PM Modi releases Rs 125 coin to mark ISKCON founder's 125th birth anniversary

New Delhi, Sept 2: On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of ISKCON founder Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, PM Narendra Modi released a special commemorative coin of Rs 125 via video conferencing.

 

Releasing the coin, PM Modi said, "Today we are celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. It is as if the joy of meditation/devotion and contentment have come together. Millions of followers of Srila Prabhupada Swami and Krishna devotees are experiencing this feeling today all over the world."

  

 

It is worth noting that Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) commonly known as the ‘Hare Krishna movement. ISKCON has translated the Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta and other Vedic literature in 89 languages, playing a stellar role in the dissemination of Vedic literature across the world, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had earlier said. The founder has also established over a hundred temples and wrote several books.

 

The Prime Minister noted the supernatural devotion of Prabhupada Swami for Lord Krishna and said that he was also a great devotee of Bharat. "He fought in the freedom struggle of the country. He had refused to take his diploma from Scottish College in support of the non-cooperation movement," the Prime Minister said.

 

 

The Prime Minister said, "Our knowledge of yoga spread all over the world and sustainable lifestyle of India, science like Ayurveda are spread all over the world. It is our resolve that the whole world should benefit from it. Whenever we go to any other country, and when people meet there saying 'Hare Krishna', we feel a sense of belonging and pride." Lauding the religious organization for its work and services, the prime minister also added it has played the role of a brand ambassador of Indian traditions and values.

 

 

Talking about ISKCON’s global presence, PM Modi said he often gives the example of its success while speaking of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, a program launched by his government to popularise “made-in-India” products. "How we feel a sense of belonging and pride when we are greeted with ‘Hare Krishna’ in foreign countries. Imagine how we will feel if we find the same familiarity for ‘Made-in-India’ products outside," he said. Hare Krishna’ is the greeting offered by ISKCON members.

 

 

Quoting former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Modi said that Prabhupada arrived in New York with little idea about his next meal or where he will stay, and his subsequent success in popularising ISKCON is no less than a miracle. ISKCON has told the world that for India, faith means zest, enthusiasm and faith in humanity, he said, and also lauded its service to people during various crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic.