Dear Gurudeva, Please accept my humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
When I heard that the NIOS Campus Project was becoming more and more real, I began to wonder at the most basic level.
Who I am?
A spiritual soul eternal servant of Krishna, but now in maya.
With the body of a man, already old, married to a wonderful devotee: Raman reti devi dasi.
Professor for many years, with a supposed Brahminical tendency, with completed master's studies in university education.
Who we are?
I think those of us understand the objectives and projects of ASA and NIOS well enough to want to cooperate more. Those of us who sufficiently understand the idea of the NIOS campus and can contribute something from our large or small position.
I was wondering, do I, we, fit into the NIOS campus project? As a visitor or resident?
The first thing that came to mind is: What would I be looking for? A comfortable refuge? Economic development in the USA? Or really contribute something, be an added value?
Then, I remembered a famous saying and paraphrased it:
Don't ask what NIOS can do for you, ask what you can do for NIOS.
And with my wife we began to let our imagination fly. What would happen if we were accepted into this project?
Firstly, we would go with the idea of taking vanaprastha. On campus there might be a house for girls and another for boys, so that would be ideal. We would work hard on whatever you need. In parallel, I can be trained by you, dear gurudev, to take sannyasa. And if Krishna wants, and I think it would be the perfection of life, to take sannyasa from your hands.
My wife is very pro-active and with high social skills, she is an artist, she is a specialist in the education of children with different abilities (she currently handles a couple of cases of children of devotees). She would be very useful to the community of devotees that is formed.
Personally, I have many years of teaching experience and studies, including ISKCON courses. I think it's time to share my experience with devotees who are enthusiastic about education. Furthermore, I would like to help create the curriculum, which I believe would be very innovative based on your ideas, dear Gurudev, and mine as well. I would like to include theater (I have good experience at Newton School and others) and other cultural-educational manifestations according to the people involved.
Anyway, these are some ideas. In reality, other projects we had were diluted. May be this one aswell. This project of yours opens up a whole new panorama for us. Actually, nothing keep us here.
We will see what Krishna wants.
Thank you very much for your daily inspiration. You are our reason for living.
Your servant,
Laksmana-agraja das
HpS/ASA - Super, SUPER, S U P E R! Thank you. Taken us 2-weeks to answer but I think with an old vehicle working on 50% cylinders that is to be expected.
Your perspective on your contribution is very nice.
It is a challenge to everyone.
Sri Hari Das arrives Wednesday and with his association we may be able to move ahead faster.
Of course, AGTSP.
Now we have to rush to bathe, puja, printing, packing and going to Murari Farm for Gaura-purnima.
