Jalangi Devi Dasi, a prominent figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in South Africa, is making waves as a female manager and advocate for women empowerment and youth mentorship. With a passion for education and a commitment to nurturing the next generation, Jalangi is paving the way for positive change in her community.

Jalangi’s journey in ISKCON spans over 25 years, during which she has actively participated in various roles and responsibilities. A disciple of Partha Sarati Das Goswami Maharaj, she has been deeply involved in the engineering of spiritual community. Alongside her spiritual endeavors, Jalangi is also an esteemed educator at Verulam Secondary School, where she holds the position of Departmental Head of Languages, Literacy, and Communication.

In our interview, Jalangi emphasized her dedication to women’s empowerment and youth development. She stated, “My heart is very much in the issues surrounding these areas. I am actively involved in initiatives such as Vaishnavi Sanga, which focuses on empowering mothers and young women within ISKCON.” Jalangi recognizes the importance of creating platforms for women to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives and talents to the community.

Furthermore, Jalangi’s commitment extends to mentoring and nurturing the youth. She has been actively engaged in youth outreach programs for over two decades. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jalangi remains determined to connect with young individuals and stimulate their growth. She highlighted the need for adaptability and evolving strategies in mentorship programs to address the changing needs of youth, stressing, “I think it’s absolutely essential. I’m fortunate because, as an educator, I’m around young people every day of my life. So, to use their lingo, ‘I get the vibe,’ I understand where they’re coming from.”

Reflecting on the impact of COVID-19 on the community, Jalangi acknowledged the resilience of the devotees at ISKCON-Phoenix in South Africa. She expressed gratitude for the core group of committed devotees, emphasizing the strength of their collaborative efforts. Jalangi praised the Grihastha-run nature of the temple, where married couples play a vital role in the management and service of the community.

When asked about the importance of community support structures, Jalangi emphasized the significance of understanding and cooperation between partners. She shared, “Holding some level of responsibility as a woman requires two people. Having a supportive spouse allows us to navigate the challenges of managing family, work, and spiritual commitments. It’s about finding a way to navigate our multifaceted roles to serve our spiritual journey.”

With her vast experience in education, facilitation, and community engagement, Jalangi envisions an international collaborative effort in youth mentorship. She believes that by uniting devotees from different parts of the world, valuable insights and guidance can be shared, empowering young individuals to embrace their spirituality while excelling in their personal and professional lives.

As a devoted mother of two academically high-performing girls, Jalangi exemplifies the values of a Krishna-conscious woman within ISKCON. Her passion, resilience, and unwavering dedication make her an inspirational figure for women and youth alike.

As we stand at the cusp of a new era, let us join Jalangi in her noble mission to establish an international youth empowerment forum. Together, we can create a world where the voices of young women and men are heard, their talents nurtured, and their dreams realized. Contact her via Facebook and become part of this exciting dialogue and journey toward a brighter, empowered future.