Dhiren Padhiar
IPS in Oz Tina Hirani shares with us how she set up the Australian branch of ISCKON Pandava Sena (IPS), known as ‘Spiritual Seekers’, with her brother Jitesh. When part of IPS in the UK, Tina was part of the East London Jammin team and helped coordinate several trips. I moved to Australia in 2004, along with my family. When my brother and I first set out for the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple, our local ISKCON temple in Sydney, we felt excited at the prospect of starting up a branch of IPS there and, by doing so, giving something back to Srila Prabhupada. At first the temple authorities were reluctant to support us, but we eventually managed to set up a team, initially consisting of five devotees, to help us get the ball rolling. The first programme was a great success - around 35 people attended. They enjoyed the philosophy, kirtan and, of course, the prasadam (sanctified food)! Following this, we have continued to hold such sessions, known as ‘Loungin’, on a monthly basis. Additionally, we run regular sadhana groups, which involve the systematic study of Vedic philosophy, as well as football matches and picnics. We often perform kirtans on the beach, which always proves to be very popular! We have seen many youth come and go; some came, never to be seen again, and some stayed and now practice Krishna Consciousness on a regular basis. One thing that our efforts have made me realise is that everyone has a deep desire to serve Krishna, they are somehow or other longing for Him, but instead they are looking for the pleasure through material means. One of our success stories is Neha. She started off by coming along to a Loungin session. She found that the teachings that were presented to her appealing and has since excelled in her Krishna Conscious career. She shows a lot of enthusiasm when doing service and I now find that she actually inspires me to do more for Srila Prabhupada, through her actions, words and enthusiasm. We now have 50 to 60 people attending each Loungin session and feel we are at a stage where we can start holding such programmes in other parts of Sydney. We are hoping to set up university societies in the near future as well.
IPS Christmas Party 6:00pm, 29 December Bhaktivedanta Manor th
Krishna Carols Video Presentations
Christmas Feast
Pantomine
For more details see www.psena.com
Age: 24 Currently: Training to be an IT Test Analyst Studied: MEng Computer Engineering
What made you start attending IPS events? While studying at Portsmouth University, I became a member of the Krishna Consciousness Society there, at which time UV was the president. I was given a copy of The Science of Self Realisation and found that it made a lot of sense. I remember attending a house programme at which Indradyumna Swami spoke, which I found inspired me a lot as well.
What did you find appealing about KC? Quite simply, the philosophy and the friendly, family atmosphere. I actually really enjoyed being around devotees, talking about KC philosophy and also just having a laugh with them. Also, I love the kirtans, sitting with a group of devotees and letting ourselves go to the transcendental vibrations of the Holy Name and the dancing just makes me feel ecstatic!
What services are you currently involved in? Currently I am one of the co-ordinators of East London Jammin and heading up the organisation of the annual IPS Christmas programme.
Interesting fact about yourself A couple of years ago I was the foreman on Jury Service. This meant I had to read out the verdict of the jury. I sent two guys into the slammer, one for 15 years and the other for 16!
we’re
jammin
in the name of the Lord
Forthcoming Jammins:
14/12 - Greenwich - Saints & Swindlers 21/12 - East - The Good, The Bad & The Ugly 22/12 - Crawley - Hinduism & the Vedic Teachings 28/12 - Croydon - Intro to Bhagavad-Gita 04/01 - East - Most Wanted 05/01 - Crawley - Christianity & the Vedic Teachings For more details see wwww.psena.com Subject to change