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PROSPECTUS 2012-2013

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Where I Can Study at the Heart of Europe

Discover a Spiritual Environment in a Hectic World

Bhaktivedanta College is situated in the undulating Ardennes region of Belgium, an hour’s drive south-east of the national capital. Brussels itself is a major transport hub, no more than two hours from Paris, London, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. The College is one hour from the medieval city of Leuven (Louvain), home to the world’s oldest Catholic university, and two hours from Bruges, world famous for its perfectly preserved medieval architecture. The closest town is historic Durbuy, locally described as ‘the smallest city in the world’. The College campus lies adjacent to the picturesque Chateau de Petite Somme.

The River Ourthe runs through historic Durbuy, locally described as ‘the smallest city in the world’.

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W h e r e I C a n F e e l a t H o m e

Live on a tranquil campus with like-minded people With its scenic, secluded environment, the campus is ideal for study, research and reflection. Students may take advantage of the College’s recently refurbished residential facilities. Dominating the landscape is the impressive Chateau. It houses a gorgeous Radha-Krishna shrine, renowned for its high standards of puja (worship) and kirtan (musical meditation).

Up-to-date facilities now include: - Student lounge - Pure vegetarian restaurant - Gym, sauna and laundry room - Library specialising in Hindu Studies - Wireless Internet connection - Shop and bakery - Interactive classrooms - Shrine and meditation room

Ariel view of the campus, showing the Château de Petit Somme, the guest house and the vegetarian restaurant

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W h e r e I C a n E x p r e s s M y s e l f

Discover a compelling sense of individual purpose College life is a defining stage in personal growth: a time to discover and express one’s self, meet new friends and explore novel ideas, opinions and opportunities. The College provides ample space to develop discernment and a sense of individual purpose. Academic courses challenge students to develop self- assurance, character and independent thought. Students are encouraged to write a personal mission statement and to make a social contribution. Theologically, the College aims to foster an appreciation of the spiritual equality of all peoples and a corresponding respect for Earth’s natural resources and the sanctity of all life.

The College campus provides an ideal setting for each student to develop a positive sense of purpose and identity.

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W h e r e I C a n M a k e N e w F r i e n d s Establish Lifelong Relationships and Social Networks Students attend Bhaktivedanta College from throughout the world. Despite a rich ethnic and cultural diversity, they share a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the lecture theatre and into the local and extended communities. Social life is very different here. Students are renowned for their expertise in the performing arts, such as drama, kirtan and classical Indian music. Most popular are the festive days, spiritual retreats and sumptuous vegetarian feasts. Popular recreational activities include walking, swimming, canoeing, cycling and cultural visits. Our students also share a keen interest in current social trends and in philosophical debate.

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W h e r e I C a n B e M o t i v a t e d

Develop excellent career and economic prospects Bhaktivedanta College welcomes students who are inquisitive, motivated and responsible. It offers a wide range of ethical, exhilarating routes to personal and professional success. Specialised courses integrate academic excellence with spiritual vision, and lofty ideals with real-world relevance. They enable graduates to walk away with both enriching experience and a practical, prestigious award. Students are offered full support through personalised mentoring and career guidance. The College maintains strong links with its international partners, and many students undertake a work and research based placement, relevant to both their worldly and spiritual aspirations.

College Students are supported to develop a strong sense of purpose: to positively engage with the world while maintaining strong spiritual and ethical ideals. The College promote academic and personal challenge as opportunities to develop courage and character.

Careers linked with our two main degree courses are shown on the following pages.

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W h e r e I C a n F i n d a R e w a r d i n g C a r e e r

Lay foundations for social, personal and economic fulfilment Bhaktivedanta College offers personalised career advice, enabling each student to move at their own pace and in the direction best suited to their individual talents and aspirations. Over the last eight years, Theology and Religious Studies graduates have found success in the following fields:

- Teaching (often after obtaining a PGCE) - Chaplaincy

- Counselling - Social work

- Conflict management and Mediation - Communications / Public Relations / Journalism

- Translation - Consultancy in Asian issues (e.g. in industry)

-library work (e.g. specialist libraries) - University admin staff (in related disciplines). Others have pursued careers inside their faith community, often within:

- Leadership & Management - Training & Education or Outreach

- The Priesthood (performing puja & samskaras) - Pastoral Care and Community Development.

Priests bathe the deities of Rama and Sita in a Mumbai temple. Graduates of Theology and Religious Studies often choose careers within ISKCON, as priests, ministers and leaders. Others choose rewarding careers in the wider world, especially as related to education. For employability, education courses are often ranked top. In many colleges and universities, up to 85% of graduates immediately enter related, meaningful employment.

