Among the many bright young faces at Golden Avatar Gurukula, the story of Kritika, a cheerful Grade 6 student, shines with special inspiration. She first joined the Gurukula when she was in Grade 3, and since then her life has been beautifully transformed.
Raised by her mother, a humble seamstress who earns very little, Kritika and her older sister have known the challenges of a single-parent household. Yet, thanks to the Gurukula’s support, free education, books, and stationery supplies, her mother has been able to manage the household with peace of mind, knowing that her daughter’s future is secure.
Kritika herself is a remarkable child. Bright, jolly, and deeply humble, she has consistently been at the top of her class, earning A+ grades in every subject since she joined. As a first-generation learner, her accomplishments are groundbreaking, yet she has never allowed pride to overshadow her character. Instead, she gladly shares her knowledge with classmates, always attributing her success to the dedication of her teachers. With her artistic spirit, she handcrafts thoughtful gifts, like heartfelt poems woven into 3D cards as tokens of gratitude.
Life, however, has not been without struggle. For years, Kritika endured long journeys to reach the Gurukula. Living in Purva Bardhaman district, she would walk great distances, cross into Nadia district, and then board the Gurukula’s humble Toto (electric rickshaw). Her home was in such a remote rural corner that even the Toto could not reach her doorstep. Yet, she never allowed this hardship to dim her enthusiasm for learning.
Today, things are brighter. With the government’s development of new roads and the donors’ generous contributions, the Gurukula now has its own school car, affectionately named Paramahamsi by Srila Tridandi Maharaj, who personally blessed it. This car ensures that Kritika, and children like her, no longer have to struggle to reach school safely. Instead, they can focus on what truly matters - their education and growth.
Kritika’s story is more than just her own; it reflects the hope and opportunities that Golden Avatar Gurukula strives to bring to every child. With each act of support, our donors are not only changing lives but also strengthening the Gaudiya Vaishnava community, ensuring its values, traditions and devotion flourish in future generations.
On behalf of Kritika and many children like her, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your kindness is paving roads both literally and figuratively towards brighter, safer, and more spiritually enriched futures.
by Gaurangi dasi