- Reviving Krishna Consciousness in Kurukshetra
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada always wanted to re-establish Krishna Consciousness in Kurukshetra as it existed 5,000 years ago. It was in this sacred place that he first met Shrimati Morarji Desai, who later helped him spread Krishna Consciousness in the West. Kurukshetra was also dear to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, who frequently visited the region with his disciples and conducted many spiritual discussions. Inspired by their mission, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj has worked tirelessly to revive the spiritual essence of Kurukshetra. Under the leadership of HG Mohan Gaura Chandra Prabhu, ISKCON Kurukshetra has successfully engaged thousands of youths. One of the most impactful initiatives has been the Bhagavad Gita Olympiad, designed to make Gita wisdom interactive and relatable for students.
- Rising Awareness on Addiction
Severe addictions are rapidly consuming our society, affecting individuals across all demographics. The surge in mental health challenges among the working population and the escalating crisis of drug dependency highlight an urgent need for intervention. Recognizing the devastating effects of addiction, particularly in neighbouring Punjab, the Haryana government has acknowledged the gravity of the situation. In response, the government has initiated proactive measures to protect their youth, implementing long- term strategies to prevent them from falling into the same cycle of substance abuse.
Srila Prabhupada often emphasized the importance of working alongside the government, recognizing that with their vast resources, they have the power to create widespread impact. He used to say, “If you want to chase something, chase the rhino.” Inspired by and under the expert guidance of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, the devotees of ISKCON Kurukshetra have relentlessly pursued meaningful collaborations. Their dedicated efforts have led to the signing of two significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)—one with the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and another with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under Mission Spandan. These collaborations with the government were made possible through the support of key officials, including Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, and Mr. Anurag Garg, IPS, Director General of NCB, whose efforts played a crucial role in bringing this initiative to life.
- The Bhagavad Gita Olympiad
The signing of the MoU with the government significantly streamlined the process and expanded outreach efforts. With official support, devotees overcame key logistical challenges such as funding, space, and college permissions. To date, this structured approach has been successfully implemented in over 100 colleges, ensuring seamless and consistent execution. The program starts with registrations, followed by a 12-session Gita Course designed to connect with modern youth. These sessions include meditation therapy, counselling, and practical applications of the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings, helping students manage stress and make better decisions. Instead of just memorizing, students are encouraged to understand and apply what they learn. Timed quizzes ensure they grasp the concepts rather than just recalling answers for an exam. So far, devotee trainers have conducted over 4,500 Bhagavad Gita sessions, adding up to more than 10,000 hours of learning.
- Launching of International Gita Olympiad 2023 by Hon’ble Governer of Haryana Sh. Bandaru Dattatreya
- Launching of International Gita Olympiad 2023 by Hon’ble Governer of Haryana Sh. Bandaru Dattatreya
- Advanced Selection & Residential Workshop
- The top performers of the Gita Sessions attend a three- day residential workshop, which includes activities such as:
- Camps to sacred places
Book distribution and preaching engagement in nearby villages.
Theatrical performances on spiritual themes.
Group discussions for deeper engagement.
Participants visit historically significant sites like Abhimanyupur, Kamyak Van, Geeta Janmasthali, and Bhishma Kund to deepen their understanding of spiritual heritage. Some workshops are also conducted in Vrindavan, where students get the opportunity to give them a higher taste of the sacred atmosphere.
- Growing More Serious Devotees
Many students experienced a positive transformation and stayed connected by engaging in various services at ISKCON centres. More spiritually inclined people continued their journey through regular chanting sessions, deeper philosophical discussions, and practical preaching engagements. To further strengthen their connection, they also took part in book distribution events, sharing Krishna consciousness with others. These activities not only deepened their understanding but also gave them a sense of joy and responsibility in spreading spiritual teachings.
At the end of the workshop, students who complete the program are awarded Certificates of Merit, recognized by ISKCON, Kurukshetra University, and the Kurukshetra Development Board.
