My Dearest and Beloved Srila Prabhupada,
Please accept my most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace!
On this auspicious and momentous occasion of your 129th Vyasa Puja, as I bow before your exalted presence, I am filled with profound gratitude, awe, and reverence for the immeasurable mercy you have bestowed upon this world. You, the divine senapati bhakta of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, descended into this material world to fulfill His divine mission, to awaken the souls of the world to their eternal, loving relationship with Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. As I reflect upon the countless blessings of this past year, I am filled with immense joy and eagerness to share with you, Srila Prabhupada, the inspiring progress that we have achieved in your mission, especially in India.
The 2024 December Book Marathon was historic – both in India and worldwide as well. Especially in India, it has reached a new global benchmark, and can be considered an unparalleled achievement in the history of ISKCON. Together, we, your devoted followers of ISKCON in India, distributed a staggering six million six hundred seventy-six thousand five hundred and nine books, (6,676,509) setting a new global standard in sharing the transcendental knowledge you so mercifully gave us. Srila Prabhupada, from the very inception of ISKCON, book distribution has been at the core of your mission. This monumental accomplishment is a direct offering of love and devotion to you. The credit and the inspiration for this year’s book distribution goes largely to His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, a lifetime trustee of the International BBT. Maharaja was a steadfast pillar of support and guidance, and a tireless distributor of ‘your books’. It is a fulfillment of your instruction. “The success of your preaching will be substantiated by how many books are sold. If we just depend on temple collections, that will not be very satisfactory. We should make our program so strong that book-selling alone will maintain our economic situation.” (Letter to Ramesvara, Los Angeles, 9 December 1974)
I vividly recall the December 10, 2018 disciple retreat at Sri Krishna Goshala in Durban, South Africa. There, amidst a gathering of dedicated devotees, we brainstormed new ways to enhance our collective chanting and increase the reach of the holy name differently. It was in that moment that the idea of a virtual conference platform for global chanting emerged, which ultimately led to the creation of the ‘Zoom Temple.’ What began as a simple idea with 10 devotees blossomed into a revolutionary initiative, quickly uniting more than two thousand devotees daily from around the world. Six years later, in July 2024, the World Book of Records, London, officially recognized our ‘Zoom Temple’ for its unprecedented contribution to spiritual outreach. The ‘Zoom Temple’ now connects over 2,000 login locations globally, reaching more than 5,000 devotees, and inspiring one of the most innovative and far-reaching initiatives in online spiritual engagement – chanting together and concluding with a japa talk.
When you were with us, ISKCON had under ten temples in India, and your vision of a thriving Krishna conscious movement in the land of Bharat (India) was still unfolding. Today, Srila Prabhupada, that vision has been realized in the most magnificent manner. ISKCON India has expanded to over 300 ISKCON centres, including outposts, extension centres, preaching centres and full-fledged temples. The growth is staggering.
Srila Prabhupada, I remember a striking conversation we had back in 1973 at Mr. Mahadevia’s home. You asked me how many visitors attended our evening arati and kirtana at Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, I humbly answered, “Fifty to sixty visitors, Prabhupada.” You exclaimed with great satisfaction, “Oh, so many!” Srila Prabhupada, I knew how concerned you were when you observed that the Indian population was slow to embrace Krishna consciousness in the early years. At one point, you had said to me, “We need more men like you.” And now full time brahmacaris are filling ISKCON ashrams and countless congregation devotees are daily visiting temples in India. The participation of youth and congregation members has surpassed all expectations. Thousands of young men and women are embracing Krishna consciousness with fervor, dedicating themselves to chanting, studying your books, distributing literature, serving in temples and joining Padayatra, especially One Day Padayatras. ISKCON’s youth groups, Bhakti Vriksha programs, and Namahatta initiatives are flourishing, with millions participating in congregational activities all over India. I feel a deep sense of reassurance that the Lord is fulfilling your wish and sending sincere souls who are eager to serve in your mission. This exponential growth is proof to the causeless mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the power of your divine mission – paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam. India has awoken, Srila Prabhupada! Your Krishna conscious movement has taken deep root in its homeland, and the wave of devotion continues to rise, unstoppable and ever-expanding. Goodwill continues to grow, and our relationship with the government has reached new heights – evident from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the recent inauguration of the Navi Mumbai temple.
