Giriraj Swami has been diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia, a progressive neurological condition that affects his cognitive functions, including decision-making, emotional regulation, and social behavior. This diagnosis significantly impairs his abi…
Author Archives: Thomas Haribol
Giriraj Swami Health Update
Harikatha Studio Launches Animated Bhagavad-gita Web Series
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On the auspicious occasion of Radhashtami, Harikatha Studio, an innovative initiative led by Raghavendra Bazari under the guidance of Kartikeya Das, Hariksetra Das, Acyuta Arjunasakha Das from ISKCON Whitefield, launched the first episode of their anim…
Gopal Patel on the Role of Spirituality in Climate Action During New York Climate Week
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Gopal Patel (Gopal Lila Das), who hosted a multifaith meeting at the NYC Climate Week events last week, was also interviewed by Religion News Service (RNS) about the close relationship between religious faith and urgent environmental issues facing the …
Annamrita Foundation Honored with Prestigious Maharashtra Ratna Award
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Sonali Kulkarni, Bollywoad actress, Gorakshanath Gambhire, COO, Annamrita Foundation, Dr RadhaKrishna prabhu, CEO & Founder, Annamrita Foundation, Dipak Kesarkar, Education Minister, Maharashtra, HBP Ausekar Maharaj, president, Vithhal Rukhmini san…
Avanti House Secondary School Among Top Finalists Nominated for World’s Best School 2024
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Recently, several UK schools were nominated for “World’s Best School 2024.” Avanti House Secondary School was named one of the top three finalists for the coveted honor. It is part of the Avanti Schools Trust, a collection of state-fu…
ISKCON Houston Announces First Annual Festival of Bliss
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In a recent press release, ISKCON of Houston, Texas, announced their first annual Festival of Bliss, the Sri Jagannath Ratha Yatra, to be held on Saturday, November 9th, at 10:30 AM at the American Legion Park. The festival procession will begin at noo…
Bhakti Sharan Shanta Swami: A Legacy of Devotion at New Govardhan Ashram
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In the peaceful village of Pajieslys, Lithuania, New Govardhan Ashram stands as a spiritual haven built on the vision of Bhakti Sharan Shanta Swami. Although he has since left the body, his teachings and dreams live on through the local community of de…
50th Installation of Nitai Gaura-Nataraja Celebration: A Journey of Gratitude and Enthusiasm
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(L-R) Chitralekha Devi Dasi, Vamanadeva Dasa, Romapada Swami, Anuttama Dasa, Chakri Das, and Shankar Pandit Das. This year marked a remarkable milestone for ISKCON St. Louis, which celebrated its 50th installation of Nitai-Gaura Nataraja Deities. The d…
September 29th Update – Devotees Confirm Hurricane Helene Leaves Devastating Path of Destruction
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Photo courtesy of the Gainesville Sun. September 29th Update Several power poles and power lines (including phone lines which connects many residents to the Internet) are still down in parts of Alachua. Some devotees saw their power restored yesterday …
BOOK REVIEW: A Window Opens on Rupa Goswami’s Vidagdha-madhava, the Wonders of the Divine Play
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The Vidagdha-madhava, written by Rupa Goswami, the primary theologian of the nascent 16th century Gaudiya Vaishnavism, is considered by the community to encapsulate the highest possible expression of devotional love of God. Featuring the amorous intera…
Youth Fest 2024: Building Unity and Empowerment Through Spirituality and Service
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Youth Fest members Mellissa Munsami (far left), Bhaktin Sajana (in pink), Captain Cheryl Pillay (Head OF SAPS Communications Chatsworth – second left), Smita Krsna das (Programme Director- centre) with members of the Metro Police. The Youth Fest,…
Prasad Distributors are on the Scene Within Hours in Flood-devasted Czech Towns
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Following devastating and deadly flooding across central and eastern Europe, thousands across the region have been left in difficult circumstances, many needing to flee their homes or huddle on higher floors. Young volunteers from Food for All-UK in Lo…
Mayapur Clean & Green Team Launches Second-Hand Shop to Promote Sustainability
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Murari Mohini Devi Dasi (in white) with Vaishnavi and handloom goods (left), Julan Yatra Devi Dasi (right), the manager of the second hand store. The Mayapur Clean and Green Team, led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, has initiated a second-hand recycling st…
Highlights Report from September 18th GBC Meeting Released
