Hidden Glories of India at Masterskill College

BY BHAKTA PRABHU MURUGESU

June 13, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (FRI) – The Nyana Yatra Indian Cultural Society of Masterskill College organized a major event which took place in the college auditorium on Friday 13th June 2008. Approximately 200 students came for this amusing and thought provoking presentation. Two speakers from VOICE Academy were invited to present to a vastly intellectual crowd. Dr K. Sinivasagan, a senior dental surgeon and also the Chairperson for VOICE Malaysia Academy presented “The Hidden Glories of India”, while Prabhu Murugesu, a Mechanical Engineering (Hons.) undergraduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional presented “The Science of The Vedas”.

Mass recitation of prayers in glorification of Lord Narasimha

BY BHAKTA PRAJINDRA SANKAR

May 31, BANDAR SUNGAI LONG, MALAYSIA (SAT)  – The appearance day of Lord Narasimha which was celebrated on 19^th May 2008 commemorates the appearance of Lord Vishnu as half man, half lion, to protect His devotee Prahlad Maharaj from his demonic father Hiranyakashipu. At Iskcon Kuala Lumpur, it was indeed a grand celebration. Many took part in hearing the nectarian pastimes of the Lord and rendered prayers in glorification of Lord Narasimha. For those who never had the opportunity to do so, His Grace Madhumaya Krsna Das prabhu and Her Grace Astasakhi Devi Dasi mataji had made special arrangements at Garden Park Condominium so that others may have the privilege of celebrating the appearance day of Lord Narasimha at their very own home. Upon humble request, Mr. and Mrs. Selva had happily agreed to host the evening program and invite more people.

Convention in Port Dickson

BY BHAKTA KUMAR

May 23, PORT DICKSON, MALAYSIA -The Congregational Development Ministry of Iskcon KL organised a 3-day convention from 23rd May to May 25 2008 at NUBE, Port Dickson.

The program is an initiative by the Congregational Development Ministry to further equip and train aspiring preachers with the necessary knowledge, and skills to preach to greater heights in the most magnanimous cause of sankirtan yajna of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Battle of Kurukshetra 2008

BY MATHURA LILESVARI

Come 7th June 2008, T. A. S. K ( To Always Serve Krishna) of ISKCON Kuala Lumpur will be organising Battle of Kurukshetra, an annual Bhagavad Gita Quiz and Sloka Festival. This festival was inaugurated and was launched by HG Simheswara Das, the regional Secretary of ISKCON Malaysia last year. Battle of Kurukshetra received overwhelming response from devotees all over Malaysia. Parents looked at it as an opportunity to engage their children in reading the Bhagavad Gita.

Prerana in Kuala Lumpur

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR
April 26-27, KUALA LUMPUR (SAT-SUN) – On the evening of the 26^th and 27^th of April 2008, V.O.I.C.E (Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education), a newly an affiliated arm of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Kuala Lumpur, made its first-time initiative of organizing a dance and drama event called ‘Prerana’ which means inspiration in Sanskrit. This event was held in Tan Sri K.R Soma Auditorium at Wisma Tun Sambanthan. The occasion was publicised widely in the local media as well as several prominent organisations and received overwhelming response. The main purpose of Prerana is to raise funds for undergraduate university and college programs organised by V.O.I.C.E throughout the year which include forums, seminars, intervarsity summits, Xpressions and inter-faith talks. These programs are intended to encourage the development of well-rounded, successful, cultured young leaders with a balanced approach in their material and spiritual life. Besides serving as a fund raising event, Prerana was also used as a platform to introduce VOICE to the public eye.

