Dhanurdhara’s 2006 ISKCON CPO Summary Report to GBC

2006 Summary and Notes to the CPO Case of Dhanurdhara Swami

Many devotees, including some of our leaders, are only vaguely familiar with the exact nature of the 1999 ISKCON Child Protection Office (CPO) decision against Dhanurdhara Swami. Some devotees have expressed that his offenses were minor, he was a scapegoat for other’s abuse, or the evidence was weak. I would like to correct some of these misconceptions.

The attached Child Protection Office Official Decision provides an excellent overview of the history, evidence, and conclusions of this case. However, it does not present all the testimony and evidence, but only a sampling. In this introduction, I wish to give a fuller understanding of the case and evidence that the judges evaluated.

The conclusions of the judges were unanimous, finding Dhanurdhara Swami personally responsible for child neglect, child physical abuse, and child psychological abuse. They also found him responsible for failure to adequately supervise the teaching staff and thus he failed to protect the children from even more severe abuse.

This managerial failure is summarized by Sri Rama Prabhu, at that time Minister of Education, whose comment is in the case file, but not quoted in this decision. He stated, “To the best of my knowledge, Dhanurdhara Swami did not sexually abuse the students. But he let a lot go on, with his knowledge. The evidence from former gurukula students is overwhelming – both of neglect and willful non-sexual personal abuse. He was warned numerous times about the school and staff shortcomings, but failed to acknowledge the abuse, or correct it.”

There is also a preponderance of evidence that Dharnurdhara Swami personally abused children in the school. The evidence consisted of testimony from over 30 former students, as well as other adults present during this time. The case decision gives many samples of the type of testimony the panel heard, but certainly not all of it. In this particular case, the judicial panel did not give a definitive verdict on each allegation. Rather, they chose to make a more global assessment, based upon the preponderance of evidence. While it is not possible to speculate on whether the judges considered every testimony accurate (and many versions were contested by Dhanurdhara Swami), several observations may be made.

1. There are numerous examples of testimony of abuse quoted verbatim in the CPO decision. The judges would certainly not include unfounded charges in the official decision unless they had some validity. To include claims that were not believed by the judges would be highly irresponsible and make no sense. The judges do not mention anywhere that they accusations were considered false or exaggerated.
2. A full reading of the case file, which is several hundred pages, shows a significant consistency of testimony, and much cross-validation of reports. In other words, abuse reported by one victim was often supported by the testimony of another witness.
3. Sesa Prabhu, a judge on the case and writer of the decision remarks on the consistency of the testimony across time (and important consideration in evaluating evidence). “Personally, I found it edifying that complaints made during the meeting videotaped in Los Angeles during November 1995 were presented virtually unchanged in the interviews conducted in 1999. This despite the politicization of the case which occurred during the intervening years.”
4. We realize now that even the large amount of testimony that was obtained by the CPO, and presented to the judges, did not include every instance of abuse. It is logical to conclude that not every child attending the school over a period of years came forward to testify. This would be merely speculation, if it were not for this important statement form Amarendra Prabhu, the devotee lawyer who has worked on the lawsuit for six years:

“As a result of the litigation in Texas, and the 600-plus claims filed in the bankruptcy court, we now have a vast body of information (evidence) that was not available in 1999. Although much was known with respect to allegations of physical and mental child abuse by Dhanurdhara Swami at the Vrindavan gurukula, we have now have even more information than we had at that time. Based upon this additional information, it is now unequivocally clear to ISKCON’s legal team that the damage inflicted by Dhanurdhara Swami was significantly greater than that which was known in 1999. In fact, Dhanurdhara Swami is named as an abuser in the bankruptcy claims far more than any other person.”