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Where I Can Prepare for a Career in Education

Join a team of dedicated professionals Many Education Studies graduates enter initial teacher training and thereafter primary and secondary education as teachers (or teaching assistants). Others, well equipped to engage critically with education, move into school or college leadership. Graduates in Educational Studies also regularly succeed in careers linked to:

- Nurseries - Colleges and Universities - Charitable work related to education - Youth work - Various forms of social work - Human resources development and training - The human potential market - Educational consultancy - The civil-service and policy making - Libraries - Educational publishing - Museums, the Prison Service (as Education Officers) -Non-compulsory sector teaching - The voluntary sector

The environmentally-friendly Krishna Avanti Primary School near London offers many opportunities for successful students. College graduates readily succeed in careers that favour the ethical, spiritual and multicultural aspects of education.

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Careers linked to ISKCON

Diverse possibilities also exist directly within ISKCON, especially as linked to:

- ISKCON’s private schools - Adult education initiatives - Leadership of educational projects - Temple/Community staff training and development - Strategic Planning and Policy making - Youth projects - Devotee support services - Child-protection and related services - Mature outreach programmes - Counselling

Exciting opportunities are increasingly available in those areas spanning devotional and professional life (e.g. ISKCON-backed, state-funded schools). These forums offer most opportunity for dialogue and mutual exchange. ISKCON members can enhance their professionalism while practically demonstrating the value of Vaishnava truths to contemporary issues, debates and challenges within the education world.

Bhaktivedanta College has established International Partnerships with organisations who successfully negotiate both devotional and professional concerns.

A student and teacher in a school sponsored by the i-Foundation, which oversees in the UK an expanding ‘family’ of state-funded schools.

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W h e r e I C a n B e a T e a c h e r

The Faculty of Education Studies

Build a rewarding career in education

Education Studies aims to provide a broad, critical perspective on education, and opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The BA (Hons) in Education Studies, Theology and Religion has two distinct features. First, it equips students with direct experience of learning and teaching. Second, it examines the ethical and spiritual domains of education, integrating contemporary theory and practice with Vaishnava-Hindu insight. It explores the diverse contexts in which education meets ethics, religion and spirituality. Many graduates enter the teaching sector. Others become trainers, school leaders and education officers within charity and business sectors. Close collaboration with employer organisations, such as the UK-based i-Foundation, opens opportunities for employment in schools promoting not only educational achievement, but also character formation and spiritual insight. The award also opens doors to post-graduate programmes, such as a Post Graduate Certificate in Education, and to other ITT (Initial Teaching Training) schemes such as the Graduate Teacher Programme.

The three year single honours course is validated by Chester University, and has four main pathways, as follows:

1. Primary Education 2. Secondary Education 3. Tertiary and Adult Education 4. Educational Leadership

To apply (2012-2013), refer to page 22 For details on the i-Foundation and careers in its schools, see page 24

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BA in Education Studies, Theology and Religion: Course Modules

Students must achieve 120 credits each year. During years 2 and 3, they select one 20 credit module from four options, usually according to their chosen pathway. Year Two includes a work and research based placement, in which students spend a few weeks in an educational institute, partnered with the College and usually linked to ISKCON (or a similar faith/spiritual organisation).

YEAR ONE Credits Status Introduction to Education Studies 20 Core Core Skills for Teachers 1 10 Core Introduction to the Philosophy of Education 10 Core Contemporary Issues 10 Core Education and Faith 10 Core Theory and Method in Study of Religion 10 Core Applied Ethics 10 Core World Religions 20 Core Introduction to Hinduism 20 Core YEAR TWO Teaching through Creativity and the Arts 20 Core Learning through ICT 10 Core Education Research Methods 10 Core Work and Research Based Placement 20 Core Childhood Studies 1: Learning in the Early Years 20 Optional Adult Education 1: Motivation to Learn for a Lifetime 20 Optional Educational Leadership 1: Politics, Policy and School Organisation 20 Optional Western Philosophy & Ethics and Hindu Approaches to Ethical Issues 20 Optional The Sociology of Religion 20 Core Hindu Theories of Knowledge & Learning 10 Core Science & Religion 10 Core YEAR THREE Core Skills for Teachers 2 10 Core Assessment: Issues and Practices 10 Core Education: Values, Identity and Inclusion 20 Core Childhood Studies 2: Promoting and Ensuring Children’s Wellbeing 20 Optional Adult Education 2: Distance Learning and Advanced Use of ICT 20 Optional Educational Leadership 2: Key Skills for Educational Leaders 20 Optional Classical Indian Philosophy 20 Optional Modern Hinduism 20 Core Dissertation 20 Core

