The other day I finally presented an Introduction to the Hindu Faith to the local Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education; this is made up of a wide group of individuals some who have much influence in content used in schools especially organizations that are allowed to present in schools and materials used.

BrynGarow House, were the SACRE meeting was held

The group consisted of Teachers of Religious Education, Head Teachers, Head of Children’s Directorate, ESIS representatives (they set up training for teaching staff), WASACRE vice chair (set’s out guidance and teaching material guidance for the whole of wales, representatives of the faith community.

In some ways I was pleased that the presentation was now being done in the month of Kirtika which is so magical and for me presenting Krishna Consciousness always seems much easier, but my mind was focused on the task at hand if I presented this badly then it will put back the use of any ISKCON material and had the words ringing in my ears from the head of ISKCON Educational Services asking me to present KC nicely as I was also recommending it as a first call for resources.

I arrived an hour early just to do some extra japa, and to sing the Sri Nrsimha Pranama and Jaya Radha-Madhava also as I always find it helps focus the mind and charge the atmosphere to a more positive one

Looking at the remit and what is covered in Key Stage I spent some time putting together a presentation which was a whistle stop tour or overview, I took several books and reading materials but could not find the books done by Mother Urmila DD but Krishna had things at hand and it worked out more lovely than anyone could imagine (The Reverend Edward Evans presented the book and was very expert more so than I could); but the icing on the cake was my own deities Sri Sri Gaurniti which everyone instantly fell in love with, I mean who couldn’t? Quite a number just had to take a picture of it.

Set up ready to go

The presentation was to be between 15 and 20 minutes which I had endeavored to cover the key points, but again by Krishna’s mercy and that of Guru they had many questions so we went slightly over; they were intrigued by reincarnation and Karma and were impressed that I had made what they see as a complex religion appear so simple.

The discussion after was that the SACRE would forward my letter of introduction to all schools giving it full approval for use in all county schools at keg stage 3, arrangements are also at hand for me to present at the WASACRE meeting early next year, and also dates will be scheduled for presentations at ESIS which will cover five counties here in Wales.

As I said I was in much anxiety as I had not found the books done by Mother Urmila and was amazed that the Reverend Edward Evans produced it at the end of the presentation and asked that the SACRE group consider the books and be recommended for all schools, he explained why he felt it was essential; in many ways the fact that it came from a well respected member of the committee and independent of me gave it much more kudos and after one question checking that there was an equivalent for the christian faith full approval was given so letters will be sent out; he is going to ask the same from WASACRE.

I hope that this meets with approval from the vishnava community and as previously requested any support, advice and corrections will be always appreciated.

The presentation is available on line for anyone wishing to view and make comments on what was used.

SACRE presentation