As we approach the beginning of ISKCON’s 50th year we took the opportunity to interview some of ISKCON’s leaders on a variety of topics, while they were gathered at the Govardhan Eco Village in Wada. This interview is with Praghosa prabhu, the current GBC chairman, and it is on the topic of ISKCON outreach.
Very authentic interview. Your head was nicely framed under the portico’s arch – almost as if you are an ancient Celtic sadhu appearing from the samadhi behind you. Yes, Srila Prabhupada put an enormous emphasis on scientific preaching; he respected them because they were dedicated to find the “Truth.” Prabhupada’s vision for preaching to those “rascal scientists” (mostly an affectionate reference, not demeaning) was so important that he established the Bhaktivedanta Institute separate from Iskcon, He groomed disciples such as the late HH Bhakti Swarupa Damodhar Swami, Sataputa p.,(still with us) Rasaraja p., and others to preach vigorously and creatively in that field. Like you said, the Temple of Understanding emphasizes Vedic cosmology. Drutakarma p. has gained international notoriety in his bringing Vedic concepts to the fields of anthropology, cosmology, etc. Encouraging scientifically minded devotees to reach out to their peers is an area that needs to be showcased and advanced. Thank you for speaking about this oft-missed aspect of Srila Prabhupada’s mission. Your statements about science preaching were very quarky.