Ronald Singh was born on a small island in the South Pacific nation of Fiji. In 1996, when he was ten, his family immigrated to Sacramento, California. Before moving to the United States, Ronald attended an English-speaking school in Fiji, where he was exposed to various religious teachings and philosophical ideas. During his childhood, he explored books from the Abrahamic traditions, including the Jehovah's Witness publication My Book of Bible Stories. His early exposure to different spiritual perspectives planted the seeds for a lifelong search for deeper understanding.
After arriving in the United States, Ronald adapted to a new culture, environment, and way of life. His spiritual journey continued to develop throughout his teenage years, but it was during college that he began a more serious exploration of the purpose of life. During this period, he encountered Bhagavad-gītā As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. This discovery profoundly influenced him and inspired him to study various spiritual traditions, philosophies, and systems of thought.
Through this sincere search, Ronald came to appreciate the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda as providing a complete and practical understanding of the ultimate purpose of life, the nature of the self, and the relationship between the living being and the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krishna.
Seeking to deepen his understanding and service, Ronald traveled and associated with experienced practitioners and leaders within the Krishna consciousness movement. Through these experiences, he developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving the original teachings, instructions, and standards established by the Founder-Ācārya, Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasized the importance of individual responsibility, thoughtful application of Krishna consciousness, and avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy. He stated:
"Krishna Consciousness Movement is for training men to be independently thoughtful and competent in all types of departments of knowledge and action, not for making bureaucracy. Once there is bureaucracy the whole thing will be spoiled."
Guided by the personal instructions, encouragement, and blessings of his mentors, Ronald became deeply convinced of the importance of returning to the original instructions of the Founder-Ācārya, maintaining the authenticity of Śrīla Prabhupāda's unchanged books, and following the principle of disciplic succession described in the Vedic statement ācāryavān puruṣo veda (Sanskrit: आचार्यवान् पुरुषो वेद).
Inspired by the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and the unique personal understanding and opportunity given to everyone to spread Krishna consciousness in every town and village, Ronald, after careful planning over several years, established this school and āśrama in September 2024. The purpose of this institution is to provide a place where students can study, practice, and live according to the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda in a focused spiritual environment.
The mission of the school and āśrama is to revive the spirit of dedication and service that was present during the physical presence of Śrīla Prabhupāda, while demonstrating that sincere individuals can take responsibility and contribute to the expansion of Krishna consciousness. Through authentic study, practical application, and dedication to the Ācārya's teachings, spiritual understanding and realization can gradually manifest.
Ronald has also dedicated himself to the distribution of Śrīla Prabhupāda's books throughout Sacramento, Yuba City, Oroville, and Chico. He served as the project leader for the Delhi Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam campaign, where he helped organize distribution efforts and assisted in raising over $35,000 for the printing and distribution of the Delhi Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam sets. He was also the head of a former ISKCON organization, where he was the main book distributor, and with that inspiration he tried to establish a branch in Sacramento. When he realized that the former members had participated in various unauthorized activities, he distanced himself, and by good fortune he continued his sincere efforts and eventually started this branch, which is totally independent of any other group and stands on its own feet. The understanding is that this location was divinely chosen. Why? Because the address is 1684. Why? Because as devotees we are expected to chant 16 rounds, follow the four regulative principles, and remember the eight principal gopis in Hindu tradition (particularly within Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Krishna bhakti).
Through the blessings of his mentors and Śrīla Prabhupāda, Ronald founded this school and āśrama (former YMCA)¹ in September 2024 and serves as one of its principal founding members. Ronald continues working to serve the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and to create opportunities for others to learn, practice, and share the timeless teachings of Krishna consciousness.
Is all this a coincidence?² That is for you to decide!
¹ On September 22, 1965, Śrīla Prabhupāda gave a lecture at the YMCA in Butler, Pennsylvania.
² On September 17, 1965, more than 60 years ago, Śrīla Prabhupāda arrived in America, bringing with him the same books that Ronald Singh helped reprint.
Would you like to help?
You can find out more by visiting his YouTube channels and seeing for yourself:
The Vedic Student: https://youtube.com/@thevedicstudent
ISKCON History: https://youtube.com/@iskconhistory
Facebook: https://facebook.com/hksoroville
Hare Krishna!