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October 30, 1976 : Vrindavan

Hari Sauri: Jagadisa and Bhagatji came to discuss further ideas they have for the gurukula. At one point they mentioned a plan for having the boys go out and preach. Prabhupada became most upset and he angrily stopped them. "How these young boys will preach? This is all nonsense! Who is the rascal who has suggested this? They are simply meant for studying English and Sanskrit and becoming very expert in our books. They should not go out before the age of sixteen. They should not do anything else, simply remain in Vrindavana."

I have never seen him get angry with Bhagatji before. He always deals with him in a friendly, encouraging, and gentle way. He is the only local man to come forward and give practical daily help, and it was he who donated the land upon which the gurukula is being built. But Prabhupada exploded with indignation when Bhagatji suggested further that the boys could be sent to do programs in the homes of Life Members in Delhi to raise funds for the gurukula.

"I can give any amount of funds," he shouted, his face flushed and top lip quivering. "They shall not be used for this purpose, collecting money. This is very wrong!" He was most perturbed with these ideas, and as they talked for the best part of half an hour, he referred to these points repeatedly to make sure they understood.


Reference: A Transcendental Diary Volume 5 - Hari Sauri Dasa