As I reflect on the most recently concluded Mayapur festival, a moment of great significance comes to mind. During the flag-hoisting ceremony, I was reminded of your words in New York when, as you were passing by the United Nations, you asked, “If the United Nations truly stands for unity, why are there so many separate flags?” But in Mayapur, the transcendental headquarters of your movement, we witnessed true unity. Devotees from over fifty nations stood together under one spiritual flag, united not by artificial borders, but by the shared mission of love and devotion to Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupada, your words resonate so powerfully: “We are creating the real United Nations on the basis of spiritual understanding.” In Mayapur, that vision is being realized. We raise the flag of Lord Caitanya’s mercy, the flag of His sankirtana movement. That flag, soaring high, has become the symbol of your vision. Devotees from fifty nations celebrated the festival together, chanted and danced together in ecstatic joy. walked side by side on the Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. We honored prasada together, sharing love, laughter, and spiritual camaraderie, like a true united family. In the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – One world, One family. We stood together as servants of the Lord, bound by the eternal bonds of bhakti.
This year on 6 April we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Krishna Balarama Temple. It is not just a milestone, Srila Prabhupada, it is a testament to the unbeatable strength and endurance of your divine mission. In the sacred land of Vrindavana you inaugurated a magnificent temple. For half a century, this temple has been a lighthouse of Krishna consciousness. This temple is your heart. On that auspicious day of Rama Navami, you personally offered the very first arati to Krishna-Balarama, inaugurating Their glorious temple. The temple was overflowing with devotees. I found myself standing right at the altar’s edge, witnessing this historic moment, meditating on Krishna Balarama, and Your Divine Grace. I distinctly remember the divine smile on your face as you offered arati. It was an expression of pure devotion, fulfillment, and boundless joy. That moment remains etched in my memory forever. It is this memory which reminds me of 6 December 1975, in the very same Krishna Balarama, courtyard that you awarded Sridhar Swami, Prthu-putra Swami and myself sannyasa, instructing us to become traveling preachers. This year is also my 50th sannyasa anniversary. You had emphasized the importance of spreading Krishna consciousness far and wide, reminding us of the parampara tradition of great traveling preachers: “A sannyāsī’s duty is to travel and preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He should never remain stagnant, but must move from place to place, distributing the mercy of Lord Caitanya.”
Little did I know that this instruction would lead me to very many years of traveling by Bullock Cart Padayatra bringing Lord Caitanya’s movement to every town and village. One year later after receiving sannyasa, in the Autumn of 1976, again in Vrndavana, you inaugurated our first Padayatra Bullock Cart Travelling Party, which would cover the pioneer route from Vrndavana to Mayapur. You instructed: “The basic principle is this: induce them to chant and take prasada. You’ll be successful… Yes, go village to village. It is a very noble attempt.” You further instructed me in a letter dated 23 December 1976: “Prasada distribution and chanting and book distribution is sufficient for your program.”
Last year on Rādhāṣṭamī in Jagannātha Purī, we joyfully celebrated 40 glorious years of All India Padayātrā – the mother of all Padayātrās, having commenced in 1984. Traversing the length and breadth of India nearly six times, it has brought the Krishna consciousness to countless villages, towns, and cities. All India Padayatra, Padayatras in 100 countries including One day Padayatras and so many more occasional walking festivals put together have covered an astonishing 300,000 plus kilometers – the equivalent of encircling the earth close to eight times.
