MOVING ON IN SPRING

Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

Ottawa, Ontario

I expressed to Pradeep, my driver, that my preferred route to Ottawa is Highway 7, which is a branch of the Trans-Canada Highway. It is quiet, scenic, and only two lanes. On our way, we came upon Sharbot Lake and parked the car and embarked upon a trail for pedestrians and cyclists called KNP. There, we saw to both sides of the trail, spring growth, predominantly green. Ferns, grasses, and trilliums are all awoken. For sound it was birds-a-plenty including a woodpecker’s drilling.

May is a magical month. We felt it our duty to feel, hear, and see it – a kind of spring break.

Govinda’s operates in our ISKCON centre in Ottawa at 212 Somerset East. Delicious prasadam, sacred food. The cook and host is Mandala Ram who in 2017 became one of my major support persons on the walk across the USA. He is not only a good driver, but a good person, even a people person.

The main purpose in the visit to Ottawa was not to meet the newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney. We drove the trip to award diksa (initiation) to a sweet 90-year-old Santosh who was blessed with the name Sarada, a name for the Goddess of Learning.

At age 90, this Kashmiri lady has learned much about life. The event was nice, along with the traditional havan fire.

Yes, it got smoky. All present got purified. Congratulations to Sarada.

PLEASE HELP OUR YOUTH IN NORTH AMERICA TO CONTINUE TO ENGAGE THEMSELVES IN PIOUS ACTIVITIES AMIDST THE DARK DUALITIES OF THESE DAYS AND TIMES. PLEASE DONATE. IT WILL BE FINISHED WITHOUT YOUR HELP.

Additionally, as mentioned in yesterday's blog regarding the Youth Bus Tour, let's get it back on the road again! This is such an important program for establishing a Krishna consciousness foundation for our youth, particularly in North America including Mexico. I personally travelled with the group for 10 consecutive summers, especially helping with the drama portions.

A new bus is badly needed. Please donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-for-iskcon-youth-ministrys-new-bus