It is 50 years since Sri Prabhu Pada launched ISKCON to spread the message of love and universal brotherhood. The movement has gently spread its branches touching the lives of many in countries across the globe.
Looking back to know what are the impressions of Sri Bhanu Swamigal, handpicked by Sri Pabhu Pada to head the organisation. The leader is not new to Friday Review readers. He had spoken at length on the principles of ISKCON and the uniqueness of the Krishna temple at Sholinganallur, which was consecrated in 2012.
The swamiji is full of cheer and optimism as he talks about his chosen path, future plans and of course his Guru, Sri Prabhu Pada.
“Yes, it is golden jubilee and we are very happy about reaching the milestone,” he begins. Celebration is on the cards across the globe. For instance, at Kolkata where Prabhu Pada boarded the ship bound for America, at Kochi, where he stopped and Boston, his point of destination.
Has the movement registered growth in the half century that has flown past?
“Yes, of course,” affirms the Swamiji. “The great banyan of ISKCON has spread its benign branches across the country – in New Delhi, Mumbai and Mayapur. My guru, Sri Prabhu Pada, preached for ten years until 1977 and wanted to establish temples at various places. ISKCON has followers outside the country including America, Canada, Africa and Australia and Eastern Europe. There are devotees in the Ukraine, Russia and China too,” he says.
The last three come as a surprise. Sri Bhanu Swamigal expands: “It has a strong base in these countries. ISKCON festivals drew large gatherings in Russia and Ukraine. China too has thousands of devotees. The locals have learnt the tradition and are practising the rituals and taking care of the temples. Many have learnt to chant the Gita.”
According to Sri Bhanu Swamigal, Krishna consciousness attracts devotees because it speaks the language of love and peace. It transcends the barriers of religion. We’ve had Rabbis attend our meetings. Those who have understood that ‘Truth is One’ participate in our activities because they know that by doing so, they are not violating the tenets or code of their own religion,” he explains.
He believes that by meditating on Krishna, one imbibes His qualities – calm, loving and (for)giving, qualities most needed now than ever in the past. “Frustration, thwarted desires, expectations and extreme materialism goad men to adopt violent methods. It is anger unleashed against society in which they think they are misfits. Coming into the fold of ISKCON will channel the mind in a constructive path,” the swamiji says.
Plans at this juncture?
“We always have believed in the power of youth. ISKCON has thousands of young followers. The number should increase. Change in individual minds will lead to a positive trend at a national level. We will work towards that,” concludes Sri Bhanu Swamigal.
Janmashtami fest
Janmashtami (Krishna Jayanti) festival and the founder’s Vyasa puja will be celebrated at ISKCON, Hare Krishna Land, Bhaktivedanta Swami Road, Off ECR, Akkarai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, on September 5 and 6. The events on September 5, begin at 4 a.m. and continue until 1 a.m. the next day. The presiding deities of ISKCON Chennai, will be adorned with special alankaram bedecked in a special decoration for the occasion. Padma Subrahmanyam will be the special guest. There is a dance event and a Tamil play on ‘Sudama, the Friend of Krishna’ directed and acted by Danush of tele-serials ‘63 Nayanmargal’ and ‘Ramanujar’ fame. The highlight of the day will be the maha abishekam to the utsava deities from 10.30 p.m. culminating in Mahaarati and sankirtana at midnight, coinciding with the time of Krishna’s birth. September 6, popularly celebrated as Nandotsav, is also the avatara day of Srila Prabhupada, founder acharya of ISKCON. This is his 119th birth anniversary and the day is observed as Vyasa Puja. Also, ISKCON celebrates the 50th year of its incorporation (1965-2015). For more details, contact GK Das, ISKCON at gkishan2002@yahoo.co.in. Phone: 86954 77451.