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The Governing Body Commission (GBC) has released its latest Meeting Highlights Report for September 18th, 2024. ISKCON GBC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 18 September 2024 We are pleased to present the 18 September 2024 GBC Meeting Highlights Report. This r…
A Planted Seed: ISKCON of Richmond Hosts a Grand Opening
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Sunday, September 1st, ISKCON of Richmond, located in the heart of Virginia, USA, celebrated its grand temple opening with a commemorative yajna, kirtan, cultural performances, and encouraging talks from devotees from all over the country. There has b…
September 30th Update – Urgent Prayer Request for Mahatma Das
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9/30/24 Health Update Today, HG Mahatma Das is continuing with his healing and resting as much as possible. Despite experiencing a lot of bodily discomfort, he remains in good spirits and stable condition, making the best of a difficult recovery proces…
As the US Election Approaches: “Our Original, Constitutional Position”
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To help us make good choices in an election or at any time in our lives, we need to understand who we are, what is in our best interest, the purpose of government, and the qualities of good leadership. As the November elections in the United States of …
ISKCON Phoenix, AZ Draws Hundreds for Radhashtami Celebration
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On a blissful day filled with devotion and joy, ISKCON Phoenix (Arizona, USA) enthusiastically celebrated the auspicious occasion of Radhashtami. The event drew over 300 devotees, all eager to take part in the celebrations. The temple was abuzz with ac…
Global Artist Database Plans to be Vital Tool for Temple Festivals and Outreach
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For over 15 years, Premkishor Das has been a pivotal force in organizing the Festival of India (FOI) and the Festival of Colors in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In addition to his role as a physician and manager of temple services at ISKCON Thunder Bay, Premki…
Latter-day Saints Celebrate National Day of Service at the Krishna Temple in Utah
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On September 7th, over 60 volunteers from the nearby Woodland Hills Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spent a productive service day helping devotees at the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. When Hare Krishnas…
Krishna Bhakta Welcomes India’s Foreign Minister with Songs of “Gita Govinda”
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Bhadra Rupa Dasa performing with an ensemble at the event. Bhadra Rupa Dasa, Ph.D., led an ensemble performing two of his own compositions inspired by the Gita Govinda of Sri Jayadeva Goswami to welcome Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs o…
Kadamba Foundation Releases First Annual Report, Celebrating a Year of Reflection and Growth
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The Kadamba Foundation recently released its inaugural annual report in a September 16th press release. The report reflects on its first year of activities and achievements since Kadamba Kanana Swami’s departure on March 9th, 2023. According to t…
Krishna House Outreach Certification Fall Semester Starting September 22nd
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As summer ends, the time to settle into a school routine naturally takes the front seat. The fall semester Krishna House Outreach Certification course is coming up, beginning on September 22, 2024. Facilitated by a dynamic and diverse variety of Krishn…
NA Child Protection Office is Expanding Staff, New Positions Announced
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ISKCON in North America is growing by leaps and bounds. Child protection needs to grow along with it. At the very beginning of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada stated, “The protection of children gives the human form of life its best chance to…
VIHE to Hold a Hybrid Bhakti-vaibhava Course Beginning This Month
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We are pleased to invite you to the hybrid Bhakti-vaibhava course at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE). From September 19th to October 30th, 2024, we will delve into the sacred teachings of Canto 2 of the Srimad Bhagavatam through a v…
Songs of Gratitude: Poetic Tributes to Srila Prabhupada
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From Tech To Temple Gopa Vrindesha Dasa’s journey at ISKCON Melbourne began with a quiet but defining decision. On the day he received his Ph.D. in Wireless Technology from the University of Melbourne, he turned away from a promising corporate fu…
Vaishnavas C.A.R.E. to Launch “Reading Club” for Devotees Around the World
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Almost 25 years after Sangita Devi Dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, founded Vaishnavas C.A.R.E., devotees around the world are being invited to join a special “Reading Club,” hosted by the Vaishnavas C.A.R.E. International Team. The cl…
