This is an important request – pls follow this link to petition against the destruction of sacred hills at Barshana, the holy place of Srimati Radharani, in Vraja mandala (vrndavan). – dina

 sign petition here

… then just yesterday, one of my sanskrt pronunciation course students (a russian mataji) insisted i shd come to the office of the Braj Foundation just across the street and meet a very interesting person named Ravi Dasa Tester, a Cambridge University graduate… and a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. I did and, boy oh boy, was i surprised & glad to meet him!

their office (Braj Foundation) was decorated with large posters of many newspaper articles about their activities. i commented about this, and he remarked that their leader was a high profile journalist (Vineet Narain, I learned later, who gained accolades from all over the world inhis courageous move to expose the infamous Jain Hawala Scam which involved over 115 top politicians, bureaucrats and others.)

then he gave me a copy of their very, very beautiful 12-page prospectus/foundation profile. i was simply floored to find out that they had already begun restoration works on 30 kunds, more than half of which have been completed, they have surveyed 400 and identified 1000 kunds in the vraja area. they had started their work in 2003, and their in-house TV production team have produced several CDs and DVDs.

I was surprised that i had not heard about their good work of this scale till now! it's no easy task to work with authorities in this country, so famous for bribery etc!

Ravi Das prabhu, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, was indeed a very interesting person to meet! The below news article (real life gun chase on the roads!!) by him tells you something about how he lives with and moves with the local people of Braja! He really has devotion to Lord Krsna's holy land…. He explained how the project began simply to restore the kunds, but soon as they got to work, the project scope grew, because they had to worry about many other factors than just cleaning the kunds – they had to ensure the catchment area was protected, that no re pollution would continue, that alternative arrangements for sewage re routing, and grey water (dish water etc), and place for locals to wash their clothes etc etc and mostly a strong effort at public education to get the people to feel their love for the beautiful land and to be ready to stand up and protect it to the best of their ability!

the Braj Foundation is also undertaking to restore 137 forest groves (only three are left presently!!!!!!!!). they are also protecting the sacred hills (eg. see the very interesting report below by Ravi prabhu). and improving the condition of the Yamuna River, which is more sacred than the Ganga.

They have a lot of support from several IIT and IIM personalities on their Executive Team and their advisors. Prominent industrialists are their trustees: Kamal Morarka (Chairman of Gannon Dunkerley Group, Mumbai), Suresh Neotia (Chairman of Gujarat Ambuja Cement Kolkata), Alfred Ford @ Ambarish Das (Director of Ford Motor Foundation, Detroit), Hrishikesh Mafatlal (CEO of Mafatlal Group, Mumbai), John Robert Sims, (Mg Director of Himalayan Ski Village, Shimla) and Vineet narain (President of sister organization, Braj Rakshak Dal, Vrindavan). They are all listed here.

If you'd like to help:

They have an adoption project where individuals or corporations can adopt ready to move projects – from Rs 5,000 up to several crores (tens of millions) of rupees. If anyone wants to give something back to our Mother Earth, Bhumi Devi, then doing so for Braja, and especially Barshana, the place of Radharani's residence in Vrndavan, will be greatly beneficial spiritually. We are very grateful that sincere devotees have taken so much trouble to do this dham seva in an honest and credible manner.

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There's Trouble in them 'thar (Sacred) Hills

BY RAVI DASA TESTER, BSc, University of Cambridge, UK

*Dec 31, VRINDAVAN, INDIA (SUN) ‹ Three days in the life, with the Braj Foundation.*

I sometimes complain about technology, it can be frustrating, especially in India where most things technological don't work all that well. But today I am thankful that the technology broke down! But first the preamble, and a little background for those who are not acquainted with the situation.

You may (or may not) know that the demons are blowing up Sacred hills in Braj, and the devotees are fighting back. This battle between devotees and demons has been going on since the start of the creation, we always win, so I (naively) think the demons should just give upŠ but surprise surprise, they don't!

