The Gaudiya Mission held a press conference at the Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum Auditorium to announce the details of the Closing Ceremony for Srila Prabhupad’s 150th Advent Commemoration. His Excellency, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India, His Excellency, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, and Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism, will attend the event on February 28, 2025, at Science City Main Auditorium in Kolkata.

The press meet was graced by Srimad Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Goswami Maharaj, Acharya, President of Gaudiya Mission, Assistant Secretaries Sripad Bhakti Bhaskar Bharati Maharaj and Sripad Bhakti Rakshak Hrishikesh Maharaj.

They emphasized the significance of the commemoration, citing Srila Bhakti-Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad’s (1874-1936) influence on the modern Vaishnava movement.

Prabhupad, the founder of the Gaudiya Maths Mission, institutionalized Vaishnavism with ‘Daiva Varnashram Dharma,’ which promoted Bhagwat Dharma as a universal path of peace, love, and harmony. He was instrumental in introducing Indian spiritual thought to the West, establishing 64 math centers around the world, and amassing a following that included scholars, royalty, and international intellectuals. His influence spread to prominent Indian leaders such as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Madan Mohan Malaviya, and Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari.

Prabhupad, a pioneer in spiritual publishing, used the printing press to spread Indian philosophy in multiple languages, taking its teachings to a global audience. The Closing Ceremony promises to be a historic tribute to his unwavering vision.

Priyanka Dutta