ITCT Tribal Student Begins Her Inspiring Journey to Medical College
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Meet Arpita Hembram, a bright and determined young girl from the Santal tribe in Purulia, whose inspiring journey exemplifies the power of education and support in transforming lives. With her strong dedication and the guidance of ISKCON’s India Tribal…
ISKCON Mira Road Celebrates Janmashtami in Local Schools
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Janmashtami celebration with N.L. Dalmia High School students. NICE (Narasimha Institute for Children Education), an educational arm of ISKCON Mira Road, celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami in three area schools. NICE has over 50 teachers who conduct Bh…
As Bhadra Purnima Draws Near, Devotees Worldwide are Energized to Share Srimad Bhagavatam
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As the auspicious occasion of Bhadra Purnima draws near, the global Bhadra Campaign, led by Vaisesika Dasa, has brought together devotees from around the world in a powerful and inspiring mission to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam. This united effort refl…
BIHS Issues Call for Abstracts for Upcoming “Evolution in the 21st Century” Conference
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The Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies (BIHS) is convening a conference that will explore topics related to theories of biological evolution; their scientific, philosophical, theological, historical, and metaphysical bases; and their relevance …
Growing Devotee Community in Frisco, TX celebrates Janmashtami, Shares Plans for Future Temple
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Janmashtami 2024 Festival Volunteer Team. Inspired by the Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji temple in Dallas and with the blessings of senior Vaishnavas, an expanding community of devotees from North Dallas, Texas, recently kicked off a new project to construc…
Remembering His Grace Hari Das, a Pioneer in Devotional Media
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His Grace Hari Das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who joined ISKCON Juhu in the early 1970s, left his body on September 9, 2024, at 5:20 pm (IST) in Hare Krishna Land, Juhu. He was 73 years old and had been ill for several months. We are deeply grate…
Devotees Gather at Srila Prabhupada’s Birthplace for Appearance Day Celebrations
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Devotees performing abhishek at the event. Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at his birthplace in Kolkata. Situated in Tollygunge under a jackfruit tree is where Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON…
50th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Madana-mohana in Vancouver, Canada
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After 109,512 arotikas, 328,560 sticks of incense, and over half a million food preparations offered, Sri Sri Radha Madana-mohana marked the 50th anniversary of Their installation in a grand 3-day festival in Vancouver, Canada. On Saturday morning, cou…
New Navadvipa Mandal Feature in ISKCON Mayapur App Released on Radhastami
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On the auspicious occasion of Radhastami 2024, ISKCON Mayapur launched the “Navadvipa Mandal” feature on both the Mayapur app and website. This offering is dedicated to Srimati Radharani, who manifested the sacred land of Navadvipa. We warm…
Vedanta Philosophy Course by Caintanya Chandra Dasa Launches This Month
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On September 28, 2004, popular online teacher Caitanya Chandra Dasa will be launching a study group on Vedanta Philosophy according to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. “In this course, we will study Vedanta philosophy from the Vaishnava perspec…
Highlights Report from September 4th GBC Meeting Released
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The Governing Body Commission (GBC) has released its latest Meeting Highlights Report for September 4, 2024. The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the online GBC meeting highlighting the key topics discussed: ISKCON GBC MEETING HIGHLIG…
ISKCON Lisbon Faces New Challenge as it Continues to Expand Outreach
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A recent gathering during Sri Nrsimha Chaturdashi 2024. ISKCON Lisbon, a community with deep roots in the Portuguese capital, is steadily growing, with a strong influx of young people. Many are drawn by the dynamic programs that blend traditional Krish…
The Three Energies Poem by Bhaktimarga Swami
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There are 3 energies affecting us all As real and organic as nature’s call They are at play practically all the time Like wind, rain, moon, and sunshine They influence our mood, action, and thought If we analyze them it can help us a lot Let us explore…