Help Replace Kamalini and Apurva’s Car After Flood Tragedy

Story

Dear friends, devotees, and well-wishers, We are reaching out with hopeful hearts to ask for your support for two very beloved members of our New Goloka community in Hillsborough, NC — Kamalini Devi Dasi (Kathleen Darling) and Apurva Dasa (Alan Darling). On Monday morning, July 7th, while driving to the temple at Mangala Arati time to give Srimad-Bhagavatam class, Mother Kamalini was caught in a devastating flood on Ben Johnston Rd., caused by the rising Eno River in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal. In the darkness, what appeared to be a harmless puddle turned out to be deep floodwater close to the Dimmocks Mill Road bridge, where the river had overflowed and deposited a massive tree trunk and two uprooted trees onto the roadway. Her car was quickly overtaken by the floodwaters, and in a terrifying moment, water rushed into the vehicle and submerged her over her head. Calling out repeatedly, “Krishna, save me! Krishna, save me!” she fought her way out through an open window into the dark, rushing water, her soaked sari weighing her down as she struggled to swim. By Krishna’s mercy, she reached an embankment, where she stood shivering in the cold for nearly half an hour before finding the courage to climb a fence and knock on the back door of a nearby home. The kind resident, Cindy, welcomed her in, offering warmth and safety. Sadly, her car was later found washed down the road, completely submerged. Both Kamalini and her husband Apurva are Srila Prabhupada’s disciples who have spent their lives in selfless service. Kamalini Devi Dasi has tirelessly distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books for decades and has lovingly taught and guided three generations of devotees in our community. Apurva Dasa is cherished for his extraordinary cooking, preparing and distributing countless plates of delicious Krishna prasadam to thousands over the years — feeding hearts and souls with his generous, steady service. This car was their only vehicle and is a total loss. They now urgently need a reliable replacement to continue attending temple programs, medical appointments, grocery trips, and the services they both so devotedly perform. How You Can Help We are hoping to raise $20,000 to help them purchase a safe, dependable car. Every contribution — large or small — will directly support these two beloved Vaishnavas as they recover from this frightening ordeal and continue their lifelong service. If you’ve ever been warmed by a plate of Apurva’s prasadam, uplifted by Mother Kamalini’s gentle wisdom, or inspired by their unwavering dedication to Srila Prabhupada, this is a wonderful opportunity to give back with gratitude. Please donate and share this campaign widely. Together, as a caring devotee family, we can ensure that they have the means to safely continue their devotional service. With gratitude and affection, Campakalata devi dasi Hare Krishna. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!