Preparing for ISKCON 50 at Bhaktivendanta Manor

Hundreds of devotees gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor to hear an insightful presentation by HH Radhanath Maharaj about preparing for ISKCON’s 50 anniversary.

In describing Srila Prabhupada’s treacherous journey from India to America, Maharaj spoke of his experience at the recent ISKCON commemoration events in Kolkata and Boston. He spoke of visiting the King George Dock in Kolkata from which Prabhupada had departed. The audience were enthralled hearing about Prabhupada’s challenges and humility.

In summing up Maharaj said: ‘In preparing for ISKCON 50 we must feel gratitude, true gratitude and not theoretical. With such gratitude we can embrace within our hearts our great fortune and reciprocate that with others as Srila Prabhupada did. Prabhupada was so grateful for what his guru gave to him, that he gave his heart and life to serve him. We must do the same. Live Srila Prabhupada’s message and share it”.

Planning permission granted for new Haveli building at Bhaktivedanta Manor

Planning permission to build a new haveli or ‘meeting space’ has been granted to Bhaktivedanta Manor, after a meeting took place at Hertsmere Borough Council on 8th October 2015.

The much needed single-storey building will be built on the existing site within the Temple’s walled garden, and will replace a number of buildings on the current site in line with the guidance set out by the Council. It will be sympathetically designed to fit in with the existing mock Tudor architecture and will not be visible from outside the Temple grounds.

Currently, the Temple suffers from extensive overcrowding, and the new building will play an important part in helping to relieve this by providing a space for learning and for the community to come together.

Gauri Das, Managing Director said:

"We are delighted that this long awaited and much needed project has been approved in principle; we are now working with Hertsmere Borough Council to finalise details around the section 106 agreements.

"The new Haveli building will help us to provide a better experience for our existing visitors and manage overcrowding. 

"We have a 19th century building that has to cope with 21st century demands, and we must address the needs of our congregation and the limitations of our current site.

"We have worked closely with local residents and the council around the development of the  new plans. To ensure this dialogue continues, a local liaison group will be set up and will meet twice a year."

ISKCON 50 UK at European Leaders Seminar

The UK's ISKCON 50 National Coordinator, HG Devaki Devi Dasi, attended the annual Europe Leaders Meetings, which took place in Villa Vrindavan in Italy last month.

Devaki Dasi presented an update around the inspiring events that have taken place so far in the UK, and an overview of some of the upcoming events that will take place next year, as celebrations get into full swing from January 2016.

ISKCON Newcastle lead harinam at the Great North Run

HG Prema Sankirtan Prabhu and devotees from ISKCON Newcastle led a fantastic harinama with the runners of the Great North Run marathon. Around 57,000 people took part in the run, as thousands of spectators from Newcastle, Gateshead and beyond who went to see the event.

There was a huge positive response for the harinama from the runners and spectators - people loved singing the Hare Krishna maha mantra and many were actually singing "Hare Krishna" while passing the devotees. Some of the runners even did quick dance with devotees!