February 15th 2010 saw the graduation ceremony for the newest batch of Bhaktisastri students at the Mayapur Institute (MI) Sri Dham Mayapur Campus.

Approximately 75 students hailing from 34 different countries were present at the event, which began with a devotional “rap” by Prema Vikas Das from South Africa and a play by the women of the graduating class that Padmanayana Dasa, Director called “a purely sattvik experience”.

Janmastami Dasa, the founder of MI, spoke about the power of Sri Dham Mayapur and its significance on the students who undertake studies here. “Everyone who takes the courses at Mayapur has a transformation of the heart!”

Praghosh Dasa took the opportunity to thank Janmastami Prabhu for his dedication and commitment to serve Srila Prabhupada. He said “he [Janmastami Prabhu] went through a lot of trials and tribulations to keep MI going. MI is actually the seed or the beginning of a University in Mayapur”.

The course has students living in Sri Dham Mayapur for 3 months studying Srila Prabhupada’s books and participating in temple and campus activities, such as parikramas, 24-hour kirtans, seminars and temple service.

Radhanath Swami said that over the years he has observed how varieties of people become connected with ISKCON and how they all are transformed by Sri Dham Mayapur. He said, “It [Mayapur] really has a very powerful influence and divine facility to deeply impress Krsna Consciousness in their hearts.”

Anuttama Dasa said the students of MI are a testimony of ISKCON maturing. “Our tradition is the deepest and the richest. We have to allow our devotee members to experience the depth of our sampradaya, bring new energy to ISKCON.”

Lokanath Swami emphatically expressed how important it is for devotees to read Srila Prabhupada’s books. “Our movement is that of education. When you come you have sraddha – faith, but that is not enough. It can lead to punar mushika bhaav [become a mouse again]. Faith is good but that is not enough, you have to have Nistha! And how will you get that? Nityam bhagvata sevaya… if we don’t then we run a risk!” As one of the faculty members at MI, he assured the students that Srila Prabhupada is pleased with them.

Urmila Dasi, who taught at MI for the first time, added that “these books are our anchor, our refuge and our shelter. Whenever there is upheaval and fire of ordeal, it is very nice to turn to Srila Prabhupada’s books. But it’s hard to turn to them if you haven’t read them.”

But others reminded the young scholars that it takes more than just study. Sesa Dasa asked “How do we transform? By reading from sastra, by coming to the holy dham and by serving, not just by academic endeavor.”

His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami mentioned that Janmastami prabhu has transferred the reigns of MI to Padmanayana prabhu, as successor, and stepped down for personal health reasons. He mentioned that education is of prime importance in ISKCON as stressed in the current GBC meetings. He also thanked His Grace Atul Krsna Prabhu for his valiant efforts as a teacher and facilitator.

Certificates were awarded to the successful Bhaktisastri students, as well as to the first four Bhaktivaibhava graduates of MI.

The program ended with a vote of thanks by Janmastami Prabhu, who recently stepped down from the Directorship due to health concerns. He thanked Atul Krsna Dasa as “the unsung hero” and complimented him for his highly entertaining and interactive teaching style. He also lauded Padmanayana Dasa’s efforts and success in the short time since he took over management of MI. He concluded by saying “the growth and development of our students makes it worth going through all the troubles and tribulations.”