By Ranjita Dasa
October 23, 2016
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the First Publication of Back to Godhead Magazine in the West
On this day in 1966, Srila Prabhupada’s Diary records: “Back to Godhead published again today.” On the same day, it records that Gargamuni Dasa was initiated.
Gargamuni Prabhu’s account of the beginning of the magazine at 26 Second Avenue is presented in this week’s keynote article. His story is a unique personal glimpse into the mood and happenings of the time. Click here to read it: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32504
For an insight into writing for Back to Godhead, we are presenting an article by Chaitanya Carana Prabhu entitled “Writing for Krishna,” which first appeared in the January/February 2014 issue of Back to Godhead. Click here to read itL http://www.dandavats.com/?p=14022
We would also like to draw attention to “The Back to Godhead Handbook,” which can be found in the Bhaktivedanta VedaBase. Written in 1985 by the staff of the magazine, it gives a clear account of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions regarding the standards required for the magazine. In the years since, the devotees of Back to Godhead magazine have endeavored to remain true to the vision of Srila Prabhupada. Here are his words to one of the editors:
February 1, 1977
I am glad to hear you are enlivened at becoming editor of Back to Godhead magazine. This magazine must be edited very carefully. Nothing irresponsible should be printed, because in the future the articles in Back to Godhead will be taken as Vedic evidence. I am asking the GBC members to also concern themselves with the content of the magazine to assure that it meets the standards I am describing.
— Letter to Sri Govinda
Oh, and please subscribe and keep your subscription up to date. For details log on to Krishna.com, scroll down and click on the Back to Godhead link. Thank you. – Ranjita Dasa