28th December, 2025 (Vrindavan Today News): The book ‘Aao Sajayein Kanha Ka Braj’ ( “Let Us Adorn Krishna’s Braj”), authored by senior journalist Shri Vineet Narain was formally released by Sant Shri Premananda Maharaj on Sunday morning at the later’s ashram in Vrindavan. Shri Vineet Narain is the founder and president of ‘The Braj Foundation’, an organistaion known for its restoration efforts of Braj’s ancient kunds and groves. After releasing the book, Sant Premanand Ji Maharaj underscored the spiritual responsibility of protecting Braj’s sacred ecology, including its forests, trees, water bodies, kunds and pilgrimage sites. He stated that devotion to Radha and Krishna is incomplete without service to the land where their divine pastimes unfolded. He expressed hope that the book would deepen awareness and reverence for Braj among devotees in India and abroad. He blessed the author for his effort in serving Braj and expressed confidence that the book would serve as a lasting testament to devotion, service and responsibility toward one of the world’s most sacred living landscapes.
Documenting Two Decades of Conservation Efforts
The book draws upon more than 20 years of Vineet Narain’s direct involvement in reviving neglected sacred sites across the Braj region. The journey began in 2002, inspired by Sant Shri Ramesh Baba, when Narain undertook a personal resolve to restore abandoned kunds, forests, hills, Yamuna ghats and leela sthalis. This effort soon evolved into a volunteer movement known as the Braj Rakshak Dal.
In 2005, these initiatives were institutionalised through the formation of The Braj Foundation, which has since emerged as a globally recognised organisation in the field of cultural and spiritual heritage conservation.
Large-Scale Restoration Without Government Funding
Under Narain’s leadership, The Braj Foundation has undertaken restoration and beautification of numerous sacred sites, notably without financial assistance from either the central or state governments. Major projects include Brahma Kund, Ramtal and Seva Kunj in Vrindavan; Rin Mochan Kund, Sankarshan Kund and Rudra Kund in Govardhan; Jal Mahal, Gahvar Van and Dohani Kund in Barsana; Kaliya Naag Mardan Temple, Jai Kund and Ajay Van in Jait village; Brahma Van in Chaumuhan; Basudev Ji’s Gokul Gamana Leela site at Koile Ghat; and the construction and restoration of Kedarnath and Gauri temples in Kaman. Several other kunds and leela sites across Braj have also been restored.
Planning and Advisory Role
The Braj Foundation has acted as an advisory body to both the Uttar Pradesh government and the Government of India on Braj development. It prepared the region’s first comprehensive Master Plan, offering site-specific proposals and detailed project reports for long-term conservation. However, speakers noted that progress over the past six to seven years has slowed due to administrative hurdles.
Recognition and Praise
The Foundation’s work has drawn praise from prominent figures across the country. Former NITI Aayog CEO and senior adviser to the Prime Minister, Amitabh Kant, has publicly remarked that a majority of Indian states have not achieved in tourism development what The Braj Foundation has accomplished in Braj—without government funding.
About the Book
Comprising 34 chapters, “Let Us Adorn Krishna’s Braj” combines narrative documentation with scholarship. It covers the spiritual importance of key leela sites, their decline over time, and the systematic efforts made toward their revival. The volume includes hundreds of colour photographs and incorporates teachings and verses of eminent Rasik saints, making it both visually rich and accessible to readers.
A press conference was organised later at ‘Bhajan Kuteer’, the author’s residence in Vrindavan where he addressed the media. Addressing the media, Vineet Narain, Narendra Agrawal and Braj Foundation associate Vipin Vyas said the book aims to inspire Brajvasis, devotees and pilgrims worldwide to actively participate in preserving Braj’s unique spiritual and cultural heritage.
Shri Vineet Narain shared his experience in serving Braj by restoring its natural heritage. Talking to the media he said, “Without the necessary support from the government, numerous projects remained incomplete, and the water bodies painstakingly preserved by us gradually fell into neglect.”
To know more about the activities of The Braj Foundation please log on to https://www.brajfoundation.org
