Pandit seeking to establish a boarding facility for children

AMOD Rajendra Kulkarni left his place of birth, Pune, in the western part of Mumbai, India, where he was a monk for 18 years and journeyed to Guyana to preach and engage in charitable projects, a feeding programme and is hoping to establish a religious boarding school for children.

The 51-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he has been in Guyana for the past eight years and, so far, he has taught in the religious schools locally and practised astrology.

He also participates in feeding programmes with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which has five branches in the country through their temples.

Pandit Kulkarni is based at Crane Temple (ISKCON), where he oversees the worship services and feeding programme. He also resides at the same location.

“It was my desire to preach and engage in charitable work that brought me to Guyana and apart from the hot and humid weather and the language barrier, it is very much the same as it relates to the way I live religiously,” he said.

Kulkarni is a qualified chemical engineering student from Pune University, and after his educational success, he joined the Mumbai branch of ISKCON under the founder H.D.G. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

He related that during his studies in religion, he learned devotional skills, preaching spiritual philosophy based on Vedic Scriptures, especially Bhagavad Geeta, devotional music songs on Lord Shri Krishna Sang and recorded more than 100 songs written by saints of India.

Kulkarni added that he participated in charitable activities of ISKCON, like “Food for Life” which feeds millions of school children in India.

“I was a monk for 18 years, then came to Guyana sponsored by ISKCON Crane Temple in 2017, after which I got married to Suraya Sukhdeo, a Guyanese citizen in 2018, became Guyanese citizen in 2021 and doing charitable work for ISKCON and is looking forward to establishing the Gurukul Vedic School in future,” he said.

Through partnership, Kulkarni is seeking to open the Gurukul Vedic School, a live-in facility with all amenities for a comfortable stay for school children, who will see their parents on weekends and during the week, the bus will take them to their respective schools.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that it would be a safe environment for children and that they would be enlightened about spiritual teachings (Bhagavad Gita) and how to participate in daily devotion before school.

Kulkarni stated that before the opening of the school, a board of directors will be formed, it will be advertised, and sponsorship will be sought. He added that all rooms would be outfitted with air conditioners and sleeping arrangements would be comfortable.

He added that he participates in charity for both the soul and body and would host feeding programmes at the various markets in Guyana as well as at Crane Temple on Sundays.
Kulkarni pointed out that all food is free of charge and entails a vegetarian diet since they do not eat any meats at all.

The Pandit explained that they sometimes feed school children at the primary level and have done so in the past, and once they get sponsored, they will continue that feeding programme in schools.

Kulkarni noted that at Crane Temple, they have a membership of about 215, but their attendance is much more on Sundays. They do six daily offerings in their devotions.

He stated that he speaks eight languages and as a native of India he lived in Pune, which is surrounded by mountains and it was very cool and shady, but here in Guyana, it is hot and humid and he is getting accustomed to the change of weather.

“I like the rain, so the heat in Guyana is very hot and it’s different from what I am used to, but nevertheless, the people have been welcoming, and their support is overwhelming so far,” he said.