When They Call Me ‘Mataji’ I know That’s The Purest Form Of Love, I Will Do Anything For Them

“It’s been two years since I moved to India from Hawaii. And in these two years, my life has completely changed. I was known as Jennifer Hans, but after being indoctrinated into the Hare Krishna Movement, I go by the name of Yashoda Gopi Hans. I was thrilled when I was told I could move to India. I didn’t know what my purpose was, but after coming here I realized that my sole mission is to serve the poor and needy, and dedicate my life to the service of others. India is home now, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.

My Gurudev Srila Narayan Goswami Maharaj has given me the mercy to do this work, and I want to follow his path. I want to do so much for the people and animals here. Every day there’s one thing that brings me so much joy and happiness — the smile on the faces of these children we feed and them calling out to me with so much love. When they call me ‘mataji’ I know that’s the purest form of love, they consider me their mother. It just makes my day. But their lives are filled with so much pain and suffering. People here in Vrindavan and Barsana are struggling to put food on the table, so many children are not being fed. They have never even had two square meals. They are impoverished and often suffer great hardships.

So I want to make sure they go to bed on a full stomach every day. We serve around 500–1000 people at the ashram during the day, and in the evening we go out and feed more. Come rain or shine, we’re all there dedicated to this cause. I not only feed these children but also teach them kindness and love — the two most important things the world needs right now.

I want to do so much for these children, I want to give back to society…and I will continue doing this until I can. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt through my journey here, it’s that caring for someone you don’t even know and sharing is the purest path to take. I’ve got so much selfless love in return. And I wouldn’t have it any other day. My life and my purpose are here in India.”

- Yashoda Gopi Hans