Sundar Caitanya Goswami (center) with dignitaries and guests at the grand opening.

On April 7-8th, 2024, in a jubilant spectacle of devotion and celebration, crowds gathered for the grand opening of the ISKCON Mauritius Bambous Preaching Center. The long-awaited event was the culmination of a long-held dream for a preaching center on the west side of Mauritius.

At the helm of this transformative endeavor are Sundar Caitanya Goswami and Rasika Sindhu Dasa, whose dedication and tireless efforts have brought the Bambous Preaching Center to life. The seeds of this project were sown long before in the hearts of two earlier devotees – Adhyatmika Das and the late Srinivas Das. Tragically, the project faced a setback when Srinivas passed away, leaving it dormant for a period.

However, the flame of devotion never waned, and the project was reignited through the dedication of Sundar Caitanya Goswami and Rasika Sindu. Their vision, fueled by a strong commitment to spreading the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna, breathed new life into the endeavor, propelling it to its ultimate realization.

Construction of the Preaching Center.

Sundar Caitanya Goswami and Rasika Sindu emphasized the growing need for localized outreach on the westside of Mauritius, especially given the growth of devotees in the region. As Sundar Caitanya Goswami expressed, “The center will cater not only to the devotees within Bambous but also to those residing in surrounding villages and towns, fostering a decentralized approach to outreach.”

The opening ceremony captivated the hearts of the entire village, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm for Krishna consciousness. Rasika Sindu reflected on the profound impact of the center, stating, “Today, nearly every day, souls who were once unfamiliar with Krishna consciousness are drawn to the center, eager to immerse themselves in the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.”

Sundar Caitanya Goswami emphasized the center’s commitment to offering a diverse array of activities and classes, including Bhagavad-gita sessions, Bhakti Shastri courses, and youth outreach programs. “Our goal is to create a nurturing environment where individuals can deepen their connection with Krishna consciousness and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery,” he remarked.

Beyond its immediate impact, the Bambous Preaching Center plans for long-term expansion and outreach. Rasika Sindu outlined those plans for future growth, including the establishment of residential quarters to accommodate collaborators, traveling preachers, and international devotees, as well as the implementation of interfaith initiatives to foster greater inclusivity and unity within the community.

As the ISKCON News interview drew to a close, Sundar Caitanya Goswami and Rasika Sindu reflected on the personal significance of their involvement in the project. Sundar Caitanya Goswami  spoke passionately about his role as a facilitator of Krishna consciousness, stating, “As a sannyasi, it is my duty to propagate the teachings of Lord Krishna and provide a platform for devotees to serve and grow spiritually.” Rasika Sindu echoed this sentiment, expressing his belief in the transformative power of Krishna consciousness and his commitment to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision.

In conclusion, Sundar Caitanya Goswami remarked, “The journey towards spiritual awakening may begin with a single step, but it is the collective efforts of individuals united in their pursuit of truth that will illuminate the path for generations to come.” The grand opening of the Bambous Preaching Center marks not just the beginning of a new chapter for the westside of Mauritius and beyond. 

To connect with the Bambous Preaching Center and offer your support, follow them on Facebook, where they share all of their programs and events.