“We have seen and reviewed first hand the claims filed in the bankruptcy court documenting the severe abuse inflicted on the Vrindavana gurukula children by Dhanurdhara Swami, as well as the CPO information. From a legal standpoint, we have no doubt that these claims are legitimate.” (Memo to NA GBC, June 14, 2006)

Thus, it is clear that the weight of evidence shows that Dhanurdhara Swami was guilty of significant physical and psychological abuse and child neglect. There is no need for the GBC to re-try this case – the verdict is already in. But in their deliberations, it may be helpful for the GBC members to clearly understand the nature and extent of that abuse.

The following represents a summary of some of the testimony against Dhanurdhara Swami found in the CPO case file. This was compiled by Dhira Govinda Prabhu, CPO Director at the time. I have read the case files and confirmed that it an accurate synopsis of the type of reports given by the students. Many of these reports are quite extensive and detailed. Initials are used for devotee names to protect the victims. (The English usage is not always the best, as the exact words used are usually quoted).

1. A das gives extensive testimony of physical and emotional abuse as well as neglect. This was corroborated by other witnesses.
2. AV das was told to rewrite letters before he could send them and his mail was censored. DDS beat him up, calling him a monkey from the jungles of Africa. He was racially humiliated.
3. B das told of mail censoring, and DDS ignoring complaints of sexual abuse.
4. B2 das states that DDS hit him bad enough to leave big welts and bruises.
5. BR das describes severe physical abuses by others in the school that DDS clearly knew about and did nothing about, and in fact condoned.
6. BV das describes beatings by DDS, to himself and others, and mail censoring. Other students verify the beatings to BV das, including for not dancing at arati.
7. CM das reports failure to protect students from beatings, and failure to protect him when he reported sexual abuse from another teacher.
8. D das – Describes physical abuse by DDS. Describes failure to protect from abuse and mail censoring. Intimidated to not tell anyone of beatings. He was beaten with a branch by DDS.
9. DD das reports some of the most severe personal abuse directly from DDS. “…continuous punching, like a bunch of times and slaps and ear pulls, and all of that. That was one of his things. To bring kids into the room and pound them for a while… I guess I was like a punching bag for him. DDS continually punched me in the stomach several times. I felt like a was a research animal. The humiliation and mental torture were worse than the physical. Ear pulling an slapping was on a daily basis. Punching in the stomach was something new and different. DDS also took his money from home, called his mother a demon, Also relates story of DDS throwing L das out of a second story window in Dallas.
10. D2 das describes DDS out of control ear slapping and emotional abuse during line-ups. Describes mail censoring and psychological abuse.
11. D3 das “The worst thing that DDS did to me was in assembly. He would twist my ear and then he’d slap both my ears. My ears would ring for a week. Psychological abuse. DDS tried to get me to not tell my father.”
12. D4 das describes medical neglect, being hungry all the time, and DDS’s failure to protect from physical abuse.
13. D5 das Describes medical neglect on part of DDS, in that DDS would get upset if others tried to help him if he were sick. Also describes psychological abuse and mail censoring.
14. GV das “DDS was the head acarya of hitting. He was not in control of his anger. DDS used to have a wall of different sized canes, and he would let the kids choose the cane. He used to smack kids on the ears. There was dried blood on my ears from it being pulled so hard.”
15. G das saw J’s bruises after DDS beat up J for the fire bomb incident. Gives detailed descriptions of food deprivation, including skipping meals if they missed part of the morning program. Told DDS about sexual abuse, and DDS did nothing, but chastised G.
