By Romapada Das, International Coordinator, ISKCON 50
The Mayor of Surat, Mrs. Asmitaben Shiroya planted a tree on 14th August in the Trikam Nagar Chowpathy Park in Surat and unveiled a marble plaque with Srila Prabhupada’s name to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s first public Harinama procession in New York, exactly 50 years ago to the day in August 1966.
The event which was organized by the Hare Krishna Dham preaching centre in the city of Surat attracted 500 devotees who sang the Hare Krisha mantra while walking down the city centre to arrive at the public venue where the Mayor delivered a rousing speech.
“This event which celebrates the first public Harinama procession in the world outside India led by Swami Prabhupada marks the spread of the Bhakti tradition around the globe,” she said. “The tradition of Bhakti and kirtan are very complimentary with environmental sustenance, which is why we are marking this milestone event by planting a tree. Today, the tradition of Bhakti and the worship of Lord Krishna are the only way by which the world can reduce the problems caused by anger, lust, arrogance and greed. We join ISKCON on its 50th anniversary to celebrate this spread of the Bhakti tradition all over the world.”
The Mayor planted a neem tree behind a plaque which said that the tree was planted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of ISKCON by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The plaque also featured the full Mahamantra and an ISKCON 50 logo.
“Srila Prabhupada led the first public Harinama in ISKCON’s history on the 14th of August 1966 from 26 Second Avenue to Washington Square Park,” explained Murtimaan Das, who heads the Hare Krisha Dham preaching centre in the Varachha area of Surat. “Therefore, it was appropriate for us to celebrate this milestone with a huge Harinama procession and the planting of a tree. With a permanent plaque installed in a public place, thousands of public will now see Srila Prabhupada’s name every day when they come here to the park.”
Earlier, the devotees of Hare Krishna Dham had celebrated the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation on 28th July with readings from the Jaladuta diary, a seminar on chanting, and a pledge ceremony where devotees wrote a personal promise to Srila Prabhupada and placed them next to a model of the Jaladuta.
“For the 50th anniversary, we wanted each member of our congregation to make their own personal offering to Srila Prabhupada,” continued Murtimaan Das. “Many devotees pledged to distribute 50 books this year, others pledged to conduct 5 programmes in their houses, and many others agreed to find 5 kalash abhisek sponsors for Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja celebrations this year.”
Surat is the commercial hub for the state of Gujarat in India, and has a thriving diamond and textile industry.
“In 1970, when Srila Prabhupada visited Surat, it appeared as if the entire town had come to welcome him,” concluded Murtimaan Das. “Shops were shut, businesses were closed, most houses were decorated with rangolis, and streets were decorated with saris everywhere. Never before had so many people from an entire city come together to welcome Srila Prabhupada in this manner. Women were standing in their thousands throwing flowers at the devotees, while many VIPs came together to join the hundreds of thousands who had flocked to have Srila Prabhupada’s darshan. Srila Prabhupada told his disciples at that time that Surat was a ‘city of devotees’. Therefore, it is very apt that this city has honoured Srila Prabhupada with a public plaque for the 50th anniversary.”
To see the video of the citizens of Surat welcoming Srila Prabhupada in 1970, click here.
For more information, please contact the Global Coordinator, ISKCON 50 at: romapada@iskcon50.org