ISKCON Ministries are headed by ministers who are individuals appointed by the GBC to become expert in their field and oversee a specific mission, such as Educational Development, Book Distribution, Communications, and Congregational Development. Ministers advise, assist, and promote their assigned ministries, and educate zonal secretaries and ISKCON leaders in how to take practical steps towards achieving their Statement of Mission. All ISKCON ministers submit an annual report to the GBC and are invited to attend the GBC's Annual General Meeting.
Minister – Anuttama Dasa
The Office of Communications for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) works to create and sustain favorable environments for advancing the goals of the Krishna consciousness movement by establishing and maintaining confidence and faith in the integrity of the movement's members and its mission. As such we are committed to helping ISKCON be a respected and influential religious organization all over the world.
In essence, ISKCON Communications builds bridges between ISKCON as an organization (and sometimes the Vaishnava faith as a tradition) and key audiences. These audiences include the media, academia, government officials and NGOs, interfaith groups, the broader Hindu community, and – perhaps most importantly – our internal audience of Hare Krishna devotees, practitioners and congregational supporters.
Some of our work with the media includes the sending out of media releases (subjects will range from ISKCON events, such as a Ratha Yatra parade, to ISKCON's response to issues of concern in the world), consultation with reporters and producers who are interested in better covering ISKCON or related topics, creating resource materials such as the ISKCON media kit, and occasionally responding to misleading, erroneous, or biased portrayals in the media.
We help the academic community by providing them with case studies to explore and write about, and by offering the practitioner's view to their study of the faith. We attend academic conferences and provide guest speakers in University classes. In addition, we help to connect others (such as the media) with scholars who are experts on the Hare Krishna movement and the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition in which it is rooted.
ISKCON's Office of Communications also works with government officials (on local, regional, national and international levels) to help them better serve the needs of a religiously diverse world. We also seek to ensure that ISKCON's activities are harmonious with government policy, and that government policy is being exercised in a fair, neutral and even-handed manner.
We also work with representatives from other faith traditions, as well as organizations that represent other Hindu sampradayas, in a spirit of mutual cooperation to further shared concerns and learn from one another's practice. We sponsor and take part in dialogues, and help to involve ISKCON in faith-based service projects with other faith organizations. ISKCON Communications is also involved in a formal way with several umbrella interfaith and Hindu collectives.
Finally, we help to bridge individual ISKCON members with one another, with the leadership of ISKCON and with the general society. We maintain the organization's news site, sponsor gatherings and conferences, and undertake projects and initiatives to empower our members to better represent the ideals of ISKCON and its Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
One of the core tenets of the Vaishnava faith is that one should utilize whatever is favorable for devotional service (bhakti) to Krishna. Thus, devotees may use modern technologies, practices, and skills – but because they do so to serve God, these seemingly "material" devices become spiritualized. Communications and marketing activities are neither good nor bad; it depends on the purpose for which one uses them. They can be used to manipulate people's desires and egos to increase greed and envy, leading to a more materialistic world. However, they can also be used in the Lord's service, to help people understand and appreciate the significance and relevance of spiritual life.
The effective use of communications has helped the public to become more aware of and informed about ISKCON's contributions to the wider society. It has helped to counter the misinformation and stereotype that minority faith traditions sometimes face, and has enabled us to bring ISKCON's valuable theological and philosophical outlook to diverse dialogues and forums. Perhaps most importantly, effective communications allows us to serve as a mirror to ISKCON to demonstrate to the organization what the perception of our faith is in the world, what the needs and interests of the world around us are, and how we can take concrete proactive steps to become the type of meaningful, relevant service organization that we have the potential to be.
We believe that in order to fulfill our mission – to help ISKCON be a respected and influential religious organization all over the world – we must adhere to the following principles and values. These principles represent the spiritual foundation upon which we base our communication.
Consistency with Srila Prabhupada's teaching and example
Appropriate consideration of time, place, and circumstance
Pro-activity
Building interdependent relationships
Maintaining exemplary character and behavior
Deity Worship Ministry
Minister – Nrsimha Kavaca Das
The ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry facilitates and encourages the maintenance and development of deity worship according to Srila Prabhupada's example and teachings by offering education, resources and guidance to inspire and nourish devotees' desire to worship the deity form of the Lord. Additionally, we strive to foster within ISKCON the corresponding brahmana Vaisnava culture centered on the service and worship of the Supreme Lord, Sri Krsna.
The Ministry is very active in developing and offering training, which includes:
Mayapur Academy (deity worship school)
seminars on deity worship
on-site training and evaluation to managers and pujaris at ISKCON centers worldwide
educating ISKCON leaders in the importance of deity worship
We also offer various resources to assist devotees in the worship of the Lord, including:
periodicals and manuals
Internet-based information
Congregational Development Ministry
Minister – Jayapataka Swami, Co-Minister – Kaunteya Dasa
The Ministry actively collaborates with ISKCON affiliates worldwide to facilitate the spiritual growth of individuals and communities according to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
We offer consultancy, education and networking to assist the International Society for Krishna Consciousness to develop and expand its communities in accord with the following principles:
A deeply caring attitude for all members, according to their stage in life and their different levels of needs
Promoting the engagement of all devotees in outreach and their empowerment in taking responsibility in the mission
Organizing all practitioners in small groups for intimate exchanges and the building of friendly relations; regular supervision and support
Temples as tirthas for inspiration and exemplary behavior; enthusing large gatherings and festivals
Ongoing systematic training and education
To facilitate these objectives:
We design and present courses
We produce, translate and circulate books, articles, supporting materials and audiovisuals
We assist in organizing festivals and conventions
We remain updated on innovations and trends from both inside and outside ISKCON
We support the Ministry's specialized divisions: ISKCON Prison Ministries and the Armed Forces Outreach Ministries
ISKCON Youth Ministry
Minister – Manorama Dasa
Our mission is to inspire, train, engage and empower youth in Krishna consciousness to their fullest potential.
We work with volunteers to create environments favorable for our mission. We'll share information and success stories on this website and hope that you will be inspired to start similar programs in your community.
ISKCON Youth Ministry is affiliated with ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a branch of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition within Hinduism dating back to antiquity. At the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada took up the order of his spiritual master and journeyed to the West to awaken Krishna consciousness within the hearts of people suffering due to rampant materialism and identification with the temporary body, caught up in a cycle of birth, death, disease and old age. He taught that we are not these bodies, but the eternal soul within. He showed us life on a path of sainthood, progressing to a transcendent spiritual reality that is ever joyful, everlasting, and can be attained even while in this material world. Our life can become sublime by switching our selfish "I, me, mine" consciousness to selfless Krishna (God) consciousness, transforming lust into love of God through loving devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, our eternal Father, friend, and well-wisher. In gratitude to Srila Prabhupada and to his dear disciples, we humbly attempt to pass on to others the gift he gave us.
Minister – Sesa Dasa
Other Members: Saunaka Rsi Dasa, Yadunandana Swami, Radhika Raman Dasa
The Ministry of Education's mission is to facilitate, administer and develop ISKCON's educational system. The MED is primarily an empowering body, facilitating education and educators, therefore recommending principles, guidelines and values. It is also involved with issues of assessment and accreditation for educational initiatives and institutions. Thus the MED takes moral responsibility for the development of education in ISKCON but otherwise it does not directly control any facet of the implementation of education. This is left to the array of educational initiatives already existing.
Vaishnavi Ministry
Minister – Radha Dasi (California)
Regional Ministers Russia/CIS – Sati devi dasi and Ekanga devi dasi
Regional Minister Australia – Krishnarupa devi dasi
Regional Minister North America – Govinda Priya devi dasi
Our Mission is to promote a culture of open-hearted empowerment for Vaishnavis through association, education, representation, support and service. We work together to preserve Srila Prabhupada's legacy, especially in relation to Vaishnavis, to provide facility for Vaishnavi sanga and training, to increase opportunities for Vaishnavis to engage their talents in devotional service, to give Vaishnavis a voice in our society, and to build networks of support for Vaishnavis. Please visit our website at vaishnaviministry.org
Ministry of Sannyasa Services
Minister – Prahladananda Swami
Other members: Sivarama Swami, Guru Prasad Swami, Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami, Hridaya Caitanya Das
Ministry of Book Distribution
Minister – Vijay Dasa
Web Site: https://www.iskconbookdistribution.com/
Email: Vijaya.HDG@pamho.net
Ministry of Cow Protection & Agriculture
Minister – Kalakantha Das, Govindananda Das
The ministry may be reached through the webpage or FB page.
https://mcpa.iskcon.org/ Main page
https://www.facebook.com/imcpa/
The ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture bases its activities around the seventh purpose of ISKCON which is to bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler and more natural way of life.
