Grace Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa exemplifies the fusion of academic brilliance and deep commitment to selfless service. He achieved top honours and was awarded a gold medal in Mechanical Engineering during his university journey. His remarkable achievements include securing the sole IT seat at IIT Madras, showcasing his dedication to excellence. However, what truly distinguishes him is his unwavering devotion to humanity, influenced by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
For over a span of 25 years, Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa has served as a tireless advocate for positive change. As a trustee and regional president of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, he ensures that 2 million children receive nutritious meals daily. Yet, his impact extends further; he leads charitable foundations that provide free meals to hospitals, offer transformative education, and kindle hope in disadvantaged children.
We, the members of the journal club, had the privilege of conducting an interview with him, and here is how it unfolded.
Question: A man who exemplifies discipline, from being a dedicated student at IITM to unwaveringly staying on their spiritual path, what are somethings college students should steer clear of?
A crucial aspect of a student’s life is the company they choose during their college years. The people you associate with can either shape you into a disciplined and successful individual or lead you down a negative path, resulting in unfortunate circumstances. Therefore, the most critical decision revolves around choosing your associations.
These associations can be found through friendships, the content you engage with on your mobile devices, and the environments you immerse yourself in, such as libraries and magazines. In many ways, we are consistently seeking associations. If these influences are positively directed, the student is more likely to achieve a high level of success.
Question: In the context of college life and your time at IITM, could you share insights on the actions that college students should take to achieve success? Were there any particular experiences during your college years that influenced your spirituality?
During my time at IITM, I was an incredibly passionate and hardworking individual. I had a strong desire to achieve something significant, and I was determined to become nothing less than the CEO of a major company. As I mentioned in my previous question, to pursue this goal, I consciously surrounded myself with friends and colleagues who shared my aspirations.
At that time, I wasn’t atheistic, but rather, I considered myself a religious and spiritual person, although I wasn’t deeply immersed in spirituality. I was more interested in gaining an understanding of what spirituality entailed. My routine involved attending classes regularly, taking diligent notes, and reviewing them to ensure a thorough grasp of the material. I also sought solace and divine blessings by visiting temples before important exams. By doing so, I found a sense of peace and mental fortitude, which enabled me to control my emotions and stress effectively, ensuring that I didn’t succumb to panic in the exam hall. I was committed to continuous improvement and strived to better myself each day.
Question: How can an individual maintain their spiritual journey and emotional well-being in the face of life’s mental challenges? What choices can be made to cultivate happiness?
In the fast-paced environment of technological universities, where the emphasis is often on understanding external forces shaping the world, we tend to overlook the powerful forces within ourselves. Stress, tension, and anxiety are like hidden currents that can profoundly impact our well-being, whether we are students, businessmen, or spiritual seekers.
Just as we study the principles of physics, chemistry, or engineering to harness external forces, it is crucial to explore and comprehend the internal forces governing our thoughts and emotions. The Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture, provides profound insights into managing these internal forces. In a poignant moment, Arjuna, facing moral dilemmas, seeks guidance from Lord Krishna on dealing with the conflict within him.
Arjuna’s question about being compelled to engage in actions he finds morally challenging mirrors the struggles many of us face. The Bhagavad Gita teaches us to master our internal forces, such as anger and greed, which, if left unchecked, can lead to our own destruction and damage relationships.
This ancient text is not just a guide for spiritualists but a universal manual for navigating life’s challenges. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-control in achieving success and fulfillment. In a world driven by technological advancements, the Bhagavad Gita remains relevant, offering profound wisdom on positively relating to the world, the environment, and everything in it.
As students, it is essential to analyze and understand the Bhagavad Gita, drawing parallels between its timeless teachings and modern challenges. By incorporating ancient techniques into our lives, we can better ourselves and contribute to the well-being of our families and our country. In essence, the Bhagavad Gita has the potential to guide and inspire millions of individuals in this generation, just as it did for Arjuna in its historical context. It is a source of wisdom that transcends time and provides a holistic approach to living a purposeful and balanced life.
The Journal Club 
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