, I was so grateful for the opportunity to emcee the event. It was a full-circle moment for me, from a young student learning the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita to now playing a role in sharing those lessons with others.”

Readers are invited to save the date for next year’s event and join the GitaWise family in their continued quest to spread love, knowledge, and devotion to Lord Krishna. You can follow Gita Wise’s inspiring work by visiting their website and following them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.