A team of seven devotee graduates from the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will be joining the staff of Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School (BGIS)—ISKCON’s flagship school in Vrindavana, India—this July. 

Leading the talented and creative group as the School’s new Director is Dr. Lila Purushottoma Dasa, a current professor at IIT Kanpur. He is replacing outgoing Director Ananda Vrindavaneswari Dasi, who will remain involved in the School’s development in an advisory capacity.

Dr Lila Purushottama is keen to take the opportunity to promote BGIS—a boys’ boarding school established by ISKCON’s founder Srila Prabhupada back in 1976—as an ideal option for those who want their children to be educated in an environment dedicated to Krishna consciousness and academic excellence.

“The School addresses the learning needs of both primary and secondary students,” he says. “Its atmosphere is dedicated to bringing out the best in each student, in all aspects of life: whether it’s in the areas of art, music, math, languages, or science. Because that’s what Krishna consciousness is all about—learning to love and serve Krishna though actively developing our skills and talents, and preparing ourselves to live as people of character and competence—as Vaishnava gentlemen.”

Along with the opportunity to live as a devotee—each ashram of eighteen students has a temple room and deities to worship—students attend academic classes to prepare themselves for future study, work, or service. 

Over the years, Vrindavana Gurukula has enabled its students to perform at their best and continue on to universities of their choice, both in India and overseas.

Many graduates have stayed close and connected to nearby temples, regularly participating in their programs and activities. A few live in temple ashrams. 

Many Vrindavana Gurukula students have excelled in their studies both at the School and in their further education. Ramachandra Dasa from Nepal, for instance, scored an average of 93% in his finals last year, becoming the top High School student of the Mathura/Vrindavan District. He is now doing his Bachelor of Commerce at a university in Dublin, Ireland, and wowing his teachers there with his communication and presentation skills.

But he does not forget where he came from. When a particularly impressed professor asked where he went to school, Ramachandra replied that he had obtained his education in Vrindavana Gurukula, and that his faith in Krishna had given him the confidence to speak with ease in public.

Vrindavana Gurukula is now open for admission for the school year 2010 – 2011. Forms are available online at www.bgis.org. The school may be contacted by emailing info@bgis.org or phoning  +91-9198228551  or  +91-450709088.