A ‘Vedic village’ amidst an IT hub—yet in this era of 5G, there is neither electricity nor television here. The residents live far removed from mobile phones and the internet, having consciously chosen to shun modern amenities. They live in earthen houses and engage in farming. No household has an LPG connection; everyone cooks meals on traditional stoves. There are no modern appliances to be found. The village has only a single landline phone, which is used by anyone needing to make a call. The people here believe in the philosophy of “simple living and high thinking.”
This is Kurma village in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Nestled amidst hills and mountains, the village spans an area of 60 acres and is home to approximately 14 families. The residents of Kurma village are devotees of Lord Krishna, and their lives are dedicated to His devotion. They rely on traditional cooking methods, natural materials, and agriculture. They weave and wear their own clothes. There are no facilities for electricity, mobile phones, or the internet here.
The daily routine of the people in Kurma village begins early; they wake up at 3:30 AM. They then engage in prayers, chanting, and spiritual practices. Children study at the Gurukul, where they learn traditional scriptures. The curriculum includes mathematics, science, Sanskrit, Telugu, Hindi, English, arts, and the study of the Mahabharata. Occasionally, the children stage plays based on stories from the Mahabharata and history, which the adults watch for entertainment. Harikatha performances are held daily, and the children also participate in sports and games at the Gurukul. The villagers have no interest in what is happening outside Kurmagram; the residents of the ashram learn about news from the outside world through visiting strangers. The village’s popularity is growing rapidly, with thousands of people from far and wide coming to visit. The ashram residents are propagating spirituality and Vedic knowledge in the surrounding villages. Some foreign devotees have even come here and settled permanently.