UNITEN – Shivarathri

BY BHAKTA PRABHU

March 11, KUALA LUMPUR (TUE) – Another mesmerizing and informative talk on glories of Lord Shiva was delivered by H.G.Vishnu Caitanya dasa. It was specially requested by “UNICS” the Hindu society of University Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), in conjunction of Shiva rathri festival. The much needed information of Lord Shiva has definitely made the students revered the Lord as a great personality. Going further as explained by His Grace, Lord Shiva is incharge for the mode of ignorance, who is the destructive source for the whole creation. The glorification of Lord Shiva is also found in the vedas and puranas such as Srimad Bhagavatam, Shiva Puranam and so forth.

 

MBS – Science of the Vedas

 

BY PRAJINDRA SANKAR KRISHNAN

Mar 19, KUALA LUMPUR (WED) – Many would have thought that the ancient teachings of the Vedas are no longer applicable especially in this era of modern technology but the students of Methodist Boys School (MBS) were definitely astonished to find out the truth in contrast to our common believes after attending a multimedia presentation entitled, ‘Science of the Vedas – its relevance in modern day society’.

The multimedia talk was organized by the Indian Cultural Society of MBS in accordance to their ‘Religious Week’ line of events. Bhaktin Padma, one of the Pandava Sena youths of Sri Jagannath Mandir Kuala Lumpur who is currently pursuing her Form 6 studies there took the responsibility to organize the multimedia talk. The talk was held in a computer lab and was scheduled to begin at 7.30am. It took quite a while to gather all the students. By 7.40am, the computer lab was crowded with approximately 70 students ranging from Form 3 to Form 6. The Indian teachers were very helpful in coordinating the students and calming them down. Around 10 Indian teachers attended the talk, which was a good turn up from the teaching force. After a brief introduction of the speaker by the host, the talk officially started at 7.45am.

MMU – Science of the Vedas

BY BHAKTA RAJENDRAN

Mar 5, MALACCA, MALAYSIA (WED) – Indian Cultural Society of Multimedia University (MMU), Malacca Campus organized the 2nd multimedia talk entitled ‘Science of the Soul’. Previously, in March 2007, through the same Indian Cultural Society of Multimedia University Malacca Campus, we have conducted a talk on the “Science of the Vedas.”

Upon our arrival in MMU, we were directed to the venue (CLC-2008) and was informed that the talk will be delayed about an hour due to many students are still having their classes. We noticed that there were two Chinese students already occupying the venue. They came for the talk and stayed till the end of the show, appreciating the entire presentation.

University College Sedaya International – Science of the Vedas

BY SHOBNA SHREE

Feb 21, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (THU) -Indian Cultural Society (ICS) of University College Sedaya International (UCSI) organized the 2 multimedia talk which entitled ‘Science of the Vedas’. The talk was held in Auditorium and was scheduled to begin at 6.30pm. Due to some unavoidable problem, the talk officially started at 7.00pm with total number of 17 people.

Xpression in Penang

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Feb 22, PENANG, MALAYSIA (FRI) — Another milestone achievement of CD Ministry of Iskcon KL, spreading it wings regionally, the 3rd installation of XPRESSION was successfully held at BCC Seberang Jaya, Penang.

22 February 2008, 8.00pm – Invited devotees and well wishers gathered at Srivas Caitanya Dasa house to wait for the bus that will take them to the Bhaktivedanta Cultural Centre in Sri Sri Radha Krsna Temple Complex, Seberang Prai. A total number of 17 prabhus and 14 matajis bordered the bus with their luggage and about 9.00pm we left for our destination. VOICE organizing committee brought along laptops, projector, screen, mrdangas and kartals to be used during our Xpression program at BCC. The journey took approximately 6 hours and we reached the centre at 3am. Prabhus were accommodated at the bramachari ashram at the centre, and the matajis on the other hand were placed at Safira Country Club, a close distance to BCC. During the early morning hour, another three prabhus joined the others at the ashram, making the total number of prabhus staying at the ashram in the seminar hall dubbed Nityananda to be 20.

