PM Modi releases special Rs 125 coin on ISKCON founder’s 125th birth anniversary

Releasing the coin, PM Modi said, “Today we are celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. It is as if the joy of meditation/devotion and contentment have come together. Millions of followers of Srila Prabhupada Swami and Krishna devotees are experiencing this feeling today all over the world.”

आज हम श्रील प्रभुपाद जी की 125वीं जन्मजयंती मना रहे हैं। ये ऐसा है जैसे साधना का सुख और संतोष एक साथ मिल जाए। इसी भाव को आज पूरी दुनिया में श्रील प्रभुपाद स्वामी के लाखों करोड़ों अनुयाई और लाखों करोड़ों कृष्ण भक्त अनुभव कर रहे हैं: PM मोदी https://t.co/M8FKpQyCtS pic.twitter.com/DXHMXxDaql

— ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) September 1, 2021

Lauding the religious organisation for its work and services, the prime minister said it has played the role of a brand ambassador of Indian traditions and values.

Talking about ISKCON’s global presence, Modi said he often gives the example of its success while speaking of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, a programme launched by his government to popularise “made-in-India” products.

“How we feel a sense of belonging and pride when we are greeted with ‘Hare Krishna’ in foreign countries. Imagine how we will feel if we find the same familiarity for ‘made-in-India’ products outside,” he said. Hare Krishna’ is the greeting offered by ISKCON members.

Quoting former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Modi said that Prabhupada arrived in New York with little idea about his next meal or where he will stay, and his subsequent success in popularising ISKCON is no less than a miracle.

ISKCON has told the world that for India, faith means zest, enthusiasm and faith in humanity, he said, and also lauded its service to people during various crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prabhupada was not only an extraordinary devotee of Lord Krishna but was also a devotee to India, Modi said, noting his association with the freedom movement.

Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also inaugurated the “lotus feet” of  Prabhupada on his 125th birth anniversary.

The “lotus feet” has been erected at a house in Tollygunge area in south Kolkata, where the founder Acharya was born on September 1, 1896, a spokesman for the ISKCON said. Banerjee inaugurated the footprints through virtual mode from Panagarh in Paschim Bardhaman district.

(With PTI inputs)