You had said: “Kumbha Melā is the largest spiritual gathering in the world, and we must be there to preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is the duty of ISKCON devotees, to bring the message of Lord Caitanya to the seekers who come searching for spiritual truth.” ISKCON has a steady presence at every Kumbha Mela, distributing prasada, books, and the holy names. Initially, we were not recognized. We had no official place and no standing. In spite of these challenges, your disciples endured the harsh conditions to distribute your books and spread the holy names among the millions of pilgrims attending this momentous gathering. However, everything has changed. Your ISKCON has been formally recognized and honored with a mahant – a prestigious position within the Kumbha Mela setup. ISKCON has now been officially acknowledged as a legitimate and respected spiritual organization within the vast network of traditional akhaḍas and religious groups. Srila Prabhupada, on February 10, 2025, during the Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj, the Akhila Bharatiya Akhara Parishad bestowed the prestigious ‘Vishwa Guru’ title on Your Divine Grace, marking the first and only time this recognition has been bestowed upon anyone in history (India Currents, 18 February 2025). ISKCON is now inseparable from the great spiritual traditions of India, They are embracing ISKCON and honoring your legacy. This is the ultimate victory, a truly glorious moment Srila Prabhupada!
Close to ISKCON Pandharpur we have established a Prabhupada Ghata, on the banks of the Candrabhaga River. It has become a major attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. It stands as a spiritual landmark in Pandharpur Dhama, glorifying Your Divine Grace.
The New Bhuvaikuntha Temple Project is progressing steadily, guided by your vision, instruction, and desire.
In your letter to me, dated July 30, 1977, you wrote: “The whole of India, and specifically your Maharashtra, are enthused with Krishna. Now you have to revive their Krishna consciousness. This is Tukaram’s country, but now they are becoming bad politicians. So revive them by the process of the sankirtana movement. I am very glad that you are preaching village to village and will cover all of Maharashtra. You should train one farmer from your native village so that he can actually become an ISKCON representative there. I am especially pleased to see how you are pushing forward the book distribution… Now you are also doing this all over India. Organize very solidly and thus increase the number of books distributed, the number of devotees made, and develop centers of Krishna consciousness everywhere.”
Inspired by this instruction, we continue to revive Krishna consciousness through the process of devotional service. The Bhuvaikuntha Project, conceived under this vision, is making remarkable progress. With construction advancing steadily, it stands as a significant step in fulfilling this mission, providing a sacred space where people can awaken their devotion.
Alongside all this progress, there is also one observation of concern. As I reflect on the eternal glory of your ISKCON and your instructions on unity, we must remain vigilant against internal discord (infighting, groupism, politicking). I remember a particularly distressing incident from the early days in Hare Krishna Land, when a devotee in a moment of intense agitation, pursued the temple president with a tree branch, determined to strike him. The scene was deeply unsettling, and I found myself overwhelmed with sorrow as I sat before your Vyasasana. With tears in my eyes, I was mentally appealing to you. Where have you brought me? Is this the Vaikuntha world? This was the last thing I was expecting to happen in your spiritual movement. So, now I lovingly appeal that differences be amicably resolved to keep your institution together. We must remember your instructions more than ever and address disputes with humility and love, remembering your call for unity in diversity. You wrote to Kirtanananda on 18 October, 1973: “The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krsna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity.”
My god brothers and sisters are leaving us behind to join Your Divine Grace and Gauranga. It is your gain and our loss. I miss them all deeply. I especially wish to remember Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, your ‘right hand man’ who recently departed. His most recent departure weighs on my mind. I was fortunate to be with him during his final moments. His dedication to you and his guidance were a constant source of inspiration and support for me. This year would also have marked 50 years of us serving shoulder to shoulder I your mission. Now, I once again turn to you, Srila Prabhupada, and to the memory of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, seeking your divine strength and blessings. May I continue my service to you with same resolute dedication, that he so tirelessly exemplified throughout his life.
Whatever I have done, and continue to do, is simply a manifestation of your will. I again offer everything, my body, mind and soul, at your divine lotus feet on this most sacred day of your appearance. May I continue to serve you with sincerity and dedication. May I carry forward your mission with the same relentless spirit of perseverance and devotion that you instilled in us all. The legacy you have bestowed upon us is not just for today, but for countless generations to come.
You are my eternal master, Srila Prabhupada, and I will always remain your eternal servant.
Your insignificant servant,
Lokanath Swami
