Since 2019, the ISKCON Ministry of Education has been organizing an annual symposium named Viplavah to unite ISKCON educators and leaders worldwide, foster collaboration, and share invaluable insights to expand Srila Prabhupada’s vision for education. 

The theme for the 2024 symposium, held virtually from December 18 to 22, was Children’s Education. The event highlighted remarkable contributions from educators across the globe, with presentations recorded and shared on the Ministry’s official YouTube channel and promoted via various social media platforms.

The event encapsulated Srila Prabhupada’s vision for children, as expressed in his letter to Satsvarupa on December 17, 1971: “If children are given practical guidance on the transcendental platform, above the bodily and mental conception of life, then they will develop into perfect citizens – moral, honest, hard-working, law-abiding, clean, faithful to home and country, like that. That is the unmatched success of our Krishna consciousness schooling system.”

In line with the theme, the symposium served as a powerful platform for worldwide educators speaking different languages, emphasizing a holistic approach to child development. This approach combined spiritual, moral, and academic growth with skills training, considering these aspects as part of a continuous process for the movement’s future.

Presentations covered diverse topics, such as creative curricula tailored for children’s education, children’s literature, the study of scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam and Sanskrit, the significance of devotional activities for children, educational levels for preschool through senior school, the importance of modern education, integrating Vedic wisdom with contemporary learning, and unlocking children’s spiritual potential using psychological approaches.

Among the dedicated presenters was Urmila Devi Dasi (ACBSP), who brought over 50 years of teaching experience and has authored several books, including Vaikuntha Children. Additionally, Radhakanta Das, Dean and Administrative Head of Bhaktivedanta Gurukul and International School, Vrindavana, highlighted the incorporation of works by Aruddha Devi Dasi and Shubha Vilas Dasa into their curriculum.

Devotees represented regions across the globe, including Australia, Africa, North America, South America, the Middle East, and India. Srivas Das from Ghana, Africa, participated, while Gopi Gita Devi Dasi co-launched her new book, Leadership Training. Jayshree Devi Dasi and Abhideya Devi Dasi shared their experiences teaching in Australia, and Sulakshana Gopi Devi Dasi contributed her expertise from the Middle East.

Devotees from different parts of India were also present. Tarini Radha Devi Dasi from Chennai provided extensive resources for children, Sangini Devi Dasi from Madurai spoke about her school rooted in Srila Prabhupada’s values, Bhagavati Kripa Devi Dasi from Mira Road-Mumbai focused on teacher training, Priya Gaurangi Devi Dasi from Delhi spoke about managing a thriving Sunday School, and Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi from Mayapur addressed children’s needs in congregation preaching.

To cater to a diverse global audience, the videos were made available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil, and Hindi. These practical and inspiring presentations can be accessed anytime on the ISKCON Education Ministry website under the Children’s Education section.

To explore all the resources assembled by ISKCON Education Ministry, visit their वेबसाइट. You can also follow them on Telegram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

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