Steven Chu, the nation's new Secretary of Energy, speaks with noted science writer Michelle Nijhuis. "We're in a war," he says, "to save our planet."

How has your switch from research to politics changed your perspective on the energy challenge?
It really hasn't changed my thinking that much. The President has made it very clear that science is science, and many of the issues we face need science and technology solutions. The Department of Energy is an incredible science resource, and part of its mission is to pro-vide the best scientific advice directly to policy makers-and that, fundamentally, is nonpartisan.

310. GBC Participation in Farm Projects [Guideline]

Whereas ISKCON farms and farmers often struggle to make their operations viable;

Whereas ISKCON farms, cow protectors, farmers, and those engaged in rural development often feel unsupported by ISKCON management;

Whereas the successful establishment of varnasrama and rural life was a key concern of Srila Prabhupada;

Whereas the Vedic system is supportive of agricultural and rural communities;

Whereas there has been a global decline in the general status of farm projects;

Whereas ISKCON farm projects in which GBC members put energy are often successful;

RESOLVED:

That all GBC members, as far as possible, commit themselves to spend 10% of their time helping to develop farm projects:
    •    by giving 10% of their classes on the importance of farm development and cow protection
    •    and/or by spending 10% of their time on a farm or farms to encourage the farm devotees

To fulfill Srila Prabhupada's 50% mission means to propagate and implement varnasrama dharma. To propagate and implement varnasrama dharma means to propagate and implement it globally.

This was the theme in the second annual gathering of Srila Prabhupada's varnasrama missionaries at Sridham Mayapur from Feb 24th to Feb 27th, jointly conducted by MIHET and Sri Krishna Balarama Ksetra (near Hebri, South Karnataka).

A total of 41 participants from 20 different countries, ranging from "brand-new" delegates to the varnasrama mission to 30 year experienced devotees in various varnasrama dharma farm projects, met for four consecutive days to share and discuss issues related to the varnasrama mission, its principles and implementation efforts.

This time, like last year, the seminar was divided into 14 modules. The main speakers were: His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami (Canada), His Holiness Purushatrya Swami (Brazil), His Holiness Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami (Nigeria), His Grace Dhaneshvara Prabhu (Ukraine) and His Grace Samba Prabhu (England). Other devotees who also presented their projects as part of "worldwide report" module were His Holiness Smitha Krishna Swami (Sweden), His Grace Shaligrama Prabhu (USA) and His Grace Hari Kirtan Prabhu (India).