The semi-annual joint board meetings with ECO-Vrindaban, ISKCON New

Vrindaban, and the Village Council took place on October 21-23rd. Members met in
multiple sessions to discuss the achievements of 2022 and speak about initial plans
for 2023. “The combined board meeting this year was a very positive experience.
New Vrindaban is unique in that it’s managed by three distinct boards with unique
functions,” said Anuttama das, GBC and board member at ISKCON New Vrindaban.
“As the years go by these boards, and their members, are learning to better
understand each other’s needs and priorities and build on each other’s strengths.”

These bi-annual joint-board meetings are also an opportunity for residents to meet,
ask questions, and express concerns. Following a meeting of board members from
the different institutions, board members joined New Vrindaban residents for kirtan
and prasadam in Govinda’s restaurant, where they could converse casually.

Janaki devi dasi facilitated the Saturday morning session on the topic of glorifying,
praying for, and serving devotees. She presented quotes from Srila Prabhupada’s
books and led the participants in practical exercises. “I appreciated the wonderful
spiritual element it brought to the meeting and hope that everyone makes it part of
their regular daily sadhana,” commented Gopisa das, board member of ISKCON
New Vrindaban.

In a special session on Saturday afternoon, each board presented reports

highlighting completed or ongoing projects, challenges, and plans for the future. The
Village Association also facilitated a Zoom call with Jaya Nitai das of London from
international Devotee Care, and New Vrindaban devotee care staff fielded questions
about expanding resources available to the community. The presentations concluded
with a question and answer period between residents, board members, the NV
Village Association, and devotee care staff.