The Summer Conference at Ananda Kanan is always the highlight of the year for Ananda Marga in the New York Sector, and this year it felt even more special. For the first time, the organizing committee added two days of Kiirtana workshops with Jyoshna la Trobe and a full day dedicated to Safeguarding, extending the event to eight full days, including arrival and departure. These additions brought fresh energy, attracting more participants than in recent years, including new Margiis and newcomers who were warmly welcomed into the family.
The setting itself seemed to bless the gathering. Heavy rains the week before cooled the normally intense Missouri summer into pleasantly warm, breezy days, making the campus especially vibrant. The lush green hills and serene atmosphere created the perfect background for the conference.
Inspiration and Leadership
Ác. Madhuvratánanda Avt. came as the Central Representative, offering seminar classes and giving heartfelt, inspirational talks. His presence brought a sense of connection to the global Marga, reminding everyone of the bigger picture of our spiritual mission. Under the calm and steady guidance of Ác. Unmantrananda Avt., the primary coordinator, the program unfolded with a relaxed rhythm that made families with children feel especially at ease.
The children’s program was a highlight in itself, lovingly coordinated by sister Rekha, her daughter Maya, Avtk. Ánanda Rádhiká Ác., and Avtk. Ánanda Acirá Ác. Games, crafts, songs, and stories filled their days, creating an environment where children could feel both joy and spiritual inspiration. For Rekha’s family, this program has been a yearly tradition for three generations, and she has embraced it as her personal mission to ensure other families have the same experience of belonging and joy at Ananda Kanan.
No retreat is complete without nourishing and delicious food, and the kitchen team worked tirelessly to provide it. Avtk. Ánanda Hitaprábhá Ác. led with warmth and dedication, assisted by Avtk. Ánanda Acirá Ác. and Ác. Diiptimánánanda Avt. Together with Margii volunteers, they ensured meals were abundant, delicious, and sattvik, with gluten-free and vegan options. The care taken to avoid waste reflected the spirit of service that permeated the entire program.
Participants traveled from across the sector, many flying into Springfield-Branson International Airport or St. Louis. Transportation was smoothly coordinated by Avtk. Ánanda Kalyánmitra Ác. and other Ácáryas, ensuring everyone arrived comfortably at Ananda Kanan’s welcoming gates.
Program Highlights
The conference opened on Sunday, June 29, with Akhanda Kiirtana and the evening ceremony, setting a devotional tone. On June 30 and July 1, Jyoshna la Trobe conducted three immersive Kiirtana workshops. Her unique ability to blend deep devotion with musical creativity brought everyone—young and old, seasoned Margiis and new seekers—into a shared experience of bliss. These days also included Akhanda Kiirtana and the joyful competitions of Kaośikii and Táńd́ava, where laughter, energy, and spirit filled the hall.
July 2 was Outing Day, and participants traveled to the Blue Spring River. The morning and afternoon were spent together in nature, swimming, sharing lunch, singing Kiirtana, and meditating under the open sky. The peaceful flow of the river and the vibrant greenery deepened the feeling of harmony with nature. That evening, the Akhanda Kiirtana was especially aesthetic and blissful, with Jyoshna and other talented musicians leading a flow of song that touched everyone’s hearts.
July 3 focused on Seminars and the Ananda Mela. In the morning, Ác. Madhuvratánanda Avt. gave two insightful seminar classes. The afternoon burst into life with the Ananda Mela, now firmly established as one of the favorite traditions of the conference. Workshops included Nonviolent Communication by brother Vishnu, Painting by brother Sudhiira, Jyoshna’s singing workshop, children’s activities, and two new highlights: “Plant Your Words and Paint Your Dream” by Avtk. Ánanda Acirá Ác.—a creative session combining wildflower-seed paper and a mural painting on canvas—and a workshop on Naturopathy by Ác. Shiilabhadránanda Avt. The diversity of offerings reflected the creativity and dedication of Margiis and Ácáryas alike.
On July 4, participants joined the local community of Willow Springs for Independence Day celebrations. Carrying banners, singing Nagar Kiirtana, and handing out candy to children, Margiis and Ácáryas filled the streets with song and spirit. The evening brought another round of Akhanda Kiirtana, followed by the RAWA program, which this year was truly inspiring: poetry recitations, a children’s drama, dance, Prabhata Samgiita, and heartfelt performances that left a lasting impression.
July 5, the last full day, was dedicated to Safeguarding and Organization. Ác. Unmantrananda Avt. and Ác. Dhruva led a seminar on safeguarding children, vulnerable adults, and all participants. For the past year, a dedicated committee has been preparing policies and reporting mechanisms, which are now being reviewed by lawyers and prepared for Central approval. The afternoon continued with an organizational meeting, ensuring that Ananda Marga in the sector is strong both spiritually and structurally.
The closing ceremony in the evening was filled with heartfelt sharing. Participants spoke of their inspiration, their gratitude, and their renewed commitment to spiritual practice. Ác. Abhirámánanda Avt. and Ác. Madhuvratánanda Avt. awarded prizes for outstanding contributions during the conference and throughout the year, honoring both children and adults. The sense of unity and upliftment was palpable, and many left with the feeling that this year’s Summer Conference had set a new standard for joy, inspiration, and collective growth.
