Old histories archive (Archive)
Nombre de Usuario: Archive
Mensaje Número: 22 Registrado: 01-2003
| Enviado Viernes, 24 de Enero de 2003 - 08:20 pm: | |
2002/07/26 by Madana-mohana das New Delhi, INDIA Indian Prime Minister Atal B.Vajpayee sent his complimentary message for the occasion of the 30th anniversary of ISKCON in Russia. 30 years back His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada visited Moscow for three days. His visit was under a close watch of the KGB, who did not allow him to meet with anybody but orientalist Prof. Kotovsky. Still Srila Prabhupada managed to preach to a young Russian man Anatoly Pinyaev who became his only Russian disciple, Ananta Santi das, who later started vigorously preaching Krishna Consciousness behind the iron curtain. Now ISKCON Russia counts over 100 registered centers and over 70,000 followers. It was officially recognized by the state as a full-fledged all-Russia religious organization. For the last 15 years devotees in Russia are reported to have distributed over 10 million Srila Prabhupada's books. In his message Prime Minister wrote: I am pleased to know that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in Russia on August 12, which coincides whith Krishna Janmastami. Over the last few decades, ISKCON has played an important role in popularizing the noble message of the Gita and the inspiring life of Lord Krishna in many foreign lands. It is a tribute to the resolute spirit of the followers of ISKCON that they have sustained their temple in Russia for so many years. This indeed shows that Krishna's message is eternal and relevant to all people at all time. I compliment ISKCON Russia for this achievement. I hope that, in the years to come, it will continue to serve the people of Russia and Lord Krishna with the same fervour as it has done so far. On this occasion, I send my best wishes to the devotees of Lord Krishna in Russia. Later this year Prime Minister Vajpayee will pay his first state visit to Russia. |