The GBC Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture advises and assists ISKCON leaders, offering education on cow protection and agroecology for a simpler, more natural way of living, according to Srila Prabhupada's teachings, standards and example. (Mandate under construction)
– Support/ educational / informational services provided ( point form)
Global farm/ goshala directory
https://gosheltercows.firebaseapp.com/
Farm Conference Cycle- happens in each continent bi annually
Consultancy network
Education structure under construction
– Regulatory services provided ( if applicable) ( point form)
Certificate of readiness
– Languages of service available
Regional availability / English, Russian, Portuguese, Hindi,
GBC Minister of Cow Protection and Agriculture ( IMCPA )
Kalakantha das ( Carlos Queiroz)
Since 2015, he is the GBC minister of Cow Protection and Agriculture. He has worked as a member of SPN (Strategic Planning Network) since 2013. Born in Brazil from a family of farmers and agriculture professors, he has worked with farm communities for the last 25 years and holds a degree in agriculture. He has visited practically all the ISKCON farms around the world and is building an ethical cow protection equation for ISKCON. Kalakantha das believes in the power of producing our own food and currently runs the ISKCON Continental Farm Conferences Cycle, with the help of a vibrant network. These conferences are already established in Europe, North and South America and are being launched in Russia, Ukraine, Australia and South-Southeast Asia.
He is based in Sri Dham Mayapur with his family.
Ministry of Padayatra
Minister – Lokanath Swami
Mandates of entity ( brief )
GBC Resolution (year 1991) – "To bring the congregational chanting of the holy name to every town and village of the world through organized
padayatra festivals!"
Contact information:Email address for Padayatra Minister: Lokanath.Swami@pamho.net
Email address for Ministry: padayatraiskcon@gmail.com
Website: http://www.padayatra.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ISKCONPadayatraWorldwide/
Regional representatives:
Padayatra Ministry's Coordinators:
Gaurangi Devi Dasi – gaurangi.lok@gmail.com
Meghashyam dasa (Dr Manoj Barai) +91 7769006060
All India Padayatra – Acarya Dasa, +91 9890939782.
Maharashtra Padayatra – Damodarlila Dasa, +91 9049577556
Uttar Pradesh Padayatra – Ritudvipa Dasa, +91 7058222165.
Andhra Pradesh- Radhavallabha Dasa, +91 8919387849
One Day Padayatra –Murali Mohan Dasa,
muralimohandas_lok@hotmail.com +91 9824933098, Ahmedabad.
Noida –Vrndavan Padayatra – Radhakunda Dasa,
radhakundadas.lns@gmail.com +91 8128644656.
Vaishnavi Padayatra and Little Vaishnavas Padayatra- Jayabhadra Devi Dasi, +91 8007630593, jyoti_khadse@rediffmail.com
Vraja Mandal Parikrama- Istadeva Dasa, istadevadas108@yahoo.com
+919593648074, Brajbhumi Dasa – +91 9415113744.
Baroda to Dakor Padayatra, Sanatana Kripa Dasa,
dassanatankripa@gmail.com +91 9723304103.