UniTen – Science of Self Awareness

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Feb 18, KUALA LUMPUR (MON) — University Tenaga Nasional (Uniten)’s Vedic Bureau presented another series of Vedic Talks with this one titled the Science of Self Awareness, which was meant to present about the yogas, namely karma, jnana, raja, and bhakti. The talk held on Monday the 18^th of February was scheduled to begin at 7.30pm.

More Bhagavad-Gita Workshops

BY BHAKTA GAJENDDRA RAJ

16 FEB, KUALA LUMPUR (SAT) – The 2nd and 3rd session of the 6-session Bhagavad Gita workshop which was held simultaneously, was participated participated by 32 undergraduates from various universities. Both the events took place in two lecture rooms in Sri Jagannatha Mandir, Kuala Lumpur which started at 6.30pm and ended at 9.00pm. HG Visnu Caitanya dasa, who is in handling the first session with 16 participants approached it in a different manner. In his session, Bhakta Hemalan Nambiar was asked to give a short presentation on the “Application of Bhagavad-Gita”. Overwhelmed with Bhakta Hemalan’s presentation, Vishnu prabhu mentioned that this will be “on the spot training” for the participants of the first batch comprising of 16 students.

Bhagavad-gita Workshop for undergrads

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Jan 12, KUALA LUMPUR (SAT) – The second session of 6- session workshop was held simultaneously with a new batch of students who attended the first session. Two rooms were used at Sri Jagannath Mandir, one for HG Visnu Caitanya Dasa who continued with the first group and another for HG Rasika Murari Dasa, who started off with a new batch of students.

This event saw the decline in the previous participants of the first batch as the date chosen for the workshop clashed with certain varsity activities. The turn out in total for the first group is 18. Ironically, the second group saw a tremendous welcome from Masterskill College. The total turn out for the second group is 42.

Bhakti Vriksa class for undergrads

BY BHAKTA KUMAR

Jan 5, PETALING JAYA (SAT) – The 2nd BV class for the year 2008 was successfully organized by the VOICE of Uni team headed by Dr. Srivas Caitanya Das at the home of Bh Kumar and Bh Mei Yee. The class was attended by 29 people including His Grace Gaurachandra Prabhu and Her Grace Chandrika Mataji.

The session started with an enthusiastic kirtan by the VOICE team (lead by Prajin Prabhu) followed by an interactive short class on Lord Narashimadeva’s anger personification by Gajen Prabhu. Dr Srivas Prabhu then gave a brief overview about the benefits of vegetarianism and showed a special video on the pitiful condition of animals in slaughterhouses.

UniTen – Science of Relationship

BY HEMALAN NAMBIAR

Jan 2, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (WED) — Adding to the list of successful talks at Uniten, HG Gaurachandra Dasa made his debut at Uniten on the 2^nd of January 2008 by presenting the science of relationship. The talk, which is primarily based on the relationship of the soul with the supreme personality of godhead, was well received by 65 students at the university. Also present were the head or academic department, student’s affairs division and the society’s advisor.

This evening of education began with a elegant kirtan led by HG Gaurachandra prabhu, who sang the Maha Mantra tuned to the rings of the kartal, the beats of the mrdanga played by Bhakta Prajindra and the beautiful sounds of the harmonium by Bhakta Prabhu. HG took 15 mins, doing the kirtan, tuning the minds of listeners, to an almost “spiritual” frequency. At 8.45pm a small introduction into the days topic was given and then the main highlight of the day began. Gaurachandra prabhu started with basics, explaining the need to understand this divine and confidential relationship with Krsna.

Undergrads usher New Year with Harinam in Balakong

BY BH SREEMAN

Jan 1, BALAKONG, MALAYSIA (TUE) — VOICE of Uni team with full enthusiasm, were on their toe’s to start the year 2008 with Harinam sankirtana along with palanquin procession of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai at Taman Cheras Jaya, Balakong. The sweet name of the lord ushered the year with transcendental sound vibration.

