Jayapataka Swami and one of the Co-Directors of Mayapur, Subhekshana Dasa speaking about the inauguration at the Pancatattva Hall in Mayapur.
On August 20, 2024, the Co-Directors of ISKCON Mayapur officially inaugurated the Sridham Mayapur Board of Education, marking a significant step toward enhancing and transforming the educational scenario of Mayapur.
The Board’s focus will be on key areas such as curriculum development, teacher training, and student support services. Its primary mission is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success both within ISKCON and in the wider world.
The Board is led by Bhakti Vijnana Goswami as Chairman, with Vasushresta Das serving as Vice-Chair, Jayapataka Swami as a member, and Aradhya Bhagavan Das as Secretary. The sub-committees, composed of heads of ISKCON Mayapur institutions and education experts, bring a wealth of experience and dedication to this endeavor.
Among the Board’s objectives are improving academic outcomes, fostering inclusive learning environments, and increasing community engagement in educational initiatives.
“We are excited to launch this new Board of Education,” said Co-Director Subekshana Das during the inauguration ceremony. “This board represents our commitment to investing in the future of our movement and ensuring that Mayapur has the infrastructure needed to make it a center of excellence in education,” added Tapan Mishra Das, GBC and Co-Director of Mayapur.
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, Chair of the Board, emphasized the importance of innovation and collaboration. He stated, “Our approach will be grounded in evidence-based practices and a collaborative spirit. We aim to work closely with principals, deans, teachers, parents, and students to address their needs and continuously improve the educational scenario.”
Some of the Board’s first priorities will be to conduct a comprehensive review of current educational programs and identify areas for enhancement. Additionally, the Board plans to implement new strategies to support both students and educators.
The establishment of the Board has been met with enthusiasm from the community. Ramanipati Das of SMIS and Bhaktivedanta National School commented, “The formation of this Board is a step in the right direction. It shows that our leaders are serious about bringing improvements in education standards and are willing to invest time and resources in our schools. We commit to fully support this initiative and make it successful.”
Srila Prabhupada placed immense importance on education, seeing it as a crucial aspect of spiritual and personal development. In his conversation at Bhaktivedanta Manor on July 25, 1973, he emphasized that “Education means to know God.”
In this context, the educational initiatives within ISKCON, such as the establishment of the Sridham Mayapur Board of Education, are seen as continuations of Srila Prabhupada’s vision. They aim to provide students with not only academic excellence but also spiritual wisdom, thereby fulfilling the true purpose of education as defined by Srila Prabhupada.
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