Maharashtra dindi padayatra – Dehu to Pandharpur via Pune, Keshava Dasa, +91 94225 68259
Navadvipa-mandala Parikrama- Istadeva Dasa, +919593648074
Sri Ksetra Parikrama- Istadeva Dasa, +919593648074
Muni Priya Dasa – muni.priya@gmail.com
Nrsimha Caitanya Dasa – bh.prahlad@gmail.com or prahlad@email.cz
www.padayatra.cz
Prabhupada Jivana Dasa – petermezei86@gmail.com
Narada Dasa (Novisibirsk) – bhajayavina@gmail.com
108sankirtana@gmail.com +38 0685108108
Urukrama Dasa – urukrama.rns@gmail.com
Mukunda Dasa – mukunda.sdhs@gmail.com
Ananta Dasa – ananta.rns@pamho.net
Dàyalmora dasa – dayalmoradas@gmail.com
Parasurama Dasa – foodforalluk@gmail.com (+44) 07946420827
Bhaktimarga Swami, the walking monk
bhaktimargaswami@pamho.net
Blog : «www.thewalkingmonk.bolgspot.ca »
Website: www.thewalkingmonk.net
Ayodhyanath Dasa : ayodhaya108@gmail.com
Support/ educational / informational services provided ( point form)
Srila Prabhupada books are distributed throughout the year.
Harinama Sankirtana is done.
Visit remotest places where people hardly know about ISKCON.
Deity darsana, morning program, sankirtana, books, katha and prasada.
Distribute chanting beads, connected villagers to ISKCON
Languages of service available
English. Different countries' Padayatra leaders communicate in their vernacular.
Links to any policy documents, brochures, other relevant information
Padayatra booth at the ISKCON Leadership Sanga in Mayapur
Padayatra manual (English) – http://www.padayatra.com/padayatra-manual/
The Annual Padayatra Newsletter. 2009 to 2020 can be downloaded from www.padayatra.com
Published Books: Contact padayatrapress@gmail.com
• Vraja-mandala Darsana by Lokanath Swami – (English and Hindi)
A 30 day parikrama experience during Kartika
https://www.amazon.in/Vraja-mandala-Darsana-English-Lokanath-
Swami/dp/0620652063
• Following a Prophecy by Avadhuta Siromani Dasa Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Following-Prophecy-Avadhut-Siromani-Das-
ebook/dp/B06XK5ZS6J
ISKCON Dispute Resolution Office
Ministry of Justice: ISKCON Dispute Resolution Office
Director – GBC EC, pending nomination
Ministry of Fund Development
Minister – Devakinandan Dasa
Sastric Advisory Council
Adi-purusa Dasa
Adi Purusa Dasa, a disciple of Gopal Krishna Goswami, met devotees in 1989. In 1990 he
joined the ISKCON temple in Lviv, Ukraine, where he served as a book distributor. He was a
member of the Ukranian BBT for over ten years where he translated the Caitanya-
Caritamrita, parts of Srimad Bhagavatam and other devotional works. Adi Purusa Dasa
moved to Vrindavan in 1999 where he now studies and teaches sastra. He currently teaches
Bhaki Sastri, Bhaktivaibhava, Bhaktivedanta and other sastric courses in Europe, USA and
Bhakti Prabhava Swami
Bhakti Prabhava Swami, born in Brussels in Belgium, in 1960, met devotees in Ghent in the
summer of 1992. From 1992 to 1996 he was active in Nama Hatta preaching in Ghent
(Flanders) and joined the Radhadesh temple in 1996. In 1994 he met His Holiness Bhakti
Charu Swami who accepted him as his disciple and gave him first initiation on 12 March
1998 and second initiation on 25 August 1999. On the 31 st of May 2015 he was awarded
sannyasa initiation by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. Right after his first initiation he
became the first secretary for the newly formed European RGB. He organized the first
European Leaders Meetings (ELM) and went on several missions for the European RGB. In
2004 His Holiness Bhakti Prabhava Swami was requested to become to Secretary for the
Global GBC Body and the Secretary for the GBC Executive Committee. He fulfilled that role
until September 2009. During that period, he attended all GBC meetings and all GBC
mid‐year meetings as GBC Corresponding Secretary. He organized the first GBC midyear
meeting held at Prabhupadesh in Italy in October 6‐9, 2006.
In 2004, he opened a new ISKCON centre in Brussels, and from 1999 to 2004 he served as
legal director for New Mayapura in France. In March 2006 he received a Global Excellence
Aware for "Acting in the Interest of ISKCON".
From 1996 to 2007 he engaged in management of the Radhadesh projects, mainly taking
care of supervising the administration, tax defense and legal matters as Chartered
Accountant. He also served as chartered accountant, legal director, trustee, teacher and
student in the Bhaktivedanta College.
