” So therefore this varnasrama college is very essential. … So in our India, in a place like Vrndavana, Naimisaranya, like that, manypeople will come, if varnasrama college is established.” — Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Conversation with Governor of Vrndavana, April 20th, 1975.

Srila Prabhupada’s order is now close to getting fulfilled almost 33 years later! Amidst rate race in Vrindavan to turn the peaceful holy dham into a concrete jungle, ISKCON Vrindavan takes a bold step to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s mission of “Simple Living – High Thinking”.

Set in the ideal setting of ISKCON Krishna Balaram Goshala, the course will be run in association with ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry -India.

The first course of the VARNASRAMA COLLEGE is titled: “PANCHAGAVYA MEDICINES”. The course will begin on April 25th, 2011 and goes till May 31st.

We get a glimpse of how urgent it is to establish Varnasrama colleges by hearing Srila Prabhupada’s repeated statements in lecuters, conversations and morning walks. This urgency expressed by Srila Prabhupada is evident when he said:

“The varnasrama college has to be established immediately. Everywhere, wherever we have got our center, a varnasrama college should be established

to train four divisions…” – Morning Walk, Vrndavana, March 12th, 1974

With blessings and guidance of Panchagouda Das, Bhakti Rasamrta Swami, Sanak Sanatan Das and Bhakti Raghava Swami, a core group formed, is all set to introduce the debut course on “Panchagavya medicines”.

The “Panchagavya Medicines” course will teach not only a range of 18 products such as toothpowder, gooark, massage oil, dhoop, etc., but Ox training, Goshala design and maintenance and treatment to cows will also be covered.

Popularly known as “gomata products” of panchagavya department started around 5 years back. Its trademark statement – “Ancient rejuvenation therapy” and it’s quality has all made it pioneer in propagating these products.

The course aims at spreading the message of self-sufficiency to every town and village. These products promote cow protection and students after taking up this course are expected to start making these products for the benefit of their own village communities.

Gradually, over phases, more courses will be introduced. Srila Prabhupada’s blessings and support is behind the team working to make this happen.

“Krishna says, `I have made this varnasrama for the benefit of the whole human society, although I don’t belong to any varna, asrama.` Krishna has nothing to do, but to maintain the human society very peaceful, advancing in spiritual knowledge, this varnasrama is required. Therefore sometimes I become very eager to start a varnasrama college. We have nothing to do with varnashrama, we Krsna…, But we want to see that the whole human society is peaceful. That is our mission. Sarve sukhino bhavantu” —Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.1.12 Lecture

COURSE DETAILS:

1. Application form (also contains course curriculum) is available from goshala@gmail.com / girishmaniar@gmail.com.

2. Application deadline: April 13th, 2011.

3. There is no tuition fee but temples/institutions/organizations nominating their candidates for the course are expected to sponsor the

student.

4. Course duration: 36 Days (April 25th to May 31st)

5. Purpose: a. To train students in making panchagavya medicines, b. To teach principles of cow protection, c. To teach concepts and practices of Daiva Varnasrama culture

6. Who can apply: Single males above 18 years of age only.