Sometimes the path to finding yourself begins far from home, in a land of sacred cows, sunrise prayers, and barefoot dancing on temple rooftops. For seven young girls from Hawaiʻi, Braj Bhumi didn’t just teach them about art — it gave them back their sense of purpose.
The Longing to Return
Having trained in multiple Indian classical and folk dance forms for over two decades, I’ve come to see dance not merely as movement, but as freedom, self-discovery, storytelling, and embodied prayer. When I began teaching young girls from the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, I carried a dream: to one day bring them to the sacred birthplace of these traditions. I wanted them to receive what I had received from the land and people that shaped my own journey.
Today’s youth are inundated with content, choices, and opinions, often leaving them unanchored—unsure of who they are or what truly matters. I wanted these girls to feel rooted, inspired, and empowered—to discover their inner light and become the women they’re meant to be: brave, kind, passionate, and purposeful.
After months of dedicated fundraising, that dream came true. In December 2024, seven of my students, ages 11 to 18, and four of their parents traveled halfway across the globe to the land that has drawn seekers for generations — from the Beatles to Steve Jobs. Our first stop: the Braj Bhumi ashram in Vrindavan — my home away from home.
Living the Tradition
Each day began under the crimson sky with yoga and sun salutations, followed by deep rooftop dance practice above the rhythm of pilgrims and marketplaces. The girls immersed themselves in service: chopping vegetables in the kitchen, distributing food, scrubbing temple steps, feeding cows at local sanctuaries. The tasks were simple, yet transformative. The spirit of the community began to touch something deep within them.
One student took to the kitchen seva with surprising zeal — waking at 5 am, taking cold showers, and skipping breakfast just to help prep meals. I remembered how, one summer, it used to be a struggle to get her out of bed before 10 am. After our return, her mother told me, “I saw the change right away — her outlook on life is completely different. She’s genuinely grateful for every opportunity to serve.”
One of the most moving moments came when our students visited Bhakta Bandhav Gurukulam and met local girls their age. They danced for each other, laughed together, and embraced like old friends. When my students learned of the challenges these girls face — early marriage, scarce healthcare, heavy family burdens — they were stunned. And yet, these girls radiated joy and resilience. That encounter left a mark that will never fade.
Shaped by Art, Moved by Meaning
From Braj, we traveled to Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu for intensive workshops with master artists — individuals for whom art is not performance but sacred offering. We witnessed the fiery grace of Kalbeliya women balancing pots mid-spin, the precision of Bharatanatyam dancers during Chennai’s Margazhi season, and the devotion that fueled every step, every rhythm, every breath.
A New Direction
By the time we returned to Braj for our final ten days of service, exploration, and reflection, something had shifted in the girls. On our last morning, as they rolled their suitcases down the dusty path toward the taxis, their eyes were teary, their steps heavy. One of them turned to me and said, “I don’t really want to go back. My parents wouldn’t like hearing that, but... life feels simpler here. I realize I don’t need much to be happy.”
Braj had worked its quiet magic. These were no longer just dance students on a trip abroad—they were young women waking up to a deeper sense of themselves and their purpose.
Six months later, I see the ripple effects. One student is heading to college to study interior design. Another is coaching gymnastics. Another is launching a small fine arts business. They move forward with greater confidence, community awareness, and a sense of purpose. They all still dance with me, and soon, some of us will travel to New Zealand to share our journey and our art.
This is the power of Braj Bhumi — its people, its spirit, and its sacred soil. I’m deeply grateful to the leaders of Braj Bhumi for making this journey possible and for nurturing the next generation of soulful changemakers. This experience has inspired me to continue bringing youth and their families to Braj to encounter the beauty, wisdom, and depth this place has to offer.
If you’d like to support future excursions or get involved with our projects, please reach out to me and the Braj Bhumi team at malini@brajbhumi.com.
We look forward to sharing more stories like this one — and we thank you for your continued support.
Malini Taneja, visiting one of our schools.