Studied at the University of Wales from 2004 to 2016, and earned an MA (2010) and a PhD
in the Study of Religion in June 2016.
He also graduated for studies in Bhakti Sastri (MI) , Bhaktivaibhava (VIHE) and
Bhaktivedanta (VIHE) engaged in from 2001 to 2011.
Since 2012 serving as Bhakti Sastri and Bhaktivaibhava teacher, conducting (on-site and
on-line teaching) programmes for the College of Vedic Studies. Since 2019, he also serves
as Bhaktivaibhava / Bhaktivedanta teacher for the Mayapura Institute and the Vrindavana
Institute for Higher Education (VIHE).
Bhakti Prabhava Swami is also a member of the ISKCON Board for Examination, a member
of the Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) and a member of the Ministry for Sannyasa. He has
been preaching internationally since 1996, presenting seminars and lectures mainly in
European and North-American countries.
Hari Parshad Dasa
Hari Parshad Dasa is a disciple of Radha Govinda Das Goswami, and joined ISKCON in 2002. He was
born in a Gauḍa-sārasvata brāhmaṇa family in Mumbai. His father and grandfather are both
devotees of Sri Sri Rukmini Vitthala of Pandharpur. Hari Parshad Dasa learned Sanskrit in the
traditional way in his childhood and was taught the Laghu-siddhānta-kaumudī of Pandita Varadaraja.
Between 2002 to 2007 he served as a book distributor, and organised programs and seminars for
ISKCON youth in Juhu. He has also written Sanskrit verses in the Citra-kāvya style. In 2007 Hari
Parshad Dasa was appointed assistant editor of Gopal Jiu Publications. Hari Parshad Dasa is an
accomplished Sanskrit scholar, having studied Panini's sūtras and completing a translation with
commentary of Bhaktivinode Thakura's Manaḥ-śikṣā in 2015. He holds a Master's Degree in
Information Technology, graduating with distinction from the Manipal University in 2012. He is a
gṛhastha, married with a son. Hari Parshad Dasa has been a member of the Sastric Advisory Council
Kartik Chandra Dasa
Karttika Candra Dasa was born and brought up in a traditional family of practising Vaisnavas whose
Vaisanava roots go back at least fourteen generations. From a young age he received training in
Srimad Bhagavatam, Vaisnava Vedanta and Panini Astadhyayi. Karttika Candra is a member of the
steering committee of the School of Bhakti at Bhaktivedanta Manor and has taught several courses
as a teacher at the School of Bhakti. His main interests are Srimad Bhagavatam and its
commentaries, Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, the Gaudiya tradition in Vraja Mandala, Sanskrit aesthetics
and prosody, and Paninian grammar. Karttika Candra is a disciple of H.H. Radhanatha Swami.
Karttika Candra holds a traditional Sastri degree in Sanskrit as well as a B.Eng (Hons) and an Exec
MBA degree.
Narayani Devi Dasi
Narayani Devi Dasi joined ISKCON Boston in 1970 when she was a music student of Northwestern University.
She is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and is currently in the vanaprastha order, with a grown son. Narayani
Devi Dasi has taught courses at the VIHE which include: Bhakti Sastri, Bhakti Vaibhava, and Bhaktivedanta.
She has helped to write the VTE curriculum for the Bhakti Sastri course and has also written a series of
twenty-one books. The literature she has produced includes Srimad Bhagavatam at a Glance, which has a
picture for every verse of the Bhagavatam, as well as Bhagavad-gita at a Glance, which has a picture for
every verse of the Gita. She is an initiating guru of ISKCON.
Sarvajna Dasa
Sarvajna Dasa was born in Belarus, former Soviet Union, in 1971. He joined ISKCON in 1995 and has lived in the
brahmacari order since 1998. Sarvajna Dasa is a disciple of Niranjana Swami. Sarvajna Dasa studied and taught
Sanskrit and philosophy at the Gopiparanadhana Prabhu's BBT Sanskrit School between 2005 and 2011. He has
lived in the Bhaktivedanta Ashram in Moscow since 2011, editing works by the acaryas in both Russian and English.