16. J das Talks about DDS beating him for 5 to 10 minutes after fire bomb incident. The beating left marks. Lots of corroboration for this incident from other witnesses. DDS admits to this.
17. K das Reports DDS slapping him hard enough to knock him to the floor. “This was a normal occurrence for me.” Also describes emotional abuse and mail censoring. Also failure to protect from physical and sexual abuse.
18. KJ das Witnessed DDS savagely beating AV. DDS also beat KJ, while falsely accusing him of stealing comics.
19. KA das reports racial slurs and beating by DDS. S das witnessed DDS beating KA.
20. KC das describes medial neglect.
21. K2 das “ My dad sent a check. DDS yelled at me. He hit me for the check until I gave it to him. Witnessed beating of others, including AV. Not enough clothing. Describes atmosphere of pervasive violence and intimidation. “ I saw B beaten.. .You became immune to the violence it was so common place You got hit if your arms weren’t up dancing in Mangal arati. Describes medical neglect, bad food, mail censoring, and inadequate education.
22. LM das Describes DDS beating J after fire bomb incident. Aslo claims DDS knew of N abusing boys and did nothing. Medical neglect toward KA, almost causing death.
23. LS das Describes medical and other neglect.
24. L das “ I was tossed out of the second floor sanctuary window by DDS in Dallas. I remember hitting the ground. DDS never showed any concern for injuries.” This is confirmed by S das and DD das. Described children punished if they didn’t dance. Also meal deprivation as punishment, bad food, and mail censoring.
    “I’ve been hit by every gurukula teacher at least 100 times, including DDS, Raghunatha, and Manihara, and Niragadeva (all have been found guilty by the CPO of child abuse).Describes being tied up and left in a room for 7 days. “On a daily basis you stood in assembly and with your hands behind your back you got several slaps to the face. Described that DDS and Manihara did the slapping. “My ears, the ears of my friends, they bled every day. We were pulled off the ground by our ears. Some kids were almost ripped off. All the teachers did it, including DDS. DDS said directly to me that if I didn’t keep quiet I would be dealt with accordingly. I did not disclose the abuse because I feared for my life…” He had bruises and welts, “every day of my life in Vrndavana.”
25. M das Describes morning line-up routine, including DDS ear twisting, ear slapping, and supporting and overseeing the physical and emotional abuse perpetrated by Raghunatha and Niragadeva. DDS knew of severe abuse on his brother. Describes medical neglect, bad food, and lack of cleanliness. Witnessed several brutal beatings done personally by DDS. DDS also watched as other teachers “brutally punched and beat children.”
26. R das Describes DDS laughing after seeing him badly bruised from a beating by Raghunatha. He “blew it off” when he told about DD being severely beaten. Reports that V told DDS about being sexual abused by Ananta Rupa, and DDS slapped him for saying such a thing. Describes psychological terrorizing, being locked in bathrooms for long periods of time.
27. S das Witnessed DDS beating several students, (lists several names). Describes beatings, says that children would have broken lips, black eyes, as a result of DDS’s beatings. “Marks sometimes lasted for weeks.”
28. S2 das Reports he was terrible medically neglected. “I had jaundice and typhoid and wasn’t taken to a hospital for a month. They, DDS, kept me in a room by myself where I was hallucinating and screaming. Describes tactics of intimidation by DDS, including that DDS threatened his life if he told about abuse. He also saw L being thrown out of second story window by DDS.
29. J2 das “DDS beat me senseless numerous times for the smallest things.
30. JG das DDS was strict, easily annoyed, and I remember him hitting boys.
31. M2 das witnessed beating by DDS, and DDS’s failure to protect from others beatings.

Hopefully, this provides a picture of the extent and degree of the allegations in the case of Dhanurdhara Swami. The Official Decision gives additional details and information.

Tamohara das
Director, ISKCON Child Protection Office.

Dhanurdhara’s “Most Crucial Work” for ISKCON

For those who may not be familiar, here is a link to Dhanurdhara’s 2006 ISKCON resignation letter.

I also included it as a photo at the bottom of this post.

I share this to remind devotees what Dhanurdhara claimed he intended to do.

We can compare his public statement with what he’s actually been doing since 2006.

Here are two key sentences from Dhanurdhara’s letter:

• “I plan to live a simple, repentant life, where I hope my presence will not disturb others, taking shelter of the holy name and my godbrothers.”
• “I will continue to seek and help those I have offended, which is my most crucial work for this movement.”

Sounds honorable. Right?

Is that what he did? In a word: NO.

What then, we may ask, has he been up to instead?

In 2020, this is how Dhanurdhara described his activities on his Facebook page:

“Dhanurdhara Swami spends half of the year in India where he focuses on bhajana, studying, writing and taking people on pilgrimage of holy places. The other half of the year Maharaja is in the West where he spends his time traveling and speaking about bhakti-yoga.”

From what we’ve observed, that description is pretty accurate. In India he leads groups on parikramas around Vrindavan and in the US he recruits new followers. Which, up until January 2019, was done mostly through the Bhakti Center in NYC and, until February 2020, through the MVT Trust Restaurant and Guesthouse in Vrindavan, India.

Under most circumstances, that would sound like a fantastic program. Right?

Except, when you consider it in context of three relevant things:

1. Dhanurdhara voluntarily left ISKCON in 2006 so he wouldn’t be subject to the 2007 GBC Resolution barring anyone determined responsible for serious maltreatment of children from any leadership position in ISKCON, including initiating guru.
2. When Dhanurdhara left ISKCON, he announced to the world he was going to “live a simple, repentant life,” where his presence “will not disturb others,” and to “continue to seek and help those I’ve offended,” which he claimed to be “my most crucial work for this movement.”
3. In 2020, Dhanurdhara quietly petitioned the GBC to be allowed back in ISKCON, after neither abiding by the GBC resolutions (point 1), nor focusing on his most important work for Srila Prabhupada’s Society (point 2). Subsequently, both the GBC and CPO denied his request.

Bottom line: If, over the years since he formally left ISKCON in 2006, Dhanurdhara had actually carried out those self-declared noble intentions, we might very well have a different outcome from what’s been outlined above.

The good news is there is still hope Dhanurdhara will make the effort necessary to beg forgiveness for his egregious acts of vaishnava-aparadha – against hundreds of his former students. Which, for the record, are serious offenses he performed in the Holy Dhama of Vrindavan. Where, according to Srimad Bhagavatam, the effects of all activities are magnified 1,000 times.

Dhanurdhara’s Bhakti Center Restrictions

ISKCON Child Protection Guidelines state:

“No person, who has been determined to have engaged in severe maltreatment of children, will be allowed to remain active in a position of authority or trust within ISKCON, this includes activities such as leading kirtan, giving class, speaking publicly at any ISKCON event or representing ISKCON in official capacities.”

In February 2019 the Bhakti Center Directors confirmed the center will comply with ISKCON GBC resolutions and CPO policies and decisions regarding Dhanurdhara.

ISKCON GBC Executive Committee’s Statement About Dhanurdhara

By: The GBC Executive Committee for ISKCON News on March 15, 2020

A few weeks ago, Dhanurdhara Swami approached the GBC Executive Committee with the idea of possibly being reinstated as a member of ISKCON. The GBC EC has discussed the topic and issued a statement:

“Dear Devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

A few weeks ago, Dhanurdhara Swami approached the GBC Executive Committee with the idea of possibly being reinstated as a member of ISKCON.

The GBC EC sought out the opinions of a number of affected parties such as the leadership in ISKCON North America (Dhanurdhara Swami’s primary preaching field), the Child Protection Office, and devotees representing ISKCON youth and gurukula graduates.

Considering their feedback and the policies of the CPO, we came to the consensus that pursuing the matter is not appropriate. Dhanurdhara Swami agreed and therefore withdrew his request before it was brought to the GBC Body.

Thank you very much.

Hare Krsna,

Your servants,

Bhaktivaibhava Swami
Ramai Swami
Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
GBC Executive Committee”

Here is a link to this announcement posted on the ISKCON News website.

Here’s a link to this announcement posted on Dandavats.

KulimeLA 2009: Ananta Vrindavan Performing A Capella at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

Video of Ananta Vrindavan singing an a capella combo of “Je Anilo Prema Dhana” & “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood. He dedicated his performance to “the memory of loved ones we’ve lost as a way to invoke their presence in our hearts.”

