By teaching Bhagavadgita to the children from a very young age along with its meaning, helps cultivate in them noble qualities such as moral values, selflessness, righteousness (Dharma), equanimity (sthithaprajna), performing actions for the welfare of the world, working with purity of thought, word, and deed (trikarana shuddhi), giving up the temporary ego and possessiveness of “I” and “mine,” and developing the aspiration to accomplish great deeds that endure even after one’s lifetime. Keeping this in mind, the parents of Kumari Tulasi Sahasra taught her the Bhagavadgita from an early age.
This young girl, currently studying in the 9th grade in Eluru, was brought by Dr. Kishore and his wife to Bhagavadgita Foundation in Hyderabad, where she received blessings from Dr. L.V. Gangadhara Sastry, Gita singer, preacher & propagator, and founder chairman of Bhagavadgita Foundation. Remarkably, she has memorized all 700 verses of the Bhagavadgita and can recite them fluently. She has also earned a place in the London World Book of Records for this achievement.
On this occasion, Dr. Gangadhara Sastry advised the child: “Memorizing the Bhagavadgita is only the first step. The second step is understanding the meaning of every word; the third step is grasping its deeper significance; the fourth step is practicing it after understanding; the fifth step is propagating the Dharma of the Gita; and the sixth step is responding appropriately to anyone who criticizes or undermines our Dharma.” He also pointed out that nowadays some groups recite the Bhagavadgita at such high speed that it becomes incomprehensible, which is not appropriate. He emphasized that it should be recited slowly, clearly, and in a way that everyone can understand. Appreciating Tulasi Sahasra’s accomplishment, Dr. Gangadhara Sastry blessed her and presented her with a copy of Bhagavadgita.
