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ANNUALANNUALREPORTREPORT2017-182017-18In the service ofSri Radha KrishnachandraFOUNDER-ACHARYA OF ISKCONHare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
SEVEN PURPOSES OF ISKCONŸ To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge tothe society at large and to educate all people in thetechniques of spiritual life in order to check theimbalance of values in life and to achieve real unityand peace in the world.Ÿ To propagate a consciousness of Krishna as it isrevealed in the Bhagavad-gita and SrimadBhagavatam.Ÿ To bring the members of the Society together witheach other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity,and thus to develop the idea, within the members,and humanity, at large, that each soul is part andparcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).Ÿ To teach and encourage the sankirtana movementof congregational chanting of the Holy Name ofGod as revealed in the teachings of LordSri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.Ÿ To erect for the members, and for the society atlarge, a holy place of transcendental pastimes,dedicated to the personality of Krishna.Ÿ To bring the members closer together for thepurpose of teaching a simpler and more naturalway of life.Ÿ With a view towards achieving theaforementioned purposes, to publish anddistribute periodicals, magazines, books andother writings.His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada02Founder Acharya: International Society for Krishna Consciousness
CONTENTSPresident’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Srila Prabhupada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Shilanyas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Honourary Doctorate Conferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Annual Overview: Sri Radha Krishna Temple. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Distribution of the holy name: Harinama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Harinama Chanters Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12Nitya Annadana Seva. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Sri Radha Krishna Temple Pilgrim Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Sri Radha Krishna Temple Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Distribution of transcendental literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Fund raising initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Five years at a glance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Youth development initiatives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Cultural - Education Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Krishnashraya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Support from other trusts to ISKCON temple at Hare Krishna Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Go Seva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28ISKCON Bangalore's E-Presence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Dignitaries who received the Lord's blessings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31We love Radha Krishna Temple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Media coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36The Akshaya Patra Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Annual Overview: other centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Core Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Organization Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Organization Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46GBC's Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Society Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5703
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGEHare Krishna!Today, the world is at the pinnacle of progress in science and technology, which have taken humanity to great heights of materialachievements. We are far more prosperous than at any time in the recorded history of mankind. But surprisingly and on the contrary, thismaterialistic progress and lifestyle have resulted in dissatisfied individuals, unprecedented greed, reckless consumption of precious naturalresources, ecological imbalance, thus resulting in large-scale ecological disasters. The recent massive floods in Kerala is a case in point.How do we address these problems? Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, has proposed an alternative lifestyle that is filled withpurpose and balance. Today’s education system is based on the western thought of consumerism, which aims at only artha and kama,without the balancing act of dharma, moksha and Bhagavad prema. Srila Prabhupada wanted us to establish cultural centres that presentVedic wisdom and culture in a most appropriate manner for attracting modern minds. This will arrest the imbalances in the current society.In this regard, on 2nd April 2017, we have performed the Shilanyas or Bhumi Puja ceremony in Mysuru. This ceremony was conducted in thepresence of His Excellency Honourable Governor of Karnataka Sri Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Her Highness Dr. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar andmany other dignitaries. We propose to set up a grand Nava Brindavan Dham ISKCON Mysuru cultural complex. It aims to influence andtransform a large number of people to change their values towards voluntary simplicity of lifestyle. Mysuru is renowned for its culturalheritage; our project aims to be part of the rich heritage.In an initiative to recognise, nurture and build talent among marginalised families, Great India Talent School was inaugurated in Tripura. Thisschool will provide textbooks, notebooks, uniform and mid-day meals to the children on an entirely free of cost (100% FOC) basis. Thisprogram is run by devotees of ISKCON Bangalore through the Great India Talent Foundation. We are hopeful that with more support fromsociety, we will expand the reach of this initiative throughout the country.Further, this year, considering the ever-expanding reach of Bangalore city, it was felt that we celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami in one morelocation, besides the celebrations in our existing three branches in the city. Thus we have celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami in PalaceGrounds. Despite heavy rains, around 11,000 visitors took part in the celebrations. Taking advantage of the additional infrastructure at PalaceGrounds, our devotees brought in variety to celebrate Janmashtami.The construction of Rajadiraja Sri Srinivasa Govinda Temple is going on at the upcoming cultural complex at Vasanthapura, Bangalore. Oncompletion, this temple will be the first of its kind, wherein such a heavy structure made of stone is on the first floor. The temple will resemblethe most famous temple at Thirumala and the stapathi is also from Thirumala Devasthanam. There will be Kalyanotsavam and Annadanamhalls on the ground floor of the temple. I appeal to the donors and patrons of the Society to generously contribute to this cause.I invoke the blessings of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra upon all stakeholders of ISKCON Bangalore who always support ourhumble efforts to take spirituality to all.May Lord Krishna bless us all.Madhu Pandit DasaPresident04
SRILA PRABHUPADAHis Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON,who is popularly known as Srila Prabhupada, stands out distinctly among great personalitiesfor connecting souls world wide to the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krishna in bhakti.In 1932, Srila Prabhupada became a formally initiated disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta SarasvatiThakura of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura instructedSrila Prabhupada to preach the message of Lord Krishna to all: “You try to preach whateveryou have learned from me to the English speaking people of the world. That will be good foryou and for the people to whom you preach. That is my instruction to you.”Taking this instruction as his life and soul, Srila Prabhupada started translation of Vedicliteratures like Srimad Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to English. Although he had nofunds or any immediate support for this endeavour, Srila Prabhupada continued to renderthese translations meticulously. He started the publication of a monthly magazine called Back to Godhead in English in 1944. Despitesetbacks in his effort to spread the mission of his spiritual master in India, he went ahead to carry out his work in the West. In 1965, SrilaPrabhupada sailed to America in a cargo ship having just forty rupees in hand and a few of his works in print, with the objective to preachto the English-speaking people, the Absolute Truth.What followed is the unfathomable growth of Vaishnavism and Lord Krishna worship in the West. Srila Prabhupada, the 32nd bonafidespiritual master in the line of Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnavism, translated and wrote purports to 8,172 verses of SrimadBhagavatam, 700 verses of Bhagavad-gita and 11,555 verses of Chaitanya-charitamrita. He started a monthly magazine Back toGodhead which crossed at one point a distribution of more than one million copies a month. This magazine is now translated andprinted in over thirty languages and distributed in different parts of the world. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust was established in 1972 topublish the works of His Divine Grace and soon became the world’s largest publisher of books in the field of Indian religion andphilosophy. He published a total of 160 books.In the last few years of his presence in this material world, he lived in Vrindavana and engaged in deep devotional contemplation and in1977 he left his material body but he still exists in his books and instructions, guiding his disciples and taking them back to Godhead.In short, Srila Prabhupada built a house in which the whole world can live together and develop inquisitiveness towards the real purposeof life. By his mercy, this blinded, fast-paced material world got vision and direction.This movement has given an opportunity to everyone to take up the chanting of the holy names of Lord Krishna, which is therecommended process for spiritual liberation in this age. Lord Chaitanya said, “All over the world, in every town and village, thisHarinama sankirtana will spread.” And that is being achieved by Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Srila Prabhupada is truly a great ambassadorof India’s heritage and has fulfilled the prophecy of Lord Chaitanya.In all of Srila Prabhupada’s writings and talks, the outpouring of a pure devotee for the love of his Lord Krishna is evident. It is this purelove for God expressed by him that has touched thousands of souls and inspired them to look beyond mere material existence, to a lifeof higher consciousness.05
MESSAGERecently, we had an opportunity to visit ISKCON temple of Bengaluru, and we express ourpleasure regarding the creative initiatives of the institution.We are proud to inform that Srila Bhakti Vedanta Prabhupada is a close follower ofMadhva tradition and Tattvavada.Following objectives of ISKCON made an impression on us:1.Increase Krishna Consciousness among desired section of society.2.Chanting the "Hare Rama Hare Krishna" Nama is a great Sadhana (way) to removeour sins committed in present life and also our previous births.3.Jagadguru Sri Madhvacharya says in his Sadachara Smriti:"One should be constantly contemplating on Vishnu and never forget him. All theconstraints expressed in the Vedas have the sole purpose of promoting contemplating of Sri Hari."Any devotee in the world can achieve pure knowledge and devotion (Bhakti) through the chanting ofRama-krishna Mantra.The spirit of Sri Madhvacharya is strictly followed by Srila Bhakti Vedanta Prabhupada and his followers, renderinginspiration to all people involved in ISKCON activities.4.Everyday Krishna prasadam is being distributed to 3000-4000 devotees who visit the temple and involve in spiritualactivities. It is also a remarkable service of ISKCON of providing Prasadam (meals) to Govt. Schools of Karnataka, topromote our Indian culture and heritage.It is needless to say that the discourses, seminars, workshops, special lecture programs of ISKCON will bringnew ray of light on listeners/devotees and promote the culture of India.We are proud to know that under the able guidance of Sri Madhu Pandit Das, the ISKCON is involved in remarkable serviceof Lord Sri Krishna and upliftment of our society. All trustees of ISKCON are highly qualified, have forsaken their worldly jobsand have joined ISKCON for selfless service of lord Sri Krishna.I pray Lord Sri Pattabhirama and Sri Gopalakrishna for success and completion of all projects of ISKCON for the benefit of alldevotees.With Sriman Narayana SmaranasH.H. Sri Sri Vidyashrisha Tirtha SwamijiSri Sri Vyasaraja Math (Sosale)06
SHILANYASApril 2, 2017NAVA BRINDAVAN DHAMISKCON Mysuru Cultural CentreShilanyas by His Excellency Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Honourable Governor of KarnatakaOn behalf of all the citizens of Karnataka, I would like to thank ISKCON Mysuru for conceiving this project called Nava Brindavan Dham herein Mysuru. As is known worldwide, Srila Prabhupada did not limit this Krishna consciousness to just the boundaries of India alone, but bytraveling across the globe, he spread Lord Krishna’s message, Krishna consciousness throughout the whole world. This was possible for thisgreat personality, Srila Prabhupada, because Lord Krishna was with him. Chanting loudly of this mantra Hare Krishna Hare Krishna KrishnaKrishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare is sufficient for everyone. Even I have been a life member of ISKCON since35 years.Mysuru is a city of palaces, this is a city of museums, this is a city of culture and tradition. In Mysuru, we have the famous Brindavan Garden,and today, ISKCON missionaries have invited Lord Krishna to come and play in the Brindavan Gardens, and thus they have conceived of thisNava Brindavan Dham project. We have here the temple of Chamundi Devi and now we are going to have a temple for Lord Krishna, and thisbrother and sister together are now going to shower Their mercy on the people of Mysuru. I would like to thank and congratulate ISKCONMysuru again for undertaking this very good work.His Excellency Vajubhai Rudabhai ValaHonourable Governor of Karnataka07
On completion of the grand temple at Hare Krishna Hill, Bangalore, in the year 1997, the devotees wishing to spread the movement further,took lead steps in conducting preaching programmes in various cities of Karnataka. In the year 1999, His Grace Stoka Krishna Dasa along withfew other devotees, rented a house in Gokulam, Mysuru to house the Deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama. Subsequently, a 9-acre kharab landin the Malalavadi Grama was sanctioned for the purpose of building a religious and cultural centre, in the year 2003.Soon after the allotment,a temporary structure was built in the year 2004 and since then the the temple started functioning here. An Akshaya Patra kitchen feeding2000 school children every day, was also set up. Under the leadership of His Grace Jai Chaitanya Dasa, the Nava Brindavan project wasinitiated in the year 2008. This plan has been cleared by various departments and is now ready for execution.His Excellency Vajubhai Rudabhai ValaHonourable Governor of KarnatakaHonourable PWD Minister& District In-charge MinisterDr. H.C. MahadevappaHer Highness Dr. Pramoda Devi WadiyarHonourable Mayor of Mysuru Sri M.J. RavikumarHis Grace Sri Madhu Pandit DasaPresident, ISKCON Society &Chairman, The Akshaya Patra FoundationHis Grace Sri Jai Chaitanya DasaPresident, ISKCON, Mysuru08
HONOURARY DOCTORATECONFERREDSri Madhu Pandit Dasa - President, ISKCON Bangalore, Chairman, Akshaya Patra Foundation, andPadma Shri awardee, has been conferred honourary doctorate.K L University, Vijayawada, recognising the outstanding service of Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa in the fields of Applied Spiritualityand Social Service has been awarded the honourary doctorate.The honour was conferred by Sri K Satyanarayana, President, K L Educational Foundation at the University’s convocationprogramme, in the presence of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Deans, Officers and students of the University.K L University is an institute deemed to be university consisting of 11 academic departments and six schools, with emphasison scientific and technological research. Established in 1985, the university is located on a 100 acre site, about 8 kilometresfrom Vijayawada and 20 km from Guntur City. It acquired the status of deemed university in 1999 and was named "BestPrivate University in South India" with more than a thousand research scholars so far. K L University has a strength of over16,000 students.09
ANNUAL OVERVIEWSRI RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLEA annual overview of the various activities of ISKCON Bangalorehave been grouped under the following headings:10lDistribution of the holy namelHarinama Chanters ClublNitya Annadana SevalSri Radha Krishna Temple: pilgrim centerlSri Radha Krishna Temple annual festivalslDistribution of transcendental literaturelFund raising initiativeslFive Years at the GlancelYouth development initiativeslCultural Education ServiceslKrishnashrayalSupport from other TrustslGo SevalISKCON Bangalore E-PresencelDignitaries VisitlWe love the Radha Krishna TemplelGlimpses of Media CoveragelThe Akshaya Patra FoundationlAnnual Overview of otherindependent centers in Karnataka
DISTRIBUTION OF THEHOLY NAME: HARINAMAAs the most revolutionary guru in the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya sampradaya, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu pioneeredthe process of sankirtana – congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord, specifically the Hare Krishnamahamantra, in the 15th century. A hidden incarnation of Lord Krishna, He appeared in Kali yuga to propagateHarinama sankirtana – chanting the holy names of God - the yuga dharma for this age of hypocrisy and quarrel. SriChaitanya’s message was taken all over the world by ISKCON’s founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada, at anunprecedented scale, inspiring people to give the nickname Hare Krishnas to ISKCON devotees.It would be very difficult to calculate the number of people who have been impacted by these initiatives to spreadthe chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra year on year, as no programme in ISKCON Bangalore is completewithout encouraging the people to hear and chant the holy names of Krishna on a regular basis. ISKCON Bangalorehas kept as a primary goal, the propagation of the mahamantra, and to this effect, has outreach programmes toenthuse the regular practice of chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra among children, youth and adults.Harinama Mantapa: At ISKCON Bangalore, a unique Harinama Mantapa, the first of its kind, encourages tens ofthousands of visitors to the temple to chant 108 times, the Hare Krishna mahamantra, before they proceed to takedarshan of the Lord. Pilgrims who undertake this seva go through a series of 108 steps in the Harinama Mantapa,chanting one complete mahamantra, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare RamaRama Rama Hare Hare, on each step.Number of visitors whochanted the holy names at theHarinam Mantap5,78,061(in 2016-17: 4,24,563)11
HARINAMA CHANTERS CLUBPilgrims to the ISKCON Bangalore temple who are interested in understanding deeper, the science of chanting theHare Krishna mahamantra, and wish to make it a part of their daily spiritual sadhana (practice) are enrolled into theHarinama Chanters Club.Number of devotees registered as Harinama Chanters Club members3,243(2016-17: 3,274)12
NITYA ANNADANA SEVANitya Annadana report for the year 2017-184,30,546Meals distributed(in 2016-17: 4,38,510 Meals)Between 11 am and 2 pm every day, pilgrims to the ISKCON Bangalore temple are invited to partake of a free hotmid-day meal of prasadam at the Annadana Hall. This nutritious meal consisting of rice, sambar, palya, sweet pongaland buttermilk is cooked under strict hygienic conditions and pilgrims can eat all they want.13
SRI RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE :PILGRIM CENTEROne of the prominent landmarks and most-visited places of Bangalore, the ISKCON Bangalore temple attracts visitors to the city andpilgrims throughout the year. Every visitor/pilgrim receives a donna (leaf cup) of hot khichdi or pongal prasadam after taking darshan ofTheir Lordships. Those seeking to offer some service to Their Lordships have a variety of ways they can show their support, besidesoffering a Pushpanjali Seva. Their contributions can be directed to the upkeep of the temple's cultural complex throughthe patron scheme.Number of visitors to the temple41,69,406(in 2016-17: 39,92,274)Number of leaf cups (donnas) of freeprasadam distributedto the daily visitors to the temple43.69 lakhs(in 2016-17: 41.70 lakhs)14
Number of visiting pilgrims whoperformed Pushpanjali Seva51,119(in 2016-17: 53,856)Number of patron families who visitedthe temple for Special Puja13,271(in 2016-17: 12,776)Number of persons who honouredSri Krishna prasadam of Special Puja66,355(in 2016-17: 63,880)Total expenditure towards upkeepof the cultural complex cleaning, water, electricity,maintenance, security 6,03,12,409(in 2016-17: 5,52,10,552)Total expenditure towardsdistribution of prasadam to pilgrims,invitees and others 4,69,84,790(in 2016-17: 3,25,02,920)15
SRI RADHA KRISHNA TEMPLE:FESTIVALSSRI KRISHNAJANMASHTAMINARASIMHACHATURDASHI(May 9, 2017)(AUG 14 & 15, 2017)SRILAPRABHUPADAVYASA PUJAJHULAN UTSAVA(AUG 16, 2017)BALARAMAPURNIMA(Aug 3 to Aug 7,2017)BRAHMOTSAVA(Aug 7, 2017)(April 10 toApril 21, ct 23, 2017)(Mar 2, 2018)SRIRADHASHTAMI(Aug 29, 2017)DEEPOTSAVA(Oct 5 to Nov 4,2017)Vedic tradition abounds in templefestivals, when the Lord is glorified andthe devotees avail opportunities topersonally serve Him. The ISKCONBangalore temple has 14 major festivalsthat invite participation from devoteesthroughout the year.GOVARDHANAPUJA(Oct 20, 2017)Deity worship expenses for the year 41,82,092(in 2016-17: 41,39,867)16NITYANANDATRAYODASHI(Jan 29, 2018)PANIHATICHIDA DAHIMAHOTSAVA(Jun 7, 2017)SRI VAIKUNTHAEkadashi(Dec 29, 2017)
Number of pilgrims during Brahmotsava1,05,888 (in 2016-17: 1,38,934)Number of pilgrims during JanmashtamiNumber of pilgrims duringJanmashtami @ Palace Grounds1,20,000 (in 2016-17: 80,017) 11,00017
Number of pilgrims duringVaikuntha Ekadashi58,000(in 2016-17: 69,273)18
DISTRIBUTION OFTRANSCENDENTAL LITERATUREOne of the seven purposes of ISKCON that Srila Prabhupada listed is, “To propagate a consciousness of Krishna as it is revealed in theBhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. One of his foremost contributions to the people of the 20th century is his translation of variousworks of Vedic literature, primarily Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam". In order to make these books that reveal the profundity andrelevance of the philosophy of sanatana dharma to peoples of the worlds, Srila Prabhupada emphasized the translation of his books intoas many languages as possible and the distribution of these books. He called these books brihat mridanga (great drums), indicating theirpotential to be the wake-up call for a sleeping humanity immersed in the abyss of materialism, which has forgotten its spiritual identityand is suffering under the throes of such ignorance.ISKCON Bangalore is dedicated to distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books through various book counters in the temple, Brihat Mridangavans that take the books to people around the city, volunteers and devotees who approach people personally. Every December (GitaJayanthi month) sees devotees briskly participating in the annual Book Marathon, a focused effort to distribute transcendental literature.Maha big booksChaitanya Charitamrita setsin 2016-17: 98,758in 2016-17: 1321,21,37275Big booksSrimad Bhagavatam sets16,713214in 2016-17: 14,576in 2016-17: 359Medium booksSmall & medium books sets39,5072,397in 2016-17: 47,626Small books1,90,556in 2016-17: 1,93,046in 2016-17: 1,871Number of magazines with Krishna consciousmessages distributed Krishna VoiceBhaktivedanta Darshana2,04,626in 2016-17: 2,09,9954,75,345in 2015-16: 4,94,520*Note: Small books (50-150 pages); medium books (150-300 pages); bigbooks (300-500 pages); maha big books (500 pages)19
