Gauranga Das about to go in the ring for his biggest fight, feeling confident with the Lord by his side.

Devotion and drive have shaped Gauranga Das’s commitment in the classroom and success in the boxing ring. His professional journey has also included a broad range of experiences serving others, each contributing to his development as a person and a devotee.

A central pillar in Gauranga’s life is his deep devotion to Lord Rama, who is the embodiment of virtues such as righteousness, courage, and compassion. “My faith in Lord Rama inspires me every day,” he shared, explaining how the teachings and stories from the Ramayana guide his actions and decisions. Gauranga often draws parallels between Lord Rama’s qualities and the challenges he faces in both teaching and boxing, allowing his spirituality to inform his approach to life.

Having recently completed his first term teaching English at a secondary school in Hertfordshire, near London, Gauranga reflected on the challenges he faced in the classroom. The student body is diverse, with many learners requiring special support for autism, ADHD, and other personality disorders. “It’s tough to keep everyone engaged,” he admitted. Yet, it is this challenge that fuels his commitment to teaching. Gauranga strives to create a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and understood. “Building that rapport is key,” he shared, illustrating his focus on creating connections with his students, a reflection of the compassionate nature of Lord Rama.

Before stepping into the realm of education, Gauranga’s career took him through several demanding roles. He worked as a prison officer in a youth offenders institution, where he encountered young individuals incarcerated for serious crimes, including gang-related offenses and violent acts. “The environment was intense, and I didn’t last long. The energy was a bit thick for me,” he recalled. This experience, although brief, exposed him to the complexities of human behavior and the challenges faced by troubled youth. Gauranga’s ability to empathize with these young individuals mirrors the forgiving and understanding nature of Lord Rama.

Prior to that, Gauranga was a caregiver for residents with dementia and also provided support for an autistic boy. These roles honed his ability to empathize and understand the nuances of caring for individuals facing significant challenges. “I’ve always been drawn to work that involves helping others, whether it’s in custodial settings or caring for vulnerable persons,” he explained, highlighting his desire to emulate the service-oriented qualities of Lord Rama.

His journey also took him to Hong Kong, where he spent two years teaching English. There, he met his partner, a native of Hong Kong, who now lives there while Gauranga continues his career in the UK. Their long-distance relationship poses its own challenges, yet it also fuels Gauranga’s commitment to personal and professional growth. “We visit each other whenever we can, and that keeps the connection strong,” he shared.

Gauranga’s passion for Thai boxing has been a significant aspect of his life for the past decade. With about ten fights under his belt, he faced a setback due to a recurring shoulder injury that required surgery. “Taking those couple of years off was tough, but I knew I needed to recover properly,” he reflected. After his recovery, he returned to the ring last year, reigniting his love for the sport. “Boxing teaches discipline and resilience; it’s a fantastic outlet,” he added, emphasizing the personal growth he experiences through training. In the ring, Gauranga channels the strength and courage exemplified by Lord Rama, viewing each match as an opportunity to grow spiritually, physically, and mentally.

The parallels between his roles in education and Thai boxing are striking. Both require dedication, adaptability, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. Gauranga thrives on this intersection, finding ways to apply the lessons learned in the ring to his classroom. “In boxing, you learn to keep your composure under pressure and to stay humble. That’s something I bring to teaching,” he explained, showcasing his determination to embody Lord Rama’s unshakeable resolve.

Despite the difficulties, Gauranga embraces his current path with enthusiasm. “I guess you could say I enjoy a challenge,” he acknowledged, though he sometimes questions the toll it takes. Balancing the demands of teaching and the physicality of boxing can be daunting. Yet, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of personal fulfillment and professional excellence.

Looking to the future, Gauranga envisions integrating his love for Thai boxing into his teaching. He hopes to establish a program that combines physical training with life skills development, promoting humility, discipline, and respect among students. “If I can get students involved in something like boxing, it might help them channel their energy positively,” he suggested, hoping to inspire them to follow a path of righteousness akin to that of Lord Rama.

Gauranga’s journey reflects the power of resilience, the importance of caring for others, and the guiding light of devotion. Through his diverse career experiences and unwavering faith in Lord Rama, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face in various contexts. As he continues to teach and train, Gauranga remains committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of his students and the broader community. He believes that “every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow,” embodying the spirit of a lifelong learner dedicated to inspiring those around him.

While Gauranga’s past fight videos are kept offline to prevent opponents from studying his techniques, devotees and supporters can stay updated on his journey and upcoming fights by connecting with him on Facebook. With every punch, lesson, and post, ISKCON News invites you to witness this unique path of resilience, discipline, and devotion.