On July 16, 2024, Nilachal Vedic Village (NVV), ISKCON Talasari, hosted an event dedicated to supporting local villagers and children and promoting environmental sustainability. Nataraj Gauranga Das, under the guidance of Radhika Kanai Das, coordinated the event in collaboration with the Inner Wheel Club of Borivali.

The club’s visit to the NVV started with a feeding visit to the cows at the farm, followed by participation in a sacred Gaupuja. After the Gaupuja, the members had a darshan of their Lordships, followed by being introduced to the purpose and mission of NVV, emphasizing its dedication to spiritual, agricultural, and social improvement.

The visit included planting 50 trees, including mango, rose, and banyan trees. By planting more trees on the farm, the organizers aimed to fulfill a duty to the environment. This initiative also served to spread the mission of Srila Prabhupada through active community service and education.

In an effort to educate and protect the children, training sessions were conducted in each classroom about the concepts of good and bad touch. The sessions included guidance on how to react in uncomfortable situations, empowering the children with essential knowledge for their safety and well-being. Rasika Priti Devi Dasi also gave a presentation on women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of supporting women and paving the way for future collaboration. 

This event not only marked a significant step towards environmental sustainability but also showcased the power of community collaboration in making a meaningful impact. There was a distribution of sumptuous prasadam at the end of the program to around 250 children who also received the gift of some stationary items.

The community response was overwhelmingly positive. Nataraj Gauranga Das said, “Gifts and necessities distributed to local school children were well-received, assisting them in their daily studies and fostering a sense of being cared for. Additionally, the class on safe touch was warmly welcomed, contributing to the safety and awareness of the kids. The women empowerment project proposal also garnered enthusiastic support, creating opportunities for future development on the farm and work-from-home opportunities for local women.”

In her presentation, Rasikapriti Devi Dasi proposed a future CSR activity focused on empowering women, which was well received by the club members. Nataraj Gauranga Das added, “The organizers plan to promote more CSR activities to develop the farm further and set an example of ideal village living. They aim to create a robust support system for local villagers and tribal communities while spreading the mission of Srila Prabhupada.”

Interested individuals can contact the farm authorities to offer support in various forms, including volunteer services, donations for cow protection, tree plantation, and support for local schoolchildren or villagers. Additional services can be discussed directly with the farm representatives. For more information on the NVV, please visit the website and follow them on Facebook. You may also email them or reach out via WhatsApp at 8451844108.