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Golden Avatar Gurukula Newsletter June 2025

We offer this newsletter to our dearmost beloved spiritual master, nitya-līlā-praviṣṭa oṁ viṣṇupāda astottara-sata Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja

A Heartfelt Thank You from Banti

Hare Krishna, my dandavat pranams to all the Vaishnavas, all my Godbrothers and Godsisters, those who are helping the Golden Avatar Gurukula. My heartfelt obeisances and best wishes to all of you.
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It has been a great honour and I really want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for supporting us. You guys are taking a big initiative to support our charity. Because of you, the lives of many of the kids of the holy land of Nabadwip are changing. With all your help, a kid’s life can be transformed from a small and congested family environment to a nurturing environment at Golden Avatar Gurukula where he or she can get a lot more support and loving attention. Here, the kids can get at least one hot meal a day, learn the Vedic scriptures as well as get tuition on academic subjects taught in their government school curriculums. All of this will help them with their livelihood later on. At the same time, they are learning all the Vedic knowledge which will help them in their spiritual lives as well, which they will not get from other schools anywhere in the world. There are probably a lot of good schools in the world but hardly any school where they can get spiritual education. So this is a remarkable and unique feature of Golden Avatar Gurukula which we are offering to them - education for their souls.

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All together as a team, we are helping each other to grow and to nurture our souls and to nurture their souls. This is wonderful. We can do this as a team. Thanks to your donations, we can do our part. I can say this is great teamwork. Here at Golden Avatar Gurukula, we look after the physical, mental and spiritual health of the kids. This is very unique and very rare.

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So thank you so much for all your help. Thanks to you, the kids are being fed wholesome and nutritious prasadam (pure vegetarian that has been offered to the Lord), they are getting shelter and they are getting all the knowledge. We aspire to continue to help them in future as well, until they find their own ways in their lives. In this way, they can flourish in the areas that they choose to pursue. By keeping the divine knowledge in their hearts that they are not this body, that they are eternal souls, they are able to act accordingly so that they can build relationships with many of the devotees.
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In the future, we would also like to grow and expand our Gurukula because more and more students are coming day by day. Seeing the improvements of the kids, many other parents are also wanting to bring their kids to the Gurukula. More and more people are growing their faith in Golden Avatar Gurukula. So we definitely need to stretch beyond our current limitations to accommodate more students, such as having bigger classrooms and more facilities. Our organic farming at the school’s new land is going great. Later on, we can even have a goshala (protective shelter for cows). One of our students, Raganuga, just passed his Grade 10 exams and he is aspiring to become a doctor so that he can help the poor people from his village where he comes from. So if we have enough funds and resources, we might even open up a hospital one day where poor people can come and take shelter and get treatments. So this is our long-term vision and goal. We will see how we can achieve our dream. I know that Krishna will help us and show us the way, especially if our desires are pure and to serve Him.

I pray and wish everyone well and have a happy life. This is all that I can say as words are not enough to express my gratitude. Many many thanks.

by Banti (Subal Sakha das), Principal of Golden Avatar Gurukula

Student Spotlight - Raganuga

Heart of the Village - The Inspiring Journey of Raganuga

In the quiet lanes of Nabadwip, West Bengal, where the sacred Ganges gently flows and the air hums with age-old hymns, lives a boy whose story brings warmth to every heart it touches. His name is Raganuga—a name whispered with pride in the corridors of Golden Avatar Gurukula, an educational NGO that has become a beacon of hope for countless underprivileged children. For the last seven years, Raganuga has not only been a student of this Gurukula but a living embodiment of its mission, where spiritual wisdom meets life-changing education.
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Born into a humble family, Raganuga's father makes a meagre living selling pani puri (a common snack and street food, also known as puchka in Nabadwip). Their small income barely stretches across the family's needs. In the face of economic hardship, dreams like education, music, or healthcare often fade into the shadows. But Raganuga’s light refused to dim.

