Edition 8
March 2026 – May 2026
It’s been a bustling few months for Pandava Sena. As summer approaches, we’ve been busy with flagships, events, trips and retreats. We would like to thank you for continuing to support the Sena Newsletter and our initiatives.
Read all about the Sena’s latest activities below :-)
Hare Krishna!!
SAVE THE DATES:
PS Summer Day Retreat: 31st July (high school and 6th form) - Click to sign up!
Senagetaway: 11th - 19th August - Click to sign up!
Janmastmi Prep: 21st August - 4th September
KCSOC
Dhirodatta Prabhu Flagship: The Monk who Left Goldman Sachs
KCSOC were so fortunate to hear from Dhirodatta Prabhu, a monk who previously had what many aspire to have: a high position at a very successful investment banking company.
He highlighted how the stresses of university life and the working world often take over, leading to many of us seeking fulfilment in material success and meeting specific standards. But he explained how, material success can, in a matter of months or days, become failures. The flux of success and failure is something that many of us experience, and his commitment to spirituality taught us how we can overcome such obstacles.
We also heard about his personal journey and had the opportunity to ask questions, followed by a lovely meal and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals.
Vaisesika Prabhu Flagship
In March, KCSOC had the honour of welcoming H.G. Vaisesika Prabhu for an enlightening evening centred around “The Ideal Devotee - The Life of Rama.” The talk focused on the life and teachings of Lord Rama, exploring his example of dharma, devotion, and righteousness. Through captivating stories and pastimes, H.G. Vaisesika Prabhu highlighted how Rama’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice serves as a timeless inspiration for us all. His reflections offered deep insights into how we can apply Rama’s example in our own spiritual journeys, leaving us inspired and uplifted.
KCSOC Weekend Retreat
Over an unforgettable three days, KCSOC hosted 110 attendees (BIGGEST EVER) for our annual weekend retreat, centred around the theme “Flow State: A Journey Within.”
Each day was anchored by inspiring keynote talks from Shyam Gopal and Rasa Kishore, whose insights were deeply connected to Vraja Bihari Prabhu’s book ‘Mind Your Mind’. These sessions encouraged us to reflect inward and better understand the workings of our own minds. Following each talk, attendees gathered into smaller Sanga groups, creating an open and supportive environment to share reflections and build meaningful relationships.
A highlight of the retreat was the series of rotational workshops, each designed to help participants experience their own version of “flow state”:
The art workshop, led by Urvi, explored creativity through drawings inspired by the three modes of material nature.
The yoga workshop, led by Dina, brought laughter and energy through partner yoga, combining movement with fun and connection.
The cooking workshop, led by Radha Pyari, turned into a lively MasterChef-style cook-off, where teams collaborated, competed, and bonded over conscious cooking.
The first night featured a bonfire kirtan, complete with marshmallows and a heartfelt story shared by Madhuri. On the second night, excitement reached new heights with a fire-lit KCSOC sign and an incredible fireworks display, which then flowed straight into an ecstatic kirtan in true KCSOC tradition.
Adding to the energy of the retreat were interactive sessions like the 20v1 and a hot-topic debate led by Navina Krishna Prabhu, sparking both laughter and thoughtful discussion.
More than anything, this retreat was a celebration of community. It brought everyone closer, strengthened friendships, and reflected the dedication and effort poured into KCSOC throughout the year.
Queen Mary KCSOC wins BEST Faith Society award
Our team at QM has had an exceptional year of service, establishing new initiatives like Wednesday Night Kirtans and spirituality workshops. Their efforts have created a meaningful atmosphere in the community, resulting in them winning the BEST Faith Society award!
This award is more than just for the QM KCSOC, but a proud moment for the entire KCSOC community.
KCSOC Committee Social ‘26
Tuesday 31st March
The final committee social at OmNom marked a meaningful close to the KCSOC year: an evening of reflection, appreciation, and connection. From thoughtful sanga activities led by Premaraja, to a wall of our favourite memories, it was a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, thanks to the dedication of our committee members nationwide. As we close this chapter, we also look ahead with excitement to the new year, ready to grow, improve, and build even more together.
PS
Waves Of Devotion
Waves of Devotion brought together families, students, and wider community members for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and deeply heartfelt kirtan, to celebrate Gaura Purnima.
Waves of Devotion has grown into a flagship gathering. This particular event centred on the life and pastimes of Lord Chaitanya, interwoven with vibrant kirtan and interactive elements.