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

Srila Prabhupada’s Vision For New Vrindaban (in his own words)

Srila Prabhupada’s Vision For New Vrindaban:

Compiled by Chaitanya Mangala Dasa

1. Cow Protection.

2. Sustainable Agriculture.

3. Simple Village Life.

4. A Place of Pilgrimage in the West.

5. A Place of Higher Learning.

6. Above All, a Place for People to Develop Their Love for Krishna.

1. Cow Protection:

“Krishna by His practical example taught us to give all protection to the cows and that should be the main business of New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Therefore the special feature of New Vrindaban will be cow protection, and by doing so, we shall not be loser.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Therefore, my special request is that you should try to maintain as many cows as possible in your New Vrindaban.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 24 June, 1969

“The cow is so wonderful and valuable in society. But you should also use the bulls by engaging them in tilling the ground. People may call this the primitive way but it is very practical for engaging the bulls – have them work in cart loading, transporting, etc…” Letter to Kirtanananda — 7 January, 1974

“If you give the right protection to the cows, then they will give so much milk, that the ground of New Vrndaban will be muddy with milk.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 31 May, 1975

2. Sustainable Agriculture:

“The whole idea of New Vrindaban is that men who are living there should produce their own food, of which milk is the principal thing.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 31 July, 1969

“So these duties are there in New Vrindaban, and we shall have to live there self independently, simply by raising cows, grains, fruits, and flowers.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“Agriculture and protecting cows, this is the main business of the residents of Vrindavan, and above all simply loving Krsna.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

3. Simple Village Life:

“Yukta Vairagya, means that we should simply accept the bare necessities of our material part of life, and try to save time for spiritual advancement. This should be the motto of New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“It may be an ideal village where the residents will have plain living and high thinking.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“New Vrindaban does not require to be modernized because Krishna’s Vrindaban is transcendental village.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Go on acquiring the surrounding lands and in this way we will establish a local self-governing village and show all the world a practical example of spiritual life as Krishna Himself exhibited in Vrindaban.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

4. A Place of Pilgrimage in the West:

“I understand the spot is very beautiful, and the hills may be renamed as New Govardhana. And if there are lakes, they can be renamed as Syamakunda and Radhakunda.”  Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“New Vrindaban should be taken up very seriously because actually I want to develop a replica of Old Vrindaban. I have got ambition to construct there 7 temples as follows: 1. Radha Madan Mohan, 2. Radha Govinda, 3. Radha Gopinatha, 4. Radha Damodara, 5. Radha Raman, 6. Radha Gokulananda, 7. Radha Syamasundara.” Letter to Hayagriva — 18 November, 1968

“So you have now taken charge of the sunrise of New Vrindaban. Our program is there for constructing seven temples.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“Now I am hopeful that our New Vrindaban will be an exact replica of Vrindaban in India.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 18 February, 1970

“Therefore, I may once more request you to try your best to construct New Vrindaban an exact duplicate of Vrindaban, and that will give me the highest pleasure.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 18 February, 1970

5. A Place of Higher Learning:

“One Rupanuga Vidyapitha—that is a school for educating brahmanas and Vaisnavas.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“You remark that in New Vrindaban the capacity is lacking for taking care of the children. If you can organize a higher level school of theology under your care, I shall very much appreciate it.” Letter to Rupanuga — 24 July, 1969

“Another important thing is our theistic school in New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 9 March, 1970

“Regarding using New Vrindaban land for building for the older Gurukula boys it is a very good idea.” Letter to Bali-mardana — 13 April, 1974

6. Above All, a Place for People to Develop Their Love for Krishna: 

“Agriculture and protecting cows, this is the main business of the residents of Vrindavan, and above all simply loving Krsna. Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

“The cows, the trees, the cowherd men and gopis, their chief engagement was loving Krsna, and in New Vrindaban we want to create this atmosphere and thereby show the whole world how practical and sublime our movement is.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

KulimeLA 2009: Goura Riggan Performs at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

Goura Riggan performs a Kathak dance during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: Chaitanya-Nitai Performing at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

A newly released video of Chaitanya-Nitai performing her original song during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood, CA. She dedicated her song to the Pioneer Kulis “who paved the way.” 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

Kuli Mela 2010 – New Mayapur, France

The Organizing Team for Kuli Mela 2010 – New Mayapur France is happy to officially announce the dates and place for this second European reunion, after the first successful gathering which took place in Radhadesh, Belgium in 2008.