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W h e r e I C a n B e c o m e a S c h o l a r

The Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies

Develop personal insight; share it with others The Theology & Religious Studies Faculty lies at the heart of the College. Students focus on Vaishnavism, especially as represented through the teachings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami. The College attracts leading scholars, especially from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. The Bachelor of Arts degree, accredited by Chester University, provides students with a profound understanding of Vaishnava culture, heritage and theology, from both traditional and academic perspectives. Graduates enter professions linked to ISKCON, academia and a range of ethical, multicultural and people-centred initiatives. The Theology Faculty also offers a range of enrichment courses, with online options.

Theology Students browse the shelves at the College library: one of the best in Europe for Indic, Hindu and Vaishnava Studies.

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The BA in Theology and Religious Studies

The TRS BA degree programme spans three years of full-time study, structured as short-term modules followed by individual study time. The programme is designed to develop students academically, vocationally and spiritually. It features four main areas of study, as follows: 1. Philosophy and Theology

Introduction to Philosophy, History of Vaishnava Thought, Pre-modern Indian Theologians: Rupa and Jiva Goswamins, Science and Religion, Classical Indian Philosophy: Vedanta

2. Religious Studies

Theory and Method in the Study of Religion, Introduction to Hinduism, World Religions, Modern Hinduism, Sociology of Religion

3. Scriptural Studies

Classical Indian Literature: Ramayana and Mahabharata, Sanskrit for Scriptural Study, Vedas and Upanishads, Sacred Texts: the Bhagavata Purana

4. Practical Theology

Pastoral Care, Community Development

Students have facility to study Sanskrit, especially useful in studying primary texts. Whilst theoretically rigorous, the degree course also stresses the core needs of practical application and character formation.

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W h e r e I C a n L e a r n O n l i n e

The Faculty of Online Learning

Gain a qualification from the comfort of your own home Bhaktivedanta College offers a dynamic, convenient way to learn. Under the motto "swift access to lifetime success", the Online Faculty provides innovative, easy-to-access programmes focussing on the relevance of ethics and spirituality to post-modern lifestyles. The vibrant online community boasts over 600 registered users from 64 countries. Current courses include: - Leadership from the Bhagavad-gita - Business Ethics - Science and Religion - Vaishnava Vedanta - Bhakti Shastri

Our online department offers the same standards of academic excellence, but conveniently from your own home.

To register and for more details, please go to: www.bhakti-sastri.com

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W h e r e I C a n E x p l o r e B u s i n e s s E t h i c s

The Faculty of Business Administration Understand the spiritual dimensions of ethical enterprise

The business world is in crisis. 20th century management techniques are no longer viable. Society has recognised the consequences of personal and corporate greed, and their detrimental impact on our environment and quality of life. Many progressive business schools and corporations have created a spate of training programmes, advocating sustainability and socially-responsible enterprise. Yet they often address the issues superficially, sidestepping more profound topics such as personal ethics and spiritual integrity. A new paradigm is clearly needed. Some thinkers are looking eastward, using traditional Vedic and Indic concepts to cope with stress, and promote self-mastery and productivity. One new trend, called karma capitalism, has trained executives from successful corporations such as DuPont, Sprint Nextel General Electric through courses such as The Bhagavad Gita on Effective Leadership. The School of Business Management stands at the forefront of this new trend. It aims to show how ethical approaches to enterprise don’t merely constrain profit and productivity but factually enhance them. The College’s ethical approaches provide real tools for sustainable prosperity.

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W h e r e I C a n S t u d y S h a s t r a i n D e p t h Gain spiritual maturity through open and honest enquiry The word shastra refers to the sacred texts of ancient India, understood via the translations and commentaries of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, after whom the college is named. The Shastric Studies programme, resulting in a Vaishnava Training and Education Certificate, is designed to familiarise students with the theological background underpinning Vaishnavism and the practices of bhakti yoga. The course stresses the assimilation and the application of knowledge, enabling students to develop personal insight and realisation. The Bhakti Shastri Course

The main course, called ‘Bhakti Shastri’, focuses on foundational bhakti (devotional) texts. Students are familiarised with the College’s theological background and the principles and practices underlying the adjacent Radhadesh community. The on-campus course lasts four months, while the online version can be completed at the student’s own pace

Guided by the best tutors, Bhakti Shastri students undertake an in-depth study of four texts: Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Instruction, Sri Isopanisad, and Nectar of Devotion

