Come February 5, the chants of Lord Krishna will reach a crescendo as ISKCON enters its 50th year
Mumbai : “Just as the sun is known by many names in different parts of the world, “ISKCON,” “Krishna consciousness,” and “Krishna” Himself are non-sectarian and non-denominational terms which refer to the worship of God, the Supreme Person. You do not need to change your religion to adopt the practices of Krishna consciousness—such as chanting God’s names,” said H. G. Sura Das, National Convener for 50th Anniversary and Temple President, ISKCON, while highlighting the pre-parations for the Golden Jubilee Year celebrations of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The event will be marked by a special three-day spiritual-cultural festival beginning February 5.
On February 6, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will be making an appearance for a special session which will see accomplished people from different walks of life associated with ISKCON sharing their experiences. Special guests include veteran actress and BPJ MP Hema Malini, Ajay Piramal, Ashok Hinduja, N.D Desai, Suresh Chaturvedi and Dr. B K Goenka amongst others.
Speaking further about the special celebrations organised to commemorate this monumental occasion, H. G. Sura Das said, “The programme comprises of a Rath Yatra; live performances by Hema Malini and renowned kirtan artiste Gaura Vani amongst others; and the premiere of a special 15-minutes preview of a 2-hour film ‘Joy of Devotion’ which will tell the story of ISKCON and founder Srila Prabhupada to the world. Hema Malini will also unveil a special app ‘Krsna’ for android phones. All the four ISKCON temples in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai will participate in the festivities along with numerous devotees from India and abroad.”
Established in 1966, ISKCON has been a driving force in transforming lives of several devotees and followers of Lord Krishna. “The ISKCON movement in Mumbai can be mapped with the growth of greater Mumbai (mega city) since its foundation in early 1970s when Juhu was considered a remote and obscure part of the city on the bank of Arabian Sea and it was Srila Prabhupada’s envision for rising a temple that time was beyond anyone’s imagination,” said H. G. Sura Das.
“Over the years, as the Mumbai city expand its limit through growth of its suburbs, ISKCON also contributed its services to the increasing number of population by establishing its school for children, offer mid-meal to thousands of school going children, set up one of the largest publishing houses known as Bhaktivedanta Trust for printing and distribution of spiritual books and offer food for life to thousands of visitor to the temple every day,” H. G. Sura Das further added.
With 602 temples around the world, it’s been a glorious 50 years for the iconic ISKCON. In fact, the significance of this 50th year celebration is reflected through the milestones that the mission has achieved. “ISKCON distributed nearly 12 lakh meals to school going children as part of mid-meal scheme in India. It has the largest publishing house known as Bhakti Vedanta Publication, the world largest spiritual book distributor annually across the globe. Currently the construction of world’s largest temple in Mayapur, West Bengal, known as Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – Temple of the Vedic Planetarium has been undertaken under the supervision of Mr Ford,” said H. G. Sura Das.