Last December I went on my first expedition to the Sacred Hills of Braj. I am working with the The Braj Foundation (*www.brajfoundation.org*) for the restoration of the Sacred Kunds, Forests and Hills of Braj. Our plan was to visit all the Tirthas (sacred sites) and Leelasthalis (places of Radha and Krishna's pastimes) and record graphic and geographic data. Last year we had a relatively short period of time, but for the study this visit I get to stay for a month. So I am planning to cover every square inch, any missed Tirthas, Leelesthalis, the mountain ranges, natural features, water ways, lakes and mining sites. Comprehensive coverage.

So a couple of days ago I gathered all the stuff I need to perform the survey. It is several bags, mostly of technology (plus my gumsha and a toothbrush). It was agreed that I would start in Bolkhera, on the outer limit of Braj. This is the place where most of the mining is taking place. I was assured everything is now "cool" in Bolkhera; last time I was confronted by some angry miners, it was a little ugly but it didn't get violent.

The ultimate purpose of this "labour of love" is to collect as much information as possible on the area. There is an ongoing legal wrangle to protect this area, with both sides trying to demonstrate that it is the best interests of the local community, the environment and its heritage to either conserve or exploit it. This has been going on for more than a year and will soon be concluded in The Supreme Court.

As we drive out to the drop off site I am studying the case that the miners will be submitting to the court. Their case for eco-friendly mining is compelling. To get the lease from the government they agree to carefully and responsibly take stone for much needed construction, replacing the top soil and unwanted stone when they are finished, plant trees and not pollute the water supply. They will ensure that there is not too much pollution from the stone crushing and minimize the damage to the environment and the local population's health. On paper it all sounds good. As we bump and crash along the roads destroyed by the constant pounding of the heavy trucks, I look out through the grey mist of dust and witness the result of the irresponsible destructive mining. I conclude that this road to hell is paved with good intentions. Justice is blind; holding her scales, she weighs the evidence and passes judgment. Our service is to make our case for conservation more convincing.

After the ride from Vrindavan to Bolkehera our small party arrived at the Temple where I will set up a base for the first phase of the survey.

The protest at the brutal demolition of these beautiful and sacred hills is in full swing. The little temple is heaving with sadhus and saints from all sampradayas and branches of Hinduism including Sikhs and Jains mixed, in with a fair number of the local Brajabasi folk. Kirtan echoes into the still evening air as the Brajabasis gather as they have done for many generations, to dance and sing the praise of Lord Krishna.

Added to this mix the DM (District Magistrate) the SP (Superintendent of Police) and half a dozen local (armed) policemen arrive in a small convoy. The Protest is creating a bit of a stir in the usually quiet area of Braj. There are a couple of Sadhus in the camp who in true dramatic Gandhian style, have decided to fast until death to stop the mining. In India in general, and in Braj specifically, there is still a great deal of respect for Holy men who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. They don't want any martyrs to the cause so this is making the local authorities a bit jumpy.

About twenty people squeeze into a small room. Our plea is that the authorities place a moratorium on the mining until the court has concluded its deliberation. Sacred places around the world have a special status, revered and protected. Why is Braj, the centre of worship for many millions of Hindus and Vaishnavas, being treated with such disrespect?

I made a plea, on behalf of the international devotees (I hope you all don't mind) that we use our energy to restore and beautify Krishna's Hills, not blow them up. I ask the DM if he wants to be remembered as the person who helped save the sacred land of Braj, or as one who did nothing to stop the environmental abuse.

The room is full of heated comments and impassioned pleas. The DM sits arms folded in a classic posture of intransigence. Old and young, native and foreign put their points, but it is like water off a duck's back. He reiterates that we follow the rule of law, and assures us that when the edict is passed down from on high he will act with immediate determination. There will be no triumph or agreement tonight.

He returns to his office, in a cloud of dust, his blue flashing convoy drives off into the night, we return to our Kirtan.