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W h e r e I C a n M a k e L i f e - c h a n g i n g C h o i c e s

Select courses for personal and professional enrichment In addition to its degree programmes, the College offers a wide range of short and casual courses. Most are open to residential students and a wide spectrum of visitors. Some welcome online participation (see page 14). In co-operation with the local Radhadesh Community, the College stages a range of social and cultural events. Current offerings include:

Residential Business Conferences VTE Teacher Training Courses Annual Education Conference Yoga and Mediation Retreats Summer Youth Events Radhadesh Community Events Personal Music Tuition Residential Courses for Teachers

To easily register and for more details, please go to: www.bhakti-sastri.com

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W h e r e I C a n S t u d y w i t h t h e B e s t T u t o r s

E x p e r i e n c e t o p - q u a l i t y l e a r n i n g a n d t e a c h i n g

In 2003, the University of Wales Lampeter accredited the College’s first academic course, culminating in a Bachelor of Theology degree in ‘Vaishnava Studies’: the first ever in the English-speaking world. Since then, the College has sought to recruit the best minds, especially through working collaboratively with academic partners, such as the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS), a recognised independent centre of the University of Oxford. Many current academic staff have received their doctorates from Oxford. Quality Assurance

The College enlists tutors who are expert not only in their respective subjects and disciplines, but also in learning and teaching. The Faculty of Education has recently established a Quality Assurance Team to support tutors, promote positive experiences for students and maintain the highest standards of academic and professional excellence. Courses are designed with academic rigour, based on the core principle that challenge builds character. Students with English as their second language must meet entry requirements and are subsequently offered ongoing support in both spoken and written English.

Dr. Ravi Gupta, who gained his doctorate degree from Oxford University, is renowned as an enthusiastic and stimulating tutor.

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Academic Staff The College requires that teaching staff demonstrate personal integrity, competence as teachers, lecturers and mentors, and world-expertise in their respective fields. The following list includes some key faculty members and lecturers attending Bhaktivedanta College between 2002 and 2012. Dr. Jose M. Fornos, Ph.D. (University of Barcelona)

Dr. Jonathan Edelmann, Ph.D. (Oxford University)

Dr. Kenneth R. Valpey, Ph.D. (Oxford University)

Dr. Kiyokazu Okita (Oxford University)

Dr. Pranava Dasa, Ph.D. (University of Gothenburg) Dr. Ravi Gupta, Ph.D. (Oxford University)

Dr. Rembert Lutjeharms, Ph.D. (Oxford University)

Dr. Edith Best, D.Ed., (University of North Carolina)

Claire Robison, M.A. (Cambridge University)

Seth W. Spellman, Juris Doctor (UCLA School of Law)

Ana Knez, M.A. (Jesuit College, Zagreb)

Anne Marie Dooney, M.St. (Oxford University)

Brian Bloch, M.A. (Eastern Mennonite University, Virginia)

Cristina Casanova, M.Ed. (Columbia University)

Rasamandala Das, M.A. (University of Warwick)

Mladen Balabanov, B.Sc. (London School of Economics)

Evgenia. C. Andrew, B.A. (Oxford Brookes University)

Huber H. Robinson, B.A. (University of California) Kartamasa Delaney, B.A. (University of Florida)

Linda Hickey, B.A. (SUNY, Buffalo)

Dr. Kenneth Valpey specialises in Vaishnava ritual and liturgy

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W h e r e I C a n S t u d y a n d S a v e M o n e y Gain a prestigious award at an excellent price Bhaktivedanta College is a non-profit organisation and aims to offer competitive prices, especially for its UK-validated degree courses. In the UK, current prices stand at between £7,500 and £9,000 per annum. Please note that scholarships may be available for the two degree courses, and more details are available from the Undergraduates Office. The College aims to support all its students, but especially second-generation ISKCON Members. If you would like to sponsor a student (according to your own criteria), then please do contact the College for more information of our sponsorship scheme.

Accommodation and Nutrition

Students enrolled full-time can either arrange their own meals and accommodation or take advantage of the on-campus annual package, covering accommodation and three meals per day during term time. Nominal additional fees can be paid to also cover the Christmas, Spring and summer breaks

The restaurant, next door to the Chateaus de Petit Somme, maintains the highest standards of aesthetic taste. For ethical and health reasons, all meals on campus are purely vegetarian

For more details of all fees, please refer to the next page.