Weeks of preparation went into transforming the Haveli space, from large-scale decoration efforts to coordinating teams of volunteers working behind the scenes to bring the evening together.
The programme featured exceptional kirtan led by renowned singers, including Radhika Das, alongside dramatic storytelling that brought sacred pastimes to life.
The response from attendees and Manor leadership was overwhelmingly positive, with feedback describing the evening as impactful, immersive, and spiritually uplifting. Beyond the physical event, highlights from the evening gained significant traction online, reaching thousands.
More than just a successful gathering, this Waves of Devotion served as an important milestone, helping establish momentum and setting the tone for the Manor’s upcoming international kirtan festival next year.
Vaisesika Prabhu RISE
This Rise event felt like it was for us. An inspiring and fulfilling talk from His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu about the importance of our vows told us that commitment and dedication are fundamental qualities to have when going about our daily spiritual practices. The mention of ‘devotee’, literally meaning ‘one who dedicates by a vow’ from the Latin dēvōtus, showed us that making vows is at the forefront of advancing in spiritual life. Emphasis on the idea that whilst being in the age of Kali means it is still possible to slip up on our vows, bouncing back at devotional service with more love for Krishna is the best way to improve again - this gave us all the feeling of Krishna holding a large net beneath us that is always ready to catch us. Vaisesika Prabhu’s chanting of the Sad-Goswami-Astakam, followed by a beautiful kirtan, brought a calming end to the talk, which led us to a wonderful, hearty feast.
Srutidharma Prabhu (PS Give this One Life to Krishna) Flagship
On Saturday, 14th March, Pandava Sena Mentorship hosted a moving March flagship: “Just Give This One Life to Kṛṣṇa: The Story of Srutidharma Prabhu.”
Sandipan Krishna Prabhu and Anuradha Mataji kindly opened their home to host us. The evening brought everyone together in a warm and personal environment to remember and honour the life of Srutidharma Prabhu - a true hero, a soldier, and an inspiration to all of us.
Yashoda Suta Prabhu shared heartfelt stories and reflections from his time with Srutidharma Prabhu and shared lessons from his life and character, highlighting what it truly means to live and breathe Krishna Consciousness.
The atmosphere was both emotional and uplifting, as other devotees also reflected on his sacrifices, his devotion, and the powerful example he set for living a meaningful and impactful spiritual life. It was not only a time of remembrance, but also a moment for personal reflection, encouraging us to consider how we can “give this one life to Krishna”.
It was a beautiful memoir, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
PS delivers SoB Gita Classes
Both PS and KCSOC recently had the privilege of supporting the School of Bhakti at Bhaktivedanta Manor, delivering engaging classes for children aged 8–12.
Working in pairs, volunteers presented each chapter of the Bhagavad Gita in a simple, interactive, and relatable way. The sessions aimed to make deep spiritual concepts accessible and enjoyable for young minds, encouraging curiosity and reflection.
This initiative proved to be a meaningful service opportunity for the speakers, strengthening their own understanding of the Gita but also being able to share it with the next generation of youth! Ultimately, the experience was both rewarding and impactful, fostering growth for the children and the volunteers involved.
Flagship with Vraja Bihari Prabhu
PS welcomed Vraja Bihari Prabhu on a stunning summer day on the 25th April. Approaching the door, the faint sound of a Kirtan could be heard inside.
Vraja Bihari Prabhu was in the other room, yet he too exclaimed that his heart was in the Kirtan. He explained why, giving a wholesome talk on how we are already loved by Krishna - despite all of us being human and often thinking ourselves to be imperfect, there was the crucial reminder that Krishna loves us right now.
Spiritual life is an opportunity to reciprocate and love him back at every single moment.
VTE
We’re currently in our second wave of the first Vaishnava Training and Etiquette course, a program that strengthens one’s understanding by explaining why we believe what we believe. It’s currently being facilitated by Ambarisa, and these sessions are for our youth who have been introduced to KC and now want to enrich their understanding of it.
Sena Studios - Ramanavmi
Sena Studios presents:
Ramachandra Raghuveera | Shyamali
Acknowledgements
A huge thanks to the contributors of Edition 8 of the Sena Newsletter:
Jaimeeka Patel
Jay Patel
Vedant Shah
Satvik Kansal
Rohan Radia
Heer Patel
Yash Patel
Ansh Arora
Keiyona Paretha
Shayen Unadkat
Hursh Teckchandani
Aniruddh Patel
Vishnu Gor
Deven Patel
Krishan Parmar
Khushi Momaya
Krisha Pattni