As planned earlier, the VOICE of Uni team comprising of 20 core members, gathered at Dr. Srivas’s residence to prepare prasadam for the event. The cooking team was headed by Kamalavati dd and it was a fun filled moment where everyone joined hands together in the loving service of the Lord. Some core members helped Balamba mataji with the palanquin decoration. We truly felt all of us as one family, a Krishna Conscious family that was blessed by Srila Prabhupada.

World Holy Name Day – Malaysia

BY UTTAMA CAITANYA DASA

September 22, KUALA LUMPUR (SAT) – In counjunction with the World Holy Name Day, Sri Jagannatha Mandir’s 23 sankirtan parties went out on the streets of KL/Selangor to chant the Holy ames of Krishna. Most of these parties went out on Saturday, either morning or evening, spending at least 2 hours. The number of sankirtaneers in each
party varied from 5 to 20.

Areas covered include – KL, Rawang, Banting, Subang Jaya, Klang, Port Klang, Batang Berjuntai, Kajang, Shah Alam.

It is safe to say that at least 250 devotees were involved in this blissful seva.

Uniten Preaching update

BY RASIKA MURARI DASA

August 22, KUALA LUMPUR (WED) – After meeting at the resident of Dr. Srivas pr in Balakong, we car pooled to Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten). By the time we arrived, there were some 70 students very eagerly aiting for the show to begin. The boys (Prajindra and Prabhu) were still very busy with their final arrangement. They were constantly moving about letting up the sound system, projector, screen, lighting and etc.

After about half an hour, Hemalan, took the microphone and started the announcement, introducing the speaker, HG Vishnu Caitanya pr. and the evening’s itineraries. By this time there were about 120 students, lecturers and guests in the auditorium.

Then the show began with very sweet bhajan and chanting of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. Since, this is their fourth session and many of our boys are kind of active in the Indian Society of Uniten, they have been entrusted and given a free hand in managing the entire show. Factually, everyone enjoyed the short but sweet kirtan, including the chief guest Ms. Vathana (Secretary) and Mr. Siva (lecturer).

At about, 8.45pm, HG Vishnu Caitanya pr. took the center stage and made everyone bolted down to their seat with his mesmerizing presentation on the topic of Bhagavad Gita the jewel of the scriptures. Giving many practical analogies, cracking jokes, tactfully relating songs lyrics with life’s impediments and seriously pointing out the flaws in modern education and civilization, he captured the trust of the audience and promptly directed them to the supreme instruction for the age of the Kali, “Kalau tad Hari Kirtanat.”He then led the chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with great response from the students and ended his an hour and half lively presentation. The organizers are planning for a six session Bhagavad Gita classes as a continuity measures and many have agreed to participate. We have also extended our invitation to them to attend the Sri Krishna Janmasthami Celebration in SJMKL.

Outreach Programme – Agathians Shelter

BY MATHURA LILESVARI 

Mar 12, KUALA LUMPUR (SUN)

As part of our outreach programme, Pandava Sena of Sri Jagannatha Mandir continued our monthly visit to the Agathians Shelter home, Petaling Jaya, last Saturday. This home provides shelter to 30 boys. As proposed, we will be conducting programmes at this orphanage on a monthly basis. The objectives are to introduce Krishna Consciousness to the children, caretakers and at the same time engaging and training our youths in preaching activities.

Youth class

BY MATHURA LILESVARI DEVI DASI

Feb 25, KUALA LUMPUR (SUN) – HG Gaura Chandra das (RNS)  delivered a wonderful interactive class to the youths last Sunday in Sri Jagannatha Mandir. The topic given to prabhu was Chanting Hare Krishna. The entire class was very well planned and he started by explaining the importance of chanting and why we should chant. Prabhu explained how everyone in this world are looking for one thing – HAPPINESS and in the material world, no matter what we may have we will end up in distress. Only by turning to the Lord and engaging ourselves in His service will we ever get the HAPPINESS or BLISS. He quoted Srila Prabhupada’s analogy that says that a man in the material world is like a fish out of water.