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Current Fees (2012-13)

Course Fee

Degree Courses (Levels 4 to 6) BA (Hons) in Theology and Religious Studies €3,950/year BA (Hons) in Education Studies, Theology and Religion €2,900/year

Certificate in Bhakti-yoga Studies (Level 1)

Discovering Bhakti Culture and Spirituality €79.00

Philosophy of Vedas and Puranas €79.00

Bhakti-yoga in Everyday Life €79.00

Bhakti Sastri Program (Level 2)

Bhagavad Gita 1 €89.00

Bhagavad Gita 2 €89.00

Bhagavad Gita 3 €79.00

Nectar of Devotion €99.00

Sri Isopanisad €89.00

Nectar of Instruction €89.00

Short Education Courses

VTE Teacher Training Course 1 (six days on-site course. Level 4) €120.00

VTE Teacher Training Course 2 (six day on-site course. Level 6) €180.00

INSET (per full-day: travel and materials are extra) €370.00

All Other Courses

Please consult the website for the latest prices

Meals and Accommodation

Full-time degree courses (on campus prices only) €2,000/year

Day-to-day basis: please refer to the website or the Radhadesh Guesthouse at http://www.radhadesh.com/en/facilities/accommodation-ardennes

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W h e r e I C a n B e a S u c c e s s f u l S t u d e n t Apply now for the following courses: - BA (Hons) in Education Studies, Theology & Religion (2012-13) - BA (Hons) in Theology & Religious Studies (2012-13) Please apply online, or download the application form. Final applications must be received by 31st May 2012. For information in visas, please refer to the College website. For online courses, please apply at: www.bhakti-sastri.com To make further queries, please contact the admissions department on 0032 (0)86 323277 (Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 12.00 hours). Alternatively, please write to: Bhaktivedanta College, Petite Somme 10, Durbuy 6940, Belgium

College students apply from all around the world. Final applications (for 2012-13 degree courses only) must be received by 31st May 2012.

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W h e r e I C a n H a v e a V o i c e

Share your experience with others

“My time in Radhadesh was fascinating and inspiring. I immersed myself in Krishna consciousness whilst earning a degree relevant to my chosen career.”

Brajabiharini (Paris) “ “My experiences at Bhaktivedanta

College have been life changing. Most importantly, I have learned

much about myself. The courses are challenging but relevant.”

Maddy (Australia)

“I’ve made some fantastic friends and can now look forward to using my music and drama skills in my educational career.”

Sharadiya Rasa (Cape Town, South Africa)

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Where I Can Be an Internat iona l Partner

Work Co-operatively for our Second Generation Children and Youth From 1st January 2012, the Faculty of Education at Bhaktivedanta College (Radhadesh, Belgium) is seeking International Partners: forward-thinking organisations that share its dedication to establishing a long-lasting, exemplary educational heritage within and beyond the Society. Details of this new initiative are included below: Partnership Aims:

The principal aims are three-fold:

1. To collaboratively promote the contribution of formal education to the wellbeing and maturation of ISKCON communities, and all their members, supporters and offspring.

2. To provide qualified staff (teachers and leaders) to ISKCON-related educational institutes.

3. To enhance enrolment of highly-qualified students at the College.

The recently-opened Krishna Avanti Primary School in Leicester. The College works in close co-operation with the sponsoring body, the I-Foundation, especially in providing and supporting staff.

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Partner-related Activities:

To help achieve its shared aims, Bhaktivedanta College commits to:

1. Invite partners to send speakers and delegates to its Annual Education Conference. 2. Each spring, send them a list of forthcoming graduates from the College. 3. Allocate second-year students to work- and research-based placement.1 4. Invite partners to include BC in their career guidance. 5. Share educational information, resources and good practice.

Who Might Become an International Partner?

1. ISKCON-related educational institutes (Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Adult/Lifelong)

2. ISKCON Employers (especially those valuing or requiring qualifications in education).

3. Non-ISKCON Employers who share or otherwise resonate with our aims and ethos2

4. ISKCON parenting organisations

5. ISKCON child and youth organisations. Partnership is free, and is based on commonality of vision, purpose and ethos. If you’d like to register as an International Partner with the Faculty of Education, then we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Rasamandala das (Course Director) on mandala.education@pamho.net For partnerships with the Faculty of Theology & Religious Studies, please contact the College Secretary at: college@pamho.net

1 These ‘internships’ last about five weeks, most likely in the summer term (around May) but the College would be interested to hear from its partners and potential partners what period they might consider best. 2 There is an increasing number of employer organisations (e.g. ISKCON-backed state-funded schools) which cannot be clearly classified as either ‘within’ or ‘without’ ISKCON. The College considers that such bodies often provide the best employment opportunities for its graduates, as they most often blend the best of both professional and devotional standards.

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