Indian Prime Minister Congratulates ISKCON Russia

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Indian Prime Minister Vajpayee Congratultes ISKCON Russia

 

by Madana-mohana das

 

New Delhi, INDIA

 

11 August 2001 - 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.

 

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