FUND RAISING INITIATIVESSince time immemorial, across cultures around the world,religious and spiritual activities have been conducted by thepriestly class of society and patronized by those engaged inadministration and commerce. Vedic history narrates talesof generous kings and brave soldiers who patronized theunselfish service of brahmanas and protected their activitieswhich were conducted for the greater welfare of thepeople. Indian history is replete with such examples.Temples have been hubs that preserved and propagatedculture and spiritual values, as well as centers to engageprosperous and able citizens to contribute in spirituallyuplifting society.The practices of supporting the activities of a temple are stillprevalent in India. ISKCON Bangalore has a patron/donorbase of over 50,000 and it is with the patronage of ourdonors that ISKCON Bangalore has been able to continue itsactivities. The dedicated team of full-time missionariesconfidently plans and undertakes different programmes tospread the message and practice of the principles of theBhagavad-gita to the maximum number of people, withsuch steady patronage from our donors.While contributing one’s mite is an act of sacrifice and theLord accepts any service without evaluating its materialworth, we would like to acknowledge the overwhelmingmagnanimity of our top 20 donors who have been listed onthis page.20Top Twenty Donors1SRI SRINIVASULU REDDY K2M/S MEMG INTERNATIONALINDIA PVT LIMITED3M/S MICRO LABS LIMITED4M/S KARIGIRI LAKSHMINARASIMHAPRASAD FAMILY TRUST5SRI T V MOHANDAS PAI6M/S GARDEN CITY REALTY PVT LTD7SMT. DEVASENAMMA K8SRI SUKUMAR SRINIVAS9M/S WAP FOUNDATION10 M/S SJR PRIME CORPORATION PVT LTD11 SRI SUDHAKAR RAM V12 SMT. NAGAMANI B N13 SMT. DEVARALA KAVITA14 SRI RAGHAVENDRA C J RAO15 SRI SHRIDHAR V. SUBRAMANIAN16 M/S EMCEE PRESSINGS17 SRI RAVI HUDDAR18 SRI JAIRAJ PRASAD19 M/S BALJEE FOUNDATION20 SRI AJIT ASHOK SHENVI
FIVE YEARS AT A GLANCEn HUNDI COLLECTIONS AT HARE KRISHNA HILL TEMPLE450400Rs. in -172017-18Yesrsn TOTAL DONATIONS RECEIVED BY THE SOCIETY4,0003,500Rs. in 5-162016-172017-18YearsFive years donation at a glanceParticularsHundi Collections at HK Hill Temple (Rs. in Lakhs)Total Donations Received by the Society (Rs. in 3953582,4893,0073,1293,2413,46721
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVESISKCON Bangalore has been conducting various spiritual educational programmes for the youth. Theseprogrammes are conducted under the banner of FOLK - Friends of Lord Krishna. The students participate ineducative sessions ranging from weekend retreats at the ISKCON premises to on-campus sessions. The youthdevelopment division hosts one-on-one interactive sessions for the students. It also periodically conductseducational tours to impress upon the youth the importance of culture and values in human society.Number of youngsters who participated in ISKCON Bangalore'svarious youth development programmes19,746(in 2016-17: 11,120)Expenditure during the year 2016-17 towards youth development initiatives 2,47,31,262(In 2016-17: 2,22,69,770)22Note: A part of the expenses is borne by TSF
TESTIMONIAL"We are not humans' beings having spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having human experience."We have come across the above quote on numerous occasions, in speeches, sometimes from elder but howoften do we understand the meaning of word SPIRITUAL and the gravity it holds? This was made clear to meat FOLK-Friends of Lord Krishna, the Youth Empowerment initiative of ISKCON Bangalore.FOLK is an amalgamation of Individuals coming together voluntarily under a roof with a zeal to learn the wayof Spirituality through Bhakti or Worship of Divine.I joined FOLK two years back at a whim as coming from a spiritual family, I had an intense desire tounderstand the vivid and dynamic meaning encapsulated by spirituality. My FOLK journey started with me attending the Yoga forHappiness workshop which turned o
spiritual master in the line of Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Vaishnavism, translated and wrote purports to 8,172 verses of Srimad Bhagavatam, 700 verses of Bhagavad-gita and 11,555 verses of Chaitanya-charitamrita. He started a monthly magazine Back to Godhead which crossed at one point a distribution of more than one million copies a month.