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Through the tireless efforts of Golden Avatar Gurukula, Raganuga received free education, nutritious meals, and most importantly, love and guidance rooted in the timeless teachings of Sanatana Dharma. As a first-generation learner, his determination has been nothing short of miraculous. Today, he stands proud with over 85% marks in every subject, a feat that has filled his home with hope and his teachers with joy.

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Yet academics are just one dimension of this vibrant young soul. Raganuga has also embraced devotional arts. He can now play the mridanga, harmonium, and kartals with passion and precision. In bhajan sessions and festivals, his melodies lift the spirits of all who listen. Alongside this, he’s also learning gardening, an activity that connects him deeply with nature, nurturing life from soil, just as the Gurukula has nurtured his growth.

His days are filled with calisthenics, yoga, arts and crafts, baking, and electrical experiments. He is the kind of child who builds a small motor in the morning and shapes dough into sweet confections by evening. His energy is boundless, but his heart is rooted in service.

But what truly sets Raganuga apart is not just his academic excellence, it's his depth of character. One spiritual teaching that he holds closest to his heart is a timeless verse from the Śrī Śikṣāṣṭakam:
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tṛṇād api su-nīcena

taror iva sahiṣṇunā

amāninā māna-dena

kīrtanīyaḥ sadā hariḥ
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“One who thinks himself lower than a blade of grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honour yet is always prepared to give all respect to others can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.”

When life feels heavy or confusing, Raganuga silently recalls this verse. “One can never learn anything as long as they think they know everything,” he says thoughtfully. “I wish to keep learning more and share with everyone what Subal (Banti) Dada and Dalia Didi have taught me.” These two dedicated mentors from Golden Avatar Gurukula have been pillars in his journey, encouraging both his inner and outer growth.

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When asked about his future, Raganuga's eyes light up—not with dreams of riches or fame, but with purpose. He wants to become an RMP (Rural Medical Practitioner), to bring healthcare and awareness to the villages where people like his own father often go unnoticed. “I want to help others the way Golden Avatar Gurukula has helped me,” he says. “No one should suffer when help can be given. We must serve, just as we were taught—to love and care without condition.”

Golden Avatar Gurukula’s impact on Raganuga is not just visible—it’s alive. Every smile he shares, every class he attends, every beat of the mridanga he plays, carries the invisible imprint of a movement of compassion that believes every child deserves a chance—a chance to thrive, to grow, and to give back.

In a world that often forgets its villages, Raganuga stands tall—a symbol of what happens when heart, heritage, and education come together. He is more than a student. He is a seed of change. And one day, he will be the healer his village never had—but always needed.

by Gaurangi dasi

A Heart-Touching Celebration of Joy, Talent, and Spirituality: Golden Avatar Gurukula’s Open Day

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For 16 years, Golden Avatar Gurukula, a humble yet deeply impactful NGO nestled in the heart of Nabadwip, has been nurturing young minds and hearts with values of love, service, and devotion. Three months ago, the Gurukula opened its doors to the community through a celebration of everything the Gurukula stands for, as it hosted its long-awaited Open Day Program, an event that touched every soul present.

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Within just one week of preparations, the children displayed exceptional dedication and teamwork in organising an array of performances. Their spirit and unity transformed the simple school grounds into a vibrant stage of culture and devotion. Guests watched in awe as the children performed graceful dances, powerful dramas, soul-stirring kirtans, and even yoga demonstrations that reflected discipline, creativity, and spiritual grounding they have received through the nurturing environment the Gurukula has provided over the years.

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The program was graced by the presence of the Chairman of Nabadwip, whose heartfelt words of appreciation acknowledged the Gurukula’s invaluable role in community development. He explained how institutions like Golden Avatar Gurukula play a vital role in shaping future generations. His associates were visibly moved, witnessing the level of talent and spiritual maturity these children had developed under the Gurukula’s wing.