- So far, more than 1,600 students have taken part in these workshops, helping them gain a deeper understanding of Krishna Consciousness
The impact of this initiative has been significant. Around 92% of participants reported improved intellectual clarity and ethical decision-making skills. The curriculum included lessons on India’s rich heritage, teachings of great saints,and meditation therapy sessions. In addition, Endorsement students received personal counselling from practicing devotees, which helped them develop values such as truth, righteousness, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor of Haryana, praised it for bridging ancient wisdom with modern education. love, and peace. This guidance brought them closer to understanding the essence of the Bhagavad Gita, which ultimately inspires them toward devotional service to the Lord.
- Dhyan Sabha
- Connecting more people through chanting
Devotees have been able to reach even more people by introducing them to meditation on the holy names of the Lord. The power of the holy name is spreading beyond borders, as international students also join the regular
sessions alongside college students, including those at NIT Kurukshetra.
So far, devotees have conducted more than 15,000 meditation sessions, with students collectively completing over 8,000 hours of meditation.
- National Recognition and Government Endorsement
The International Gita Olympiad has received strong support from government officials and academicians for its impact on youth development. The initiative has been praised for its role in addressing stress, addiction, and mental well-being through Bhagavad Gita teachings and meditation sessions.
- Key Endorsements:
Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Chief Minister of Haryana, officially launched the Olympiad, emphasizing its role in guiding youth toward ethical living.
Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, highlighted its alignment with national de-addiction initiatives.
Mr. Anurag Garg (IPS), Director General, NCB, commended its collaboration with government agencies to tackle substance abuse and mental health issues.
Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Minister of Power & Housing, stressed the importance of value-based education.
Shri Mahipal Singh Dhanda, Education Minister of Haryana, encouraged more institutions to adopt such programs.
Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Governor of Haryana, praised it for bridging ancient wisdom with modern education.
Additionally, Prof. Som Nath Sachdeva, Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, and Prof B. V. Ramana Reddy, Director of NIT Kurukshetra, commended ISKCON’s efforts in making meditation and Gita education accessible and impactful for students.
This growing recognition reaffirms the Olympiad’s success in shaping a generation of focused, resilient, and ethically strong youth.
- A New Approach: Scaling Up with Government Support
In previous years, the program operated on a bottom- up approach, where devotees took full responsibility for organizing every aspect. They had to secure locations, raise funds, set up classes, and manage logistics for spiritual workshops and meditation camps—all with limited resources. While this approach was effective on a smaller scale, it posed significant challenges in expanding outreach. The recent years marked a transformational shift. With the government’s support through funded schemes, many logistical and financial barriers were removed, making the program more structured and scalable. Securing venues, resources, and permissions became easier, allowing seamless execution across multiple institutions. More importantly, this collaboration validated the importance of spiritual education, positioning it as a recognized and essential tool for youth development.
This partnership model not only helped reach more students than ever before, but also ensured sustainability, paving the way for similar large- scale initiatives in the future. Students have deeply appreciated the program, sharing how it has positively impacted their mental clarity, decision- making, and overall well-being.
- Impact of the program
100+ Colleges Covered – Successfully conducted structured sessions in over 100 colleges across Haryana.
4,500+ Sessions Delivered – Trainers from ISKCON Kurukshetra provided over 10,000 hours of spiritual education.
15,000+ Meditation Sessions at NIT Kurukshetra – Over 8,000 hours of spiritual practice.
92% Participants Reported Enhanced Decision- Making Skills – Clarity in ethical choices and stress management.
1,600+ Advanced Students Trained – Participated in one-month immersive training programs.
3,000+ Students Nationwide – Participants from various states, showcasing national-level interest.
Global Recognition – Interest extended beyond India, attracting students from different regions.
Two MoUs Signed – Partnerships with the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and the Narcotics Control Bureau.
Thousands of Certificates of Merit – Awarded in collaboration with ISKCON, Kurukshetra University, and the Kurukshetra Development Board.
3-Day Residential Workshop – Featuring book distribution, theatre, and group discussions.
Visits to Sacred Sites – Students experienced the historical and spiritual significance of Kurukshetra.
Many interested Students participated in outreach and book distribution.