12 July 2025
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) is widely regarded as the foremost Vedic scholar, translator and teacher of the modern era. He is especially respected as the most-prominent contemporary authority on Bhakti Yoga both for his devotional service to Sri Krishna and also for making devotion, or Krishna Consciousness, a path for others to walk on. This, by way of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, of which he is the Founder Acharya.
In 1965, at age sixty-nine, with forty rupees and a trunk of his Bhagavatam commentaries – the first ever in English – he made his way to New York with but one aim, “introduce India’s message of peace and goodwill” to the western world. Only a year later, in 1966, he established ISKCON by way of a humble store-front presence in New York and thereon went on to inspire thousands to devote their lives to Krishna consciousness, launching one of the fastest-growing spiritual movements in the history of the world.
Men and women from all backgrounds came forward and with their help, Srila Prabhupad, as he is known by his followers, established temples, farm communities, a publishing house and educational institutions around the world. Simultaneously he began what has now become the world’s largest vegetarian food relief programme, Food for Life, AnnaDaan.
With the desire to nourish the roots of Krishna Consciousness in it’s home, Srila Prabhupada returned to India several times, where he sparked a revival in the Vaishnav tradition. In India, he opened dozens of temples, including large centres in the holy towns of Vrindavan and Mayapur.
Srila Prabhupad’s most significant contributions, perhaps, are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth and clarity. Several of his works are used as textbooks in numerous college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages. His most prominent works include: Bhagavad Gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.
Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, in the holy town of Vrindavan, surrounded by his loving disciples who carry on his mission today.
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Jasomatinandan Prabhu was a senior leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a dedicated disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON.
HG Jasomatinandana Prabhu was an exemplary devotee and dedicated many years to serving ISKCON. Upon meeting Srila Prabhupada in America, Jasomatinandana Prabhu developed a profound appreciation for his teachings and embarked on numerous preaching initiatives within his home state of Gujarat. He served as the non-GBC Regional Secretary for whole of Gujarat and was a member of the ISKCON India Governing Bureau. Under his guidance, the translation of nearly all of Srila Prabhupada’s books into Gujarati was completed, and throughout his life, he remained steadfast in the distribution of these sacred texts. Under his supervision, Krishna consciousness flourished in Gujarat, leading to the establishment of over 15 temples. Srila Prabhupada would undoubtedly be so happy by all the services rendered over the past nearly five decades.
He left his body went back to Godhead in October 2020. The Grand temple at ISKCON Ahmedabad, Surat as well as temples in numerous cities are testimony of his devotional and dedicated preaching.
Nityananda Ram Prabhu is the Vice President of ISKCON Vadodara. He joined ISKCON in Juhu in 1988 and received his first initiation in 1989 from His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami Maharaj. He commenced assisting Maharaj in distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books in various regions of India, continuously travelling and preaching for several years. He joined ISKCON Vadodara in 1991. Under the supervision of HG Basu Ghosh Prabhu, Nityananda Ram Prabhu became instrumental in constructing the magnificent temple, Guest House, Goshala, Residents Ashram, and Govindas Restaurant. Due to his unwavering efforts and dedicated service, Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Mandir in Vadodara has become one of the most renowned temples in the city. He possesses exceptional expertise in organising large-scale festivals such as Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra, Sri Krishna Janmasthami, Sri Goverdhana Puja, and numerous other festivals.
Additionally, he oversees and guides the preaching centres affiliated with ISKCON Vadodara in various locations across Dahod, Godhara, Nandurbar, Moramba, and other regions.
Basu Ghosh prabhu is a senior leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a dedicated disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON.
Originally from Chicago, United States of America, he came into contact with ISKCON devotees in 1973 and soon joined the movement in Chicago. Following the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, he traveled to India, where he served at ISKCON centers in Hyderabad, Surat, Ahmedabad, and eventually settled in Baroda (Vadodara), Gujarat.
He currently serves as the President of the ISKCON Baroda temple, a prominent center that was constructed and inaugurated under his leadership and continues to flourish under his guidance. His administrative responsibilities also include his role as the General Secretary of the ISKCON India Governing Bureau, and formerly as the Chairman of the ISKCON Bharat Advisory Committee. Additionally, he is a Member of the Mayapur Executive Board, actively involved in the ISKCON Puri project, and contributes to the ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry for India.
He serves as the Regional Secretary for ISKCON Gujarat and ISKCON Ujjain, providing spiritual and organizational oversight across these regions.
Renowned for his deep attachment to Vedic culture, he has mastered the Sanskrit language to the extent that he can fluently converse in it. His scholarly and practical commitment to Vedic traditions is evident in his powerful and insightful lectures.
He is widely appreciated for his eloquent discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Vedic Varnasrama culture, and the relevance of spirituality in the modern world. He is a multilingual speaker, fluent in English, Sanskrit, Hindi, and Gujarati, and continues to inspire thousands with his knowledge, humility, and devotion.