Governor inaugurates Golden Jubilee Celebration of ISKCON Assam; lauds five decades of spiritual service
Guwahati, Rongili Barta: Assam Governor Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya today inaugurated the two day Golden Jubilee Celebration of ISKCON Assam at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Guwahati, marking 50 years of ISKCON’s dedication to spreading Krishna consciousness, promoting spiritual values and serving society.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Shri Acharya termed the occasion a celebration of devotion, spiritual awakening and selfless service. He paid tribute to ISKCON founder His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada Ji and congratulated the spiritual leaders, devotees, volunteers and well-wishers of ISKCON Assam on completing five decades of dedicated service.
Speaking on ISKCON’s contribution, Shri Acharya said the institution in Assam has played a significant role in spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna and strengthening values such as compassion, morality, discipline and humanity. He said that the teachings of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita continue to guide humanity towards duty, wisdom and righteousness.
Recalling Srila Prabhupada’s historic mission of establishing ISKCON in New York in 1966, the Governor said his efforts took India’s spiritual philosophy and Vedic wisdom to millions across the world. He described Srila Prabhupada’s dedication and determination as an enduring inspiration for the society.
The Governor also highlighted Assam’s rich spiritual heritage, particularly the contributions of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankaradeva and Sri Sri Madhavdeva. He noted that the Neo-Vaishnavite movement, through Namghars and Satras, transformed Assam’s religious, cultural and social life by promoting devotion, literature, art and community harmony. Referring to the wider Bhakti movement, he said that the saints across India shared the common ideals of devotion, humility, compassion and service to humanity.
Emphasising that true devotion must translate into service to society, the Governor appreciated ISKCON’s spiritual discourses, devotional activities and congregational chanting, particularly its role in guiding the younger generation towards self-discipline and ethical values.
He also attributed the projects like Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the Maa Kamakhya Corridor to the vision and dedication of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said that these projects taking shape under the leadership of the Prime Minister would reinforce India’s rich and unparallel spiritual legacy.
Describing the ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee as both a celebration of achievements and a commitment to the future, the Governor expressed hope that ISKCON Assam would further expand its work in spiritual education, humanitarian service, youth empowerment and social harmony. He on the occasion called for a society where spiritual wisdom inspires compassionate action and faith translates into social responsibility.
The programme was attended by Minister Health and Family Welfare Ashok Singhal, Vice-Chancellor Gauhati University Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Barpeta Satra Satradhikar Dr. Babul Chandra Das, ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner His Holiness Bhakti Purushottama Swami Maharaj, ISKCON Namhatta Regional Director His Holiness Gauranga Prem Swami Maharaj, along with other spiritual leaders, dignitaries and devotees.