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Another highly respected guest, Caru Chandrika Didi, a senior disciple of our beloved spiritual master Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaj, also graced the occasion. Her gentle presence carried the wisdom of decades of spiritual practice. As she spoke to the children and attendees, sharing stories and insights from her life of devotion, one could feel a silent stillness in the room—a reverence that only true spiritual depth can inspire. Her words planted seeds in young and old hearts alike, reminding all that true education can only be acquired through sincere service.

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The event drew over 200 attendees, including parents, local supporters, and well-wishers, all of whom left deeply touched and inspired. The attendees praised the children’s performances and commended the Gurukula staff for fostering an environment where learning extends beyond academics to encompass moral and spiritual development. Some parents were seen with moist eyes, not from sadness, but from the overwhelming beauty of what the children had offered, a reminder that love, sincere endeavour and spiritual mercy can create miracles.
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For Golden Avatar Gurukula, the Open Day was more than a community gathering, it was a reaffirmation of our mission. A moment that reminded everyone why this sacred space exists, celebrating 16 years of unwavering commitment to the upliftment of children, through values based on education, cultural heritage and devotion.

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As the program concluded, the atmosphere remained filled with a sense of collective inspiration and gratitude. The children’s laughter lingered in the air, wrapping everyone in a warmth that only pure-hearted service can give. The event stood as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when education is rooted in purpose, tradition, and service.

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Golden Avatar Gurukula continues to be not just an educational institution, but a guiding light, dedicated to fulfilling the loving instructions given by Srila Gurudev in the month of Kartik, 2008.

by Gaurangi dasi​
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Treasurer Report

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Apart from one-off construction/legal expenses, overall expenses have remained steady over the past three months as the Golden Avatar Gurukula has borne the costs of the increased wages for the teachers and also the additional costs of buying groceries. Plans are underway to rely on our farming to cover as much of this as possible but as the crops are seasonal and we are currently reaching monsoon season, it will take time to come to fruition. We have 2 new teachers who are former students who are helping a lot.

Paying for groceries remains a challenge with the prices going up due to increased costs of living but the amount provided by monthly donors has allowed the Gurukula to build a solid base and manage day-to-day expenses, although this is becoming more stretched and we are looking at ways with your help to increase any regular donations which will allow us to plan ahead and manage the inevitable ups and downs along the way.

by Shyamohan das, Treasurer

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Beautiful new artwork and handpainted cotton tote bags and t-shirts available! (Handpainted by the Golden Avatar Gurukula children themselves. E-mail us at info@goldenavatargurukula.com for more information. ​ Buy now

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When jackfruits are in season, what better dish to cook than a raw jackfruit and potatoes curry. Dalia shares her recipe here.

Preparation and Cooking Time: less than 1 hour

Ingredients

1.5kg raw jackfruit (cut into cubes)

500g potatoes (cut into cubes)

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 dried red chilli

3 bay leaves

Pinch of asefatida (hing)

Bengali garam masala (grind together 6 cloves, 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder, 1/4 cardamom powder)

1 tablespoon mustard oil

2 tablespoons ghee

Coconut milk (optional for fancy version) or if no coconut milk, you can make a paste with some cashews and melon seeds

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Spice Paste (grind together):

2 tsp ginger

1 tsp cumin seeds

3 tsp coriander seeds

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Method:

1. Boil the cut raw jackfruit in water with a little turmeric powder and salt for 30 minutes until half cooked.
2. In a pot, put mustard oil and ghee.
3. Add cumin seeds and dried red chilli, followed by bay leaves. Fry until fragrant.
4. Add the potatoes with a little turmeric powder and salt. Fry until cooked.
5. Add the spice paste.
6. Add the jackfruit and mix well.
7. Add water and hing.
8. When it is boiled down, add Bengali garam masala together with some ghee.
9. The jackfruit and potatoes curry is ready!