He teaches Bhakti Sastri, Bhakti Vaibhava and Bhakti Vedanta courses, delivering lectures and seminars in India,
Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Sarvajna Dasa is currently the Secretary for Niranjana Swami and has been
on the Sastric Advisory Council since 2012.
Urmila Devi Dasi (Chair)
Urmila Devi Dasi has served ISKCON continuously since her initiation by Srila Prabhupada in 1973. She and her
husband have been in the vanaprastha order since 1996. They have three children, 14 grandchildren and 2
great grandsons. Urmila Devi Dasi has a master's degree in school administration, a Ph.D. in education, was a
primary and secondary school teacher for 27 years, and has 19 years of experience with school management.
She has taught the entire Bhakti Sastri course over 15 times. She was an associate editor of "Back to Godhead"
magazine for 30 years and was formerly a professor of Sociology of Religion at Bhaktivedanta Collage. She is
on the editorial board of "Balijytih: International Journal of Theology, Philosophy, and Eastern Culture." She is the
author of dozens of "Back to Godhead" articles, Dr. Best Learn to Read : an 83-book literacy program, Essence
Seekers, and The Great Mantra for Mystic Meditation. Her upcoming books are Krishna Meditations to be published
by BBT Africa and Career Dharma : The Natural Art of Work. She has produced a fully illustrated edition of Raghunatha
Dasa Goswami's Sri Manah Siksa with Bhaktivinoda's commentary along with the commentaries of contemporary
Vaisnavas. Urmila Devi Dasi travels worldwide teaching Krishna consciousness and has been a member of the
Sastric Advisory Council since its creation in 2002.
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami
Joined Srila Prabhupadas movement in 1980
Received initiation from Harikesha Swami in 1983 (became Vaidyanatha Das)
PHD in molecular biology (Moscow State University) in 1987
Service in BBT as a translator and editor 1989 — 1995
Head of the Center for the Societies of Krishna Consciousness in Russia 1995-2016
GBC member 1997-2017
In 1998 Vaidyanatha Dasa took shelter of HH Radhanatha Swami Maharaja.
In 2001 he took Sannyas receiving a new spiritual name, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami.
In 2005 Bhakti Vijnana Goswami became an initiating guru. He was the first ISKCON guru, who
wasn't a direct disciple of A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami practices Hatha-yoga regularly, studies Sanskrit, Bengali and Hindi.
Author of 9 books about path of bhakti in Russian language.
His affiliated web sites are www.goswami.ru www.saranagati.ru
Chaitanya Charana Dasa
Chaitanya Charan Dasa is a disciple of Radhanath Swami and is a brahmacari based in Govardhan
Ecovillage near Mumbai. An engineer by educational background, he has over two decades of
experience, serving in college outreach preaching with a special interest in the scientific
presentation of bhakti. Known for his pithy one-liners and holistic question-answers, he is regularly
invited to speak at several IVY league colleges and Fortune 500 companies. He runs the Monk's
Podcast wherein he has had over 200 candid discussions with leaders of the bhakti movement about
how to present and practice bhakti rationally and authentically. He is an associate-editor of "Back to
Godhead" magazine and has authored over 27 books, including several responding to contemporary
criticisms of religion. He is the author of the world's only 'Gita-daily feature,' wherein he has written
over 4000 daily reflections on the Bhagavad-Gita, each of which helps readers relate the Gita's
wisdom with their daily life.
Drutakarma Dasa
Drutakarma Dasa is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and a renunciate. He joined ISKCON in 1974 at the
Washington D.C. temple. Drutakarma Dasa has written articles for "Back to Godhead" magazine and
serves as an associate editor. He is co-author of the BBT publications Chant and Be Happy, The
Higher Taste, Coming Back, and Divine Nature. In the science field he is co-author of the magazine
"Origins" and of the books Forbidden Archaeology and The Hidden History of the Human Race. He
has authored Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin's Theory, The Forbidden
Archaeologist, Forbidden Archaeology's Impact, and My Science, My Religion (a collection of 24
papers he has presented at international scientific conferences). Drutakarma Dasa lectures at
scientific conferences and universities and has appeared many times on television and radio. In his
research he explores ideas about human origins and antiquity, consistent with the accounts given in
the Srimad Bhagavatam. He has been a member of the Sastric Advisory Council since its creation in
2002 and belongs to the executive committee of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium Exhibits Group.
