By Vraja Vilasa dasa
Led by Co-Regional Secretary for Bhubaneswar, His Holiness Murali Krsna Swami, around 20 devotees of ISKCON Bhubaneswar visited Jharpada Special Prison on Sunday 23rd November for one of their regular prison preaching programmes.
Continuing the preaching begun by HH Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja, around 500 prisoners, both men and women, respectfully received all the devotees and intently listened to a nice class by Murali Krsna Maharaja, translated into Oriya.
Maharaja explained to the prisoners how one can only control one’s mind and senses by engaging it in Krsna’s service, otherwise one will be forced to commit criminal, or sinful, activities. He particularly stressed the necessity of always hearing Krsna katha, which will engage and purify the mind and help one to always think of Krsna. This will ensure that ‘the idle mind does not become the Devil’s workshop;’ the uncontrolled mind being the reason for all our suffering.
The talk was very well-received, with the prisoners even applauding at the end. His Grace Atmarama prabhu also gave an animated speech in Oriya. Afterwards, everyone engaged in a huge kirtan, Srila Prabhupada’s books were distributed and the prisoners all took prasadam. Those prisoners who were able to quote some sloka from Bhagavad-gita, or sing and chant some devotional item were able to get a hard-bound Bhagavad-gita. As they saw their fellow prisoners taking the mic, speaking or singing some nice devotional thing, and then being rewarded with a Gita, the crowd was especially enlivened.
We wish to thank the Superintendent of Jharpada Special Jail for his kind hospitality and we look forward our next ecstatic visit!
Srila Prabhupada, ki jai!
HH Govinda Swami, ki jai!
Gaura premanande!​
Click below to see the whole gallery from the event
Thank you very much for your wonderful service and preaching, Maharaja. Now please cover the whole of Orissa, same program. Krsna will give you more and more strength as you expand your activities. Thank you very much.