Report
Rupa Sethia
BAJMC Sem 3
ISKCON Newtown organised its Mega Youth Fest, Prerana: Freedom 2.0, at Nityanand Hall on August 8, 5 P.M onwards to bringing together young people for an evening centred on the theme of inner freedom. With the message of “Azadi from Anxiety, Addiction, Distraction and Purposelessness,” the event aimed to address some of the challenges faced by today’s youth and encourage them to lead more purposeful and meaningful lives. The programme featured an inspiring session by mentor, monk and speaker Chaitanya Charan Das, along with music and dinner prasadam, creating an atmosphere of reflection, inspiration and community.
The central focus of the event was the session by Chaitanya Charan Das, who spoke about the importance of inner freedom and the challenges faced by young people in today’s digital age. He discussed how anxiety, addiction, constant distractions and a lack of purpose can gradually affect the way young people connect with themselves and others. He particularly highlighted the growing dependence on smartphones, where people spend hours scrolling through social media, online content and sales, often becoming disconnected from real-life experiences and spirituality. He pointed out that people can become so absorbed in their phone screens that they stop noticing what is happening around them, including in their locality, among neighbours and even within their own families. According to him, this growing detachment is one of the major concerns for today’s youth. He encouraged young people to look beyond their digital screens, become more conscious of their surroundings and build meaningful connections with others. He also emphasised that true freedom does not simply mean freedom from external restrictions, but freedom from the distractions and habits that control our minds. His message encouraged the youth to develop a more purposeful, aware and spiritually connected outlook towards life.
The programme created a lively and peaceful atmosphere for participants of all age groups. The audience appeared deeply immersed during the Krishna Kirtan, with children, adults and elderly people joining enthusiastically. A little girl singing the devotional chants with a cheerful smile was a particularly heartwarming moment. The Nityananda Hall had simple decorations, featuring pictures of Lord Krishna, Radha and other Vaishnav-related images. The organisers also conducted an online quiz based on spirituality, Ramayana and Mahabharata, which received enthusiastic participation. A short film on ISKCON Delhi followed, explaining its establishment and growth. The event concluded with an interactive session where participants shared their concerns with Chaitanya Charan Das and received responses, making the programme engaging and meaningful.
Prerana: Freedom 2.0 was more than a spiritual gathering; it offered an insight into the concerns and lifestyle challenges faced by today’s generation. The combination of spirituality, music, quiz, informative content and direct audience interaction made the event engaging. The programme concluded with a strong message of inner freedom, awareness, meaningful connections and purposeful living, leaving a lasting impression on the participants.
