RESONANCE YOUTH FESTIVAL in Nagpur

[Guest guest]

RESONANCE YOUTH FESTIVAL - 2005 ( REPORT )

 

On Sunday, 20th November 2005, ISKCON YOUTH FORUM rocked the city of

Nagpur with the spectacular mega Block Buster Youth Festival – “RESONANCE –

The Voice in Your Heart?” More than 350 warm blooded youth from all over

the city thronged the Shreyas Vidyalaya ground, Wardhaman Nagar, for a

captivating extravaganza on the stage. It started with the Inaugural Lamp

Lighting Ceremony. Well-known national figure Mr. Chandrakant Raghatate

graced the occasion as the chief guest. His Holiness Lokanath Swami

Maharaj and His Holiness Bhakti Kusum Paramadvaiti Swami Maharaj made the

atmosphere auspicious by their Divine presence. H.G. Ekalavya prabhu, H.G.

Sundarlal prabhu, H.G. Rasa Mandala prabhu, H.G. Rishikumara prabhu and

Mr. Sanjay Raghatate, Director of Oxford Speakers’ Academy were the other

dignitaries on the dias. Compering for the event was done by H.G. Gauranga

prabhu.

Soon after the inaugural function, the first event was an Elocution

Competition on the topic “ Do You Believe in Destiny?” Thirteen students

from the Oxford Speakers’ Academy dabbled on the topic quoting profusely

from various shastras, mainly Bhagavad Gita. Adorned with graceful

presentation styles, good diction and catchy slogans, they provoked

thoughts in the minds of the audience on the topic. Three prizes were

given for the Winner, 1st Runner Up and 2nd Runner Up for the Title “

ORATOR OF ISKCON – 2005” H.H. Paramadvaiti Swami Maharaj, H.G. Ekalavya

prabhu and H.G. Rishikumara prabhu were the judges. Certificates for

participation were awarded to rest of the participants. This was followed

by a short 5 mins video on the Oxford Speakers’ Academy. It ended in snaps

of H.G. Ekalavya prabhu’s visit to their Institute and loud Haribols!

After this, two guest devotees from the Maharashtra tour – H.G. Gaura

Krsna pr from Denmark and a devotee from Israel narrated their

realisations as youth members in the Hare Krsna movement. They revealed to

the audience that real treasure of life is Love of Krishna and how it is

easily available through this universal process of Krsna Consciousness.

Following this, there was a heart melting dramatic performance by

H.G. Vishvambhara prabhu and his two sisters Ganga and Jamuna on the life

of Srila Bilvamangal Thakur. The drama was entitled “PARIVARTAN – The

Change of Heart” The beautifully performed costume drama by the Trio

completely enraptured the hearts of all and made them sit on the edges of

their seats to drink in more and more of nectar. There was a thunderous

applause for the wonder-siblings at the end.

The icing on the cake was the powerful discourse by His Holiness

Lokanath Swami Maharaj. He roared aloud from the stage, surrounded by his

western disciples, appealing to all the youth to turn their attention

inwards and harmonise their lives with the sound of the Lord within. He

expanded on the theme of RESONANCE – The Voice in Your Heart? in many

beautiful words. He appealed to all the youth to derive full benefits from

the teachings in Iskcon Youth Forum, Nagpur. He mentioned how the youth in

India today are facing so much of problems, confusions, depression and

even suicides. IYF can show a guiding torchlight in the lives of all the

misguided youth.

Finally, the much-awaited item for the evening came – Mantra Rock

Concert. The lively music from the synthesizer, kartals, mridanga, drums &

trumpet and the melodious Hare Krishna Tune sung by H.G. Ekalavya prabhu

brought all the eager boys and girls on the dancing floor. The tumultuous

trancendental vibration of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra sent all the youth

in a metaphysical frenzy. They were dancing wild, throwing their limbs in

all directions, madly chanting the Holy Names. This went on for about an

hour. And to top it all there, were mouth watering Chinese preparations –

Manchurian, Noodles, Fried Rice to fill their hungry stomachs and thirsty

souls. There was cool Kulfi also as dessert. More than 700 people honoured

prasadam that evening.

As the music slowed down and the sound of the Mahamantra reverberated

softly in the minds of all, people went home carrying indelible

impressions of a gala Hare Krishna Festival in their hearts. As the

activities faded on the Shreyas Vidyalaya ground, the organising devotees

slumped in their chairs thanking Krishna for a successful Youth Festival

which attracted so many youngsters and delighted them as well as His pure

devotee H.H. Lokanath Swami Maharaj and all other vaishnavas. They are

mindful of the herculean responsibility of following up on all the

attendees and cultivating them as devotees of Krishna and active members

of IYF. The 220 + registrations including 110+ mobile phone nos. and 75+

email Ids will give a lead to catch on to. Seeking blessings and more

guidance from experienced advanced superiors, the IYF team at Nagpur

pledges to leave no stone unturned in the service of the mission of Srila

Prabhupad! Hare Krishna!

Shyam Mohan das.