By GBC College Staff
The faculty, staff, and the 2025–26 cohort together.
From 20th to 30th November 2025, Govardhan EcoVillage (GEV) became a place of deep learning, reflection, and heartfelt association as the GBC College hosted its 11-day in-person residential for leadership training. Leaders enrolled in the Zonal Supervisor Course and the Leadership Training Course came together from many parts of the world, including Reunion Island, South Africa, East and West Africa, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Mayapur, Australia, India, Canada, the United States, Toronto, Brazil, and Chile. Although many participants were meeting for the first time, a strong sense of connection quickly developed, and by the end of the residential, several shared that they had arrived as strangers but were now leaving as close fellow devotees and friends.
The residential opened with a warm welcome by Gauranga Das, Trustee of the GBC College, who set a thoughtful and encouraging tone for the days ahead. This was followed by an orientation led by Rupanuga Das, President of the GBC College, and Govind Priya Devi Dasi, Vice President of the GBC College, who situated the participants in the history, vision, and purpose of the college while emphasizing its ethos and culture of trust, openness, accountability, and servant leadership. During the orientation, Vipin Bihari Das, Dean of Student Records, introduced the students to the edX learning platform and explained how the online components of the course would function.
Over the eleven days, participants engaged in a wide range of carefully designed leadership topics. These included deep explorations into trust and its role in leadership; leadership lessons drawn from Chanakya and the Srimad Bhagavatam; sustainable outreach; strategic thinking and execution; crisis management; conflict resolution; and devotee care. Sessions also addressed contemporary leadership frameworks, including identifying multipliers and diminishers within teams, understanding the impact of personal leadership, and developing strategic lenses for long-term decision-making. Many participants especially appreciated how scriptural wisdom was paired with practical tools, allowing them to reflect honestly on their own leadership styles and areas for growth.
Students participating in an interactive exercise exploring Chanakya’s teachings, facilitated by Gauranga Das.
Students absorbed in an insightful presentation on leadership lessons from Srimad Bhagavatam, facilitated by Gauranga Darshan Das.
A particularly grounding aspect of the residential was the daily Srimad Bhagavatam classes held each morning in different sacred locations. Classes took place at Radha Kund, Man Mandir, and Ter Kadamba. This movement between locations created a pilgrimage-like mood, helping participants absorb leadership lessons in a deeply devotional atmosphere and reinforcing that spiritual grounding remains at the heart of effective leadership.
The experience extended well beyond the classroom. Participants visited the Vrindavan forest, offering moments of quiet reflection and shared appreciation for the holy dhama. They were also guided through the GEV’s sustainability projects, where the principles of conscious living, stewardship, and care for the environment came to life in tangible ways. These experiences resonated strongly with discussions on sustainable outreach and responsible leadership.
Evenings often became times of deeper bonding. The lovingly prepared prasadam was consistently appreciated, and one especially memorable evening featured a candlelight dinner followed by an exclusive kirtan for GBC College students. That evening of shared devotion and music strengthened relationships and left a lasting impression on many hearts.
Throughout the residential, the presence and guidance of the GBC College team added depth to the learning experience. Devakinandana Das and Gauranga Das, as trustees of the college and members of the Governing Body Commission, facilitated an enlivening interactive session, answering questions by the student leaders. Many students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Radhanath Swami for his thoughtful perspectives, which helped participants connect their personal leadership journeys with the broader mission and responsibility of ISKCON leadership.
Radhanath Swami shares leadership lessons drawn from his vast experience as a GBC member and spiritual leader.
An interactive session on conflict resolution with Vraj Vihari Das.
Student leaders deeply engaged in a guided reflection on being Śrīla Prabhupāda–anugā, facilitated by Rasik Raman Das.
Sanjay Ananda Krsna Das, Program Director of GBC College, actively encouraged students to share feedback after each session, fostering a culture of reflection and continuous improvement. Participants appreciated knowing that their insights directly contribute to how the GBC College refines and enhances its leadership training each year. Bala Krishna Das, Course Coordinator for the GBC College, worked closely with the academic content, helping participants bridge their in-person learning with the upcoming online modules.
As the residential drew to a close, many participants expressed deep gratitude for what they described as timely, relevant, and transformative training. Several shared their eagerness to continue with the online courses and Zoom sessions, now supported by strong relationships, shared language, and a foundation of trust built during the residential.
Set within the serene and spiritually rich environment of Govardhan EcoVillage, the GBC College residential served not only as a leadership training program, but as a space for transformation, connection, and renewed commitment to serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission together.
A highlights video capturing moments from the residential is available here.
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