Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON, Bangalore has been presenting this treasure house of spiritual knowledge to youth through ‘Friends Of Lord Krishna’ (FOLK) since the year 1997.  What began as a small endeavour has now transformed itself into a juggernaut with more than 1000 youngsters making their way to ISKCON every Saturday and Sunday for a gala gathering of an enjoyable evening of spiritual classes, music, dance and not to forget prasadam—delicious food offered to Lord Krishna.

The FOLK programme employs highly interactive sessions handled by experienced faculties who have graduated out of premier institutes such as the IITs and IIMs and who have dedicated their lives as missionaries for over 20 years. Now, they wish to share the same spiritual joy that they experienced in their lives.  A typical programme on Sunday consists of teaching how to apply Vedic wisdom to current world realities. Solutions are provided to difficult problems that youth encounter in their daily lives, such as how to manage stress, how to improve memory and concentration, how to get rid of bad habits, how to excel in life, etc. 

State-of-the-art facilities in terms of the classroom infrastructure also ensure that there is never a dull moment for the spirited youngsters and opportunities are provided to the folk members for them to showcase their talents and skills for the pleasure of the Lord.  The youngsters are also taken through personality enrichment courses to explore their deeper selves and encourage to become more reflective and introspective—a real need in current chaotic times.

There is a range of opportunities that youth can practically involve themselves in - such as taking up some services for the pleasure of the Lord, by which one can experience the truth not just theoretically but in reality too.  More enthusiastic youngsters take up book distribution, as they are keen to share this wonderful knowledge with other people who are unaware of this treasure. Sometimes people ask, “Aren’t these youngsters too young to take to spirituality? Mustn’t they experience life fully before coming in touch with such peripherals?” The answer to this question is evident by the example of the “Titanic.” How can this be understood? 

Nobody comes with a sealed guarantee that we might live up to a particular age. What is done in life earlier, especially if misguided, becomes impossible to be undone later in life.  Just as the ship cannot suddenly change course, one’s life too needs a lot of time and energy to change course.  The FOLK programme has provided youngsters an opportunity to transform their lives. Any FOLK participant will be able to assess the value of these programs and understand how priceless they are. In the words of one participant, “This is an experience of a lifetime.”

For more details visit folknet.in