At an age when most people surrender to the quiet rhythm of old age, Srila Prabhupada began a spiritual revolution. Armed with nothing but faith, he carried the message of India’s Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the world, transforming it into a global movement. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which he founded, now resonates in over 400 cities worldwide and claims millions of active adherents.
The Journey of Faith
Born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, Prabhupada grew up in a family of gold merchants. Yet, his heart was always drawn toward the divine. Under the spiritual guidance of his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, he found his life’s purpose: to spread the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu globally. In 1959, he renounced worldly life and became Srila Abhaycharanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, dedicating himself entirely to this mission.
In 1965, at the age of 69, he embarked on his most daring journey. With a mere forty rupees in his pocket, translations of Srimad Bhagavatam, and unshakable faