By GJN Committee
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In continuation of the Gita Jayanti festival, devotees in Bali, Indonesia held a small event on 19th December at ISKCON Jagannath Gouranga Ashram. HH Kavicandra Swami (GBC of Indonesia) was requested to address the audience which included various Government officials and heads of the Hindu Parishad about the Bhagavad Gita.
The concluding program was held three days later in the prestigious ‘Institute of Art University’. Over 1000 guests attended the event to show their appreciation towards the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
To start the event, prizes were given to the top book distributors. The ‘Gita Marathon’ had started in October and over 16,000 of Srila Prabhupada’s books were distributed with 9000 of them being Bhagavad Gitas and Srimad Bhagavatams. Prizes were also given to the youth who had won the ‘Gita Champion’, a competition encouraging the youth of Bali to memorise the verses from the Bhagavad Gita. The winners received their prizes from HH Kavicandra Swami (GBC of Indonesia), HH Subhag Swami and HH Atmanivedana Swami.
‘I have simply presented the scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam as they are. Therefore just see the effect they have on the world.’ Letter to Miss Nedungadi 19th March 1975
HH Subhag Swami was then invited to address the audience. Maharaj spoke for around 30 minutes and summarised the contents of the Bhagavad Gita in a nutshell and explained the importance and relevance for us to study the teachings of Lord Krishna in this book and apply it in our lives.
The audience then rose to their feet for receiving the chief guest of the event; Lukham Hakim (Indonesian Minister of Religion). After a few other VIP guests spoke, Mr Hakim then addressed the audience and expressed his appreciation of the wonderful event. He stated, ‘The implementation of this Gita Jayanti event will bring about togetherness and brotherhood amongst the Hindus of Bali.’ He also said, ‘The Bhagavad Gita is the most influential holy book that teaches ethics, morality, philosophy and universal humanism.’
‘My ambition is to spread these books far and wide all over the world so that everyone shall read at least one of our books and that will change his life. If only 1% becomes devotees, that will change the world.’ Letter to Karnadhara 2nd May 1972
After the inspiring speech a wonderful drama was performed by the youth on the topic of the Bhagavad Gita and the event was concluded with a wonderful vegetarian feast. We thank all those who participated in making this event successful. Our obeisances to HH Kavicandra Swami (GBC of Indonesia), HH Subhag Swami, HH Atmanivedana Swami and HH BJ Vrajananda Swami who inspired the devotees with their presence. Our gratitude to the Gita Jayanti National Committee, headed by HG Brajendranandana das (Chairman of ISKCON Indonesia) and HG Nitya Lila das (Chairman of GJN) who worked tirelessly for the past several months dedicating their time and energy for this event. We seek the blessings of all the devotees so that we can increase our preaching activities in Indonesia.