1) From the right: College Principal, author, Their Graces Dina Bandhu & Sankarshana (Shrila
Prabhupada’s 78 year old nephew). His Grace Radharamana Prabhu (V.P. ISKCON Kolkata).
2) The college principal Dr. Madhumanjari Mandal releasing the book with author Rajasekhara
NEWS RELEASE
A City Named After Prabhupada.
A grand book-release function was held on Wednesday 20th December, at the most prestigious
Scottish Church College in Kolkata. This is the same college where Shrila Prabhupada studied for his
B.A. degree during his student years.
Sundar Gopal of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre & Radharamana of ISKCON Kolkata,
collaborated with the college authorities in hosting this historic event.
The new book about Shrila Prabhupada’s life entitled ‘Calcutta-City of Divine Grace’ by Rajasekhara
Dasa Brahmachari – was officially released at the Scottish Church College by the principal – Dr.
Madhumanjari Mandal.
Both the principle and vice-Book principal greatly eulogized Shrila Prabhupada during their speeches.
The book & includes over forty memoirs of Prabhupada’s disciples who served in Calcutta during his
lifetime. There are also 88 pages of period photographs. Subtitled – An Historical Memoir – it reveals
many unknown facts about Shrila Prabhupada’s birth & early life in Calcutta. The book covers all
Shrila Prabhupada’s many visits to Calcutta during the period of his 14 year preaching tour around
the world. There is also a chapter on Shrila Prabhupada’s final days in Vrindavana. Complementary
Books were also donated to the college library.
The book establishes that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu also visited Calcutta, a small hamlet known as
Varahanagara, which became Baranagar in North Calcutta. In the year 1510, Mahapabhu was on
tour to South India. A local brahmana saw Mahaprabhu & began reciting Bhagavatam. On hearing
the chanting, Mahaprabhu danced in ecstasy. He named the brahmana as Bhagavatacharya. There is
an old ghata called Chaitanya Ghata where Mahaprabhu bathed & a temple with His paduka
(Wooden Peg-Sandals). Bhaktivinode declared Calcutta a holy city equal to Vrindavana.