The Mayapur Institute (MI), the leading educational center dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom of Vedic scriptures, celebrated its Silver Anniversary recently with a grand pandal program in Sri Mayapur Dham. Guests from all over the world participated in the spiritually uplifting two-day event entitled “Celebrating 25 Years of Spiritual Legacy,” which was held on February 15-16th.  The joyful gathering was not only to honor its legacy and celebrate the devotees, instructors, and students who have made the MI into what it is today but also to serve as a launching pad for the future of the institution.

History of the Mayapur Institute
In 2000, Janmashtami Dasa founded the Mayapur Institute for Higher Education (MIHE) in rented flats near the SMIS, focusing on Bhakti Shastri education. Inspired by the VIHE, the institute grew and eventually moved to Chaitanya Bhavan for a more formal space.

In 2009, Padmanayana Dasa became its chairman, and eleven acres of land were designated for the MI’s campus. The faculty hostel was constructed in 2014, and the first thatch and bamboo kutir was built in 2017, with two more completed in 2019. The MI has had over 20,000 students from 40 countries, 90 faculty members, and courses in over a dozen languages. The MI plays a crucial role in ISKCON, providing students with scriptural studies and the opportunity to reside in Mayapur, and it also fulfills Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s vision for Mayapur as a center of education.

Silver Jubilee Program Details
Three large pandals were constructed to host devotees visiting from around the world. One pandal hosted an exhibition that covered a timeline of the MI’s history, words from distinguished alums and faculty, and plans for the future. A second tent focused on prasad service, and the main pandal housed a stage and seating for the 1,200 devotees in attendance. Flanking either side of the stage were murtis of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada. Each pandal was decorated with colored fabrics and chandeliers and was laid out thoughtfully by organizers.

Many esteemed guests from across the globe were in attendance. Day one of the two-day festivities started with a lamp-lighting ceremony by Bhakti Purushottama Swami, Bhakti Raghava Swami, Bhakti Vigna Vinasa Narasimha Swami, Radha Raman Swami, and Padmanayana Dasa.

Bhakti Vigna Vinasa Narasimha Swami spoke on the importance of regular scriptural study, especially when done in sacred places like Mayapur. Several speakers echoed the words of Srila Prabhupada, highlighting that ISKCON is an educational society, meant to propagate the teaching of Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita to people from all around the world. “ISKCON isn’t just about Sunday Feast and gulab jamon and Haribol,” said Sarva Drk Dasa, “it is about education.” This was reinforced in the keynote speech given by Bhakti Vigna Vinasa Narasimha Swami on behalf of Jayapataka Swami, where he asserted that the MI strives to go beyond didactic learning and tries to enliven devotees by way of education. Krishna Ksetra Swami encouraged alumni, students, and faculty with his encouraging words, “All of this (MI programs) is facilitating a sadhu (saintly) culture and helping spread that sadhu culture all over the world.”

One of the main elements of day one was the panel discussions in the English, Russian, and Bengali languages on the topic of “Respiritualizing Society.” Bhakti Prabhava Swami, Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami, Bhakti Vigna Vinasa Swami, and Bhakti Narasimha Swami comprised the English-language panel. Each brought their unique views to the conversation, sharing many wonderful ideas on how (the world) society can be respiritualized.

Day two saw a personal visit from Jayapataka Swami, who left GBC meetings to deliver a short message. Jayaptaka Swami enlivened the crowd, saying, “…at Mayapur Institute, I took Bhakti-Vaibhava and Bhakti-Vedanta, and I am continuing with Bhakti-Sarvabhauma. So, I am a student of the Mayapur Institute. I wish that the Mayapur Institute will go on for many thousands of years.” In a panel discussion, Srivas Dasa inspired those in attendance with his words, noting, “There is not a problem under the sun which does not have a solution in Srimad Bhagavatam.” Padmanayana Dasa gave his concluding words, so heartfelt and moving that tears sometimes came to his eyes, “I have such a beautiful team; whatever I say remains inadequate. On this occasion, I sincerely offer my obeisances to all the devotees. If, in my dealings, I have hurt you, please excuse me.”

Festivities Abounded
Several dramas from diverse groups of devotees ornamented both day’s programs. Attendees were entertained by everything from contemporary dramas and dances to traditional Bharatanatyam dances. Kirtans started and ended each day. Prasadam was sumptuous and plentiful, with a wide variety of preparations available. Guests were presented with gift bags, and many faculty members, sannyasis, and other VIPs were felicitated with pavitrams and chadars. Organizers ensured that those not fluent in the English language were also engaged, and programs were hosted onsite for Russian and Bengali-speaking attendees.

Looking Forward
Those in attendance felt enlivened and inspired for what is to come in the future. In the 25 years of the Mayapur Institute, over 20,000 have had their lives changed by in-depth study of Srila Prabhupada’s books. But 20,000 is just the start. The MI is committed to providing structured education in Vaishnava philosophy to every town and village, not just by bringing devotees to Mayapur for in-person study but also via online and remote study programs. With deep dedication, the MI faculty are working day and night to expand the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, and this grand celebration of the Silver Jubilee is just the beginning. Plans are in place to develop the 11 acres allotted into a grand educational village, with service to devotees and Srila Prabhupada’s books at its heart.

Watch the videos here.  aquí  y aquí to witness the vibrant festivities, inspiring stories, and heartfelt devotion at the anniversary celebration. To learn more about the Mayapur Institute, please visit its sitio web and follow it on Facebook, Instagramy YouTube.