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami was born Glenn Phillip Teton, the only son of a respected Chicago
lawyer who was later appointed judge. In March of 1969, while studying at
Brandeis University in Boston, he met His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta
Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness (ISKCON), from whom, he felt, he learned more in one brief
exchange than he had learned in his many years of academic education. After
graduating from Brandeis cum laude, he accepted formal initiation from Srila
Prabhupada and received the spiritual name Giriraj das. Giriraj quickly became a
leading member of the Boston center, and he was soon given the opportunity to
go to India with Srila Prabhupada and helped establish Prabhupada's mission
there.In 1972 Giriraj was appointed by Prabhupada to be president of ISKCON
Bombay and trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Since then, he has made
many significant contributions to Srila Prabhupada's mission, most notably
overseeing all aspects of the development of Hare Krishna Land in Juhu,
Bombay. He has directed the society's activities in Bombay, Mauritius, South
Africa, Spain, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, was instrumental in the
acquisition and development of the Bhaktivedanta Ashram in Govardhana, and
led the development of the Kirtan Ashram for women, the Bhaktivedanta
Hospice, and the Vrindavan Institute of Palliative Care, all in Vrindavan.
In the year following Srila Prabhupada's departure in 1977, Giriraj was awarded
the renounced order of life and appointed president of ISKCON's board of
trustees in India. He is an initiating guru in the society and an emeritus member
of its Governing Body Commission.
Giriraj Swami has also taught at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education and
continues to lecture and to give presentations at spiritual retreats and workshops
Presently based in Carpinteria, California, Giriraj Swami is now focusing on one
of the main personal instructions he received from Srila Prabhupada—to write.
He is the author of Watering the Seed, Many Moons: Reflections on Departed
Vaishnavas, and I'll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story, and the editor of Life's
Final Exam: Death and Dying from the Vedic Perspective, and is working on
several publications, including books about his search for a spiritual master and
his early days in the Boston temple, his travels with Srila Prabhupada in India,
and Vaishnava holy days. He has become renowned for the austerities he has
accepted, his loyalty and dedication to Srila Prabhupada's mission, his ability to
inspire and engage important members of society, and his care for devotees
Gopal Hari Dasa
Gopal Hari Dasa holds the Joe Dunham Distinguished Professorship in Ethics at Aurora University
(AU) in Illinois. At Aurora University, Gopal Hari teaches courses in Eastern Traditions, Comparative
Religion, Religion and Ethics, Environmental Ethics, and Business and Medical Ethics. He is the author
of Maya in the Bhagavata Purana: Human Suffering and Divine Play, published by Oxford University
Press USA and India. He also serves as the editor for the Journal of Hindu-Christian Studies (JHCS).
The JHCS is a widely read, peer-reviewed, journal in the field of comparative religion. He has
authored many articles published in academic books and journals. Gopal Hari is a disciple of HH
Gopal Krishna Goswami. Gopal Hari holds a D.Phil. in Religious Studies and Theology and an MSt in
Science and Religion from Oxford University.
Gopinathacarya Dasa
Gopinathacarya dasa, a disciple of Kadamba Kanana Swami, is currently a fellow of
the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, and a tutor at Bhaktivedanta College, Belgium. He joined
ISKCON in 1999, is in a renounced asrama, and assisted the Dutch BBT for some years in the early
2000s. He holds a DPhil in Theology from the University of Oxford, where he successfully defended
his thesis on the poetry and poetics of Kavikarnapura in 2010, and a BA and MA in Oriental Studies
from the University of Ghent, Belgium. He has been a tutor at Bhaktivedanta College since 2005,
teaching courses on Hinduism, Vedas and Upanisads, Sanskrit Poetry, and Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti-
rasamrta-sindhu. His research interests are Sanskrit poetry and poetics, early Caitanya Vaisnava
history, and Sanskrit hermeneutics. He is a member of the Academic Advisory Board of the
Bhaktivedanta Research Centre, Kolkata, as well as an editor for the "Journal of Hindu Studies,"
published by Oxford University Press.
