Bir Krishna Dasa Goswami: I am saddened to hear about the departure of the great Vaisnava Bhuvan Mohan who is very, very dear to his Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivendanta Swami Prabhupada, having taken Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to preach Krishna consciousness in Fiji as his life and soul.
From the early days of Krishna consciousness in Fiji, Bhuvan Mohan along with his dear brother Vasudeva and their respective families sacrificed everything to please Srila Prabhupada. It is because of their efforts that we are now are able to engage in pure devotional service in Fiji.
I consider Bhuvan Mohan one of my closest friends in Krishna consciousness. Everytime I visited Fiji he was there willing to assist in whatever way that he could. Even when he was disabled, he would take the trouble to go to the airport to pick me up or see me off. He was always thinking of serving Krishna and His devotees. I pray that one day I can have the same purity of heart and devotion that I observed in Bhuvan Mohan.
Certainly he has gone to join Srila Prabhupada and Krishna in the spiritual world. The departure of a great Vaisnava like Bhuvan Mohan in pure Krishna consciousness is glorious.
However, for those of us who knew him, it is a very sad occasion as we will be bereft of his association. Separation from great Vaisnavas like Bhuvan Mohan is the greatest misery one can experience. I pray that I may have his association again in the future.
My condolences to his family, especially to Gaura Mata, who is also very dear to Srila Prabhupada, and who is always absorbed in the Vraja lila.
All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Bhuvan Mohan Prabhu.
At the dust of the Vaisnavas’ feet, Bir Krishna Dasa Goswami
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Karsanji Punja farewelled from the Fiji Sun News
The funeral of Karsanji Punja was held in Lautoka yesterday. He was one of the founding directors of Punja and Sons Limited and founder of ISKCON Fiji.
Fiji Chamber of Commerce president Swani Maharaj said Fiji had lost one of its favourite sons. Karsanji Punja set up the first Punja and Sons store in Cuvu, Sigatoka. From there the company expanded and now it is one of the biggest companies in Fiji and the South Pacific, providing employment to hundreds of people.
Mr Maharaj said Mr Punja was one of the close disciples of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His passing away is a great loss to Fiji, its business community, and the spiritual organisation he belonged to.
Mr Karsanji Punja was the father of the managing director of Punja and Sons Limited, Nitin Punja, and eldest brother of Deoji Punja, Kanti Punja, Hari Punja, Jagjiwan Punja and Lila Makanji.