*Day 2: Frustration*

The day starts well, rising early I am happy to hear the chanting going on around the camp. I bathe and perform my regular sadhana.

The winter sun shines weakly as I prepare for the day's survey. I go through the ritual of checking the equipment. The GPS (Global Positioning System) is giving some trouble. It starts OK but fades out after a few minutes. I check all the connections and try a few times. There is no electricity at the temple, it went off at around 10 pm last night and hasn't returned. The battery meter shows half charge but something is wrong. This is a vital piece of equipment, without it I cannot establish the time and position of visiting the various sacred places. I pray that the power will come on soon and continue checking the other bits of technology. The camera is working, I take a few pictures of the base camp and the rainbow coalition of devotees here to protest the Sacred hill destruction. The time to go out on the survey agreed upon with my interpreter and the video cameraman comes and goes. I am not sure where they are, but they are not where they agreed to be. I don't have the number for the video cameraman, so I conclude that I have to call the Vrindavan office, but the mobile phone I have just gotten back from Delhi, where it went for repair, has stopped working. Well, that's two pieces of technology not working. I get out the computer to send an e-mail or sms message, but there is no signal in this area from the mobile service provider. After I have wandered high and low around the camp, computer in hand, searching for a spot to get some signal I give up frustrated. The technology is not in a co-operative mood. By now lunch time has arrived and still no sign of my interpreter or cameraman. The day has warmed slightly, dogs run around barking in the compound, the police sit around drinking tea and the sadhus carry on with the kirtana. Everyone seems in a relaxed mood.

I ask around if anyone has a working phone so I can report the frustrating state of my technological problems. I am not that surprised that not one of the sadhus has. I ask if I can use the land line from the temple, but that is also not working. I am getting to the point of surrender, it seems the only thing that is working here in Braj is The Holy Name.

After Lunch the cameraman and interpreter show up, keen to get on with the survey. It is my turn to be the source of delay and frustration. We discuss our options and decide to go to the nearest town to call the Vrindavan office and try sending e-mail via the computer. There may be some possibility of a signal and it working from there.

We ask around and find a vehicle that is taking a sick devotee to the doctor and jump in. I find a working telephone and call and leave a message at the office. I go to the doctor's office and try up on the roof to get a mobile signal with no luck, and soon the jeep is honking that it is time to leave to go back to the temple.

OK, back at base we all agree that we need the equipment to work for the survey to go on. It is agreed that I should go back to Vrindavan in the morning and sort it out. Now that is sorted it leaves the evening free.

The devotees are just about to go out on Harinam sankirtan. I get some kartals and join the party. We walk into the village and chant, about 50 or so Brajabasis joining the group dancing and chanting. The kirtan is lively and enthusiastic. At one point we stop and the kirtan leader addresses the crowd. "Today we have with us a devotee from England, he has come all this way to do some Dham seva, and I would like him to say a few words". With that short intro, the microphone is thrust towards me. I thank the Brajabasis for preserving their land and culture and warn them that they must be vigilant, and always Chant Hare Krishna!

We dance around the village for an hour or two and then make our way back to the temple. Some of the youth of the village have come to ask questions. They also like to see the satellite mapping programme and see all the Holy places they know pop up on the map with the pictures. A funny mixture of cutting edge technology and simple living. We sit in the moonlight and talk about how Braj Life, caring for the cows and living simply is the blueprint for spirit souls if they want to go back to the spiritual world and live in Golok Vrindavan. Then we eat some thick Brajabasi rotis, drink some hot milk and take rest to the sweet sound of The Holy Name.

*Day 3: Escalation*

The next day I am preparing to leave when I am told that a senior politician is coming to visit. This is the normal escalation of things here, gradually you have to work your way through the ranks till you finally get the attention of the one who can actually make a decision. He will arrive at 9 am so I am requested to stay on till then. The sadhus like having a westerner around, they are proud that someone from the west has come and voluntarily lives like a Brajbasi. I get up like them and do my sadhana, take a bath like them in winter from the well and go out with them and do madhukari (beg for chappatis). It is an important part of my learning to rely on Krishna and try and become a little more humble.