This Kuli Mela will start on Wednesday, the 4th of August, arrival day, through Monday, the 9th of August 2010, departure day. The event shall take place in the special surroundings of New Mayapur, France, a community set around a historic castle on a site spreading over 80 hectares. In this place that Srila Prabhupada destined to self sufficiency and simple living, it seemed obvious to choose these values as symbols. Which is why the theme of the event will be: Ecology!

This gathering invites a great number of Gurukulis and Vaishnavas of all generations to a 6 day festival where seminars, workshops and conferences will be held to encourage encounters and reunions as well as discover the links that bring us together and share our experiences in an atmosphere of inspiration…

An “Open House” day in the spirit of the festival “L’Inde dans l’Indre” will be held on Sunday 8th August for neighbouring people to discover our movement in positive and summery circumstances in which they will attend the shows, walk around the “mini market,” and listen to bhajans and kirtans in the temple.

The achievement of this special event requires subsequent funds for the rental of the circus and other canvas tents for the shows and activities, shower and “dry toilet” settings to receive participants on the campsite arranged for the occasion, the rental of a sound system, as well as, of course, cooking up memorable feasts for all!

So we are appealing to your generosity to help the successful outcome of this project, by asking for a financial participation of your own choice. We thank you in advance.

Jai Shree Radhe!

The Organizing Team for Kulimela 2010 – New Mayapur France

General email: contact@francekulimela.com

Main website: http://www.francekulimela.com/

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&ref=ts&gid=155469836766

LET’S BE THE CHANGE WE WANT IN THE WORLD!
JAI SHREE SHREE RADHA GOVINDA MADHAVA!

KulimeLA 2009: Bhajan Kutir – Volume 1 CD now available on cdbaby, iTunes and Amazon!

KulimeLA 2009: Bhajan Kutir – Volume 1 CD is now available on cdbaby, iTunes and Amazon!

Heartfelt Kirtans lead by Kishori Mohan, Gaura Mani, Ananta Vrindavan, Vijay Krsna & Rasika Dasi. Click on the links above to hear previews of all the tracks and to purchase a copy today!

In ancient Sanskrit, Kirtan is the sacred, joyful, and spontaneous congregational singing and dancing for the glorification of the Divine. “Kuli” refers to a member of a “Community.” “Mela” means “Festive Gathering.” Combined, “Kuli Mela” tranforms into “A Celebration of Community.” These Kirtans were recorded live in the KulimeLA 2009 Bhajan Kutir at the New Dwarka Temple in Los Angeles California.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving an international community by supporting and encouraging its members to come together as friends in service, association and empowerment. All proceeds from the sale of this album go directly to Kuli Mela Association and help facilitate future gatherings and recordings. Please support KMA by purchasing this album!

Global Kirtan for the Yamuna River

Already we have 35+ locations around the globe commited to participate. Our goal is to have 50+!

Invitation to the DVD Premier of “The Rose of Vidarbha” Play (Originally performed at KulimeLA 2009)

Global Kirtan – Presented by Kuli Mela Association

As Kindred Spirits Bring Pop-Flavored Kirtan to the Masses

 

Below is an article written by Madhava Smullen and posted at the ISKCON News Weekly website on June 21st, 2008.

Gaura Vani and I performed together in the early 1990s in a rock band called “Temple of the Mind.” His musical ability has sweetened and matured over the years. Please give him a listen.

 

ISKCON School Alumni Takes Own Life at Thirty-Six

    

Below is an article written by Madhava Smullen and published at the ISKCON News Weekly website on July 12th, 2008.