Kanai Krishna Das
Kanai Krishna das is a disciple of His Holiness Radhanatha Swami Maharaja. He joined ISKCON in
2001. Currently he serves as a full time monk in ISKCON Pune, India. After completing his graduation
in mechanical engineering in 2004, he worked with several MNCs such as Honeywell Corporation,
FMR Corporation and Transcend technologies. He joined as a full time monk in 2011. Since then he
has rendered services as a teacher of Krsna consciousness to students and corporate youth. He is a
Sanskrit scholar with expertise in Paninian Grammar. He teaches Sanskrit grammar, Sanskrit
commentaries on Bhakti Shastras as well as courses like Bhakti Shastri, Bhakti Vaibhava and Bhakti
Vedanta to students at ISKCON Pune and other temples in India. He is also the academic director at
ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya, which specializes in offering Shastric courses to ISKCON
audiences.
Krishna Kshetra Swami
Krishna Kshetra Swami is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, initiated in 1972. In 1995, as coordinator of a
research group, he compiled and published Pancaratra-pradipa (in 2 volumes), a manual for
Caitanya Vaishnava temple worship. He also served ISKCON's GBC as the minister for Deity worship
from then until 2005. In 2004, after eight years of university study (resuming his interrupted studies
from 1972), he received a Ph.D. degree from the University of Oxford for his dissertation on Caitanya
Vaishnava image worship, now available from Routledge Publishers as Attending Krsna's Image:
Caitanya Vaisnava Murti-seva as Devotional Truth (2006). More recently he has published his
monograph Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020, Open Access). Krishna
Kshetra Swami is a Research Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and a Fellow of the
Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. He also teaches at Bhaktivedanta College, Radhadesh, since 2002.
He has taught courses in Indian religions and culture at the University of Florida, Gainesville, at
Chinese University of Hong Kong, and at the University of Pula (Croatia). Krishna Kshetra Swami
presently serves in ISKCON as the European minister for Cow Protection and Agriculture.
Radhika Ramana Dasa
Radhika Ramana Dasa is the Charles Redd Professor of Religious Studies and Department Head for
History at Utah State University, USA. He is the author or editor of four books as well as numerous
articles published in academic books and journals. He has received four teaching awards, a National
Endowment for the Humanities Summer Fellowship, three research fellowships, and a book award.
Radhika Ramana completed his Ph.D. on the Sandarbhas of Srila Jiva Gosvami from Oxford
University. His first book, The Caitanya Vaisnava Vedanta of Jiva Gosvami, is a detailed study and
translation of Jiva Gosvami's commentary on the first 5 sutras of the Vedanta Sutra. More recently,
Radhika Ramana co-authored (with Krishna Kshetra Swami) a book on the Srimad Bhagavatam for
Columbia University Press. In 2008, he had the opportunity to meet with Pope Benedict XVI on
behalf of the Hindu American community. Radhika Ramana grew up in Boise, Idaho, where his
parent's home-schooled him using a curriculum based on Srimad Bhagavatam. (His mother, Aruddha
devi dasi, is well known for her books and seminars on Krishna conscious homeschooling.) Radhika
Ramana is a disciple of Hanumatpresaka Swami, and he serves on the GBC's Sastric Advisory Council
as well as the BBT's Editorial Review Panel. He also served for many years as a columnist for Back to
Godhead magazine.
ISKCON Property Office
Members – Current GBC Executive Committee, Bhaktarupa Dasa (Member-Secretary)
Central Office of Child Protection
Director – Kamalesh Krishna Das
Our mission is to protect the children of Srila Prabhupada's movement from child abuse and neglect. By doing so, we strengthen the future of the movement – the children – while providing an example to the world of a spiritual society that practices compassionate caring and protection.
Investigating and adjudicating past and present cases of alleged child abuse
Supporting victims of mistreatment when they were children under the care of the organization
Establishing prevention programs to help temples and schools establish child protection teams and screening programs for staff and volunteers
Establishing education programs to assist temples and schools create child protection education programs for managers, teachers, children, parents and other community members
Acting as a resource and guidance center for all child protection concerns
For more information, visit https://www.iskconchildprotection.org