Statement on Suicide at ISKCON Temple - Potomac

July 1, 2002

6/30/02

Contact Person: Trikalajna Das (301) 299-7205, Sri.Trikalajna.MG (AT) pamho (DOT) net

On Saturday, June 29th evening, Dragon Bilbija (Damodar das - spiritual

ordained name) committed suicide in the woods in Potomac, Maryland. We were

informed by the police about this in the evening at around 9:30 pm.

Bilbija, a young man aged 23, had been in Potomac since July 2001, offering

religious voluntary services to the Krishna temple. He was planning to leave

for his native country Serbia, early July.

Damodar was initiated by Krishna Kshetra Prabhu. He was very active member

of the community who was liked by all the Temple devotees as well as the

community members. Being a service orientated person he was engaged in

cooking and serving Prasadam as well as keeping up with other preaching

activities, especially the Harinams and Namahatta programs.

On the day of suicide he was very sincerely engaged in dressing Srila

Prabhupada early in the morning. Then he also helped most of the morning to

prepare for the free feast distribution for the Ratha Yatra Festival. Later

on in the afternoon also he rendered services. However tragically in the

late evening he went into the forest land of Potomac Temple and hung

himself.

In a suicide note he expressed his love for his family members, especially

two of his sisters who are also of Krishna faith. Actually he had planned to

go back to Europe and join his sisters in the Book distribution. He always

spoke highly of sisters, Shayama Priya dasi and Sri Khanda dasi and was also

attached to being with them.

An investigation of this unfortunate death is being conducted by the police.

As per the requirements of the state of Maryland an autopsy will be

performed.

Funeral arrangements will be determined in consultation with his family. A

memorial service will be held on Monday 1st July at the Krishna Potomac

temple in the evening at 7 pm.

All members of ISKCON Potomac are shocked with the sudden demise of Damodar

Das. We are very sad to loose association of such a wonderful devotee and

friend. He will be very much missed and remembered by all the community

members of ISKCON Potomac. We humbly request all our leaders and devotees to

pray to Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan for the welfare of the departed soul.

Hare Krishna,

Your servant, Trikalajna das.

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