More police start to arrive, the number of silver pips on the shoulder show that these are high level. They don't just carry shotguns like the locals, they have assault weapons and two way radios. Eventually the "big wig" arrives. About 300 of the local Brajabasis have also showed up and the Braj Foundation people from Vrindavan too.

I discuss my technological problems with my co-workers and we conclude that I should get a lift back to Vrindavan and get them sorted out. The meeting is lively and many people have their say. The Politician says he is on a fact-finding mission, We bring out the satellite maps of the area and explain that we will be doing a more complete study over the next few weeks. So I am happy that I am doing my little bit and will soon be able to furnish him with all the facts he may need. The meeting concludes and although nothing has really happened, it is another small step in the right direction.

The Brajabasis, happy as usual, start to chant and dance, any reason for a party!

The Braj Foundation group with the visiting politician is to head off to Jaipur (the capital of Rajasthan) to meet with the Chief Minister. I load my stuff into another vehicle going to Barshana where I hope to be able to get a lift back to Vrindavan. Off we all go. About half an hour later all hell breaks loose. The car with our party going to Rajasthan is rammed and the mining mafia thugs smash the windows and try and drag Vineet Narain, the CEO of the Braj Foundation, out of the car. The car I am in has the bodyguards in it, and they go into action. We stop and one of the guys jumps out and "requisitions" a motorcycle (without permission!) and zooms off. The chase is on! The car with the smashed window gets away with the goons in hot pursuit. The mining mafia are armed and start shooting at the car, fortunately the roads in India are so bumpy that you would have to be blessed by Krishna to actually hit anything.

You can't imagine what it is like to be pursuing a running gun battle, while avoiding buffalos, monkeys, Brajabasis and going over potholed roads at 90 mph. There is a lot of shouting and calling on mobiles. They want to make sure that this is not a diversionary tactic and the thugs are attacking other targets. After about 20 kms the lead vehicle makes the turn for Barshana and looses the villains. We follow in a convoy now consisting of four vehicles with some burly Brajabsis (I wouldn't like to tangle with them!). I sit in the back chanting the Narasimha prayers and doing japa furiously on my beads (well someone has to remember Krishna!).

We finally take shelter of Maan Mandir next to Radha's temple in Barshana. The melee of people is amazing. We are given some maha prasadam and the post event de-construction takes place. How did the goons know where we would be? Were they in cahoots with some of the authorities? etc., etc.

I unload the vehicle and find myself a place to safely store the survey equipment.

Whew! So we discuss and it is decided that I cannot venture out to the hills. The survey is postponed until we can get adequate protection. So I would still be out in the hills, wandering around blissfully unaware of what was happening if it wasn't for my broken GPS, Krishna's mercy!

Later that evening we got a report that 300 police surrounded the camp where I was staying, demanding that the fasting sadhus be handed over to the authorities. It was pointed out that fasting is not against the law but the police were insistent. The local village ladies blocked the road in an effort to stop the police but the police under orders manhandled them, which infuriated the Brajabasi men. There ensued a battle and the police fired shots and tear gas on the Brajabasis and sadhus. Eventually the locals were overcome and the sadhus taken into custody. We still do not know where they are being held.

So the demons showed their real faces, not the benign eco-miners helping economic development, but ruthless thugs who will stop at nothing to continue their exploitation.

The peaceful life in Braj is once again disturbed by the demons doing their nonsense. Just like it was 5,000 years ago. So they may have changed their external appearance, but the mood is still the same. Kill the devotees, smash the Holy Dham of Braj and stop devotees worshipping the Supreme Lord.

Will these demons never learn? Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mysticsŠthere will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. Declare it boldly that My devotees never perish!

If you want to sign a petition to present to the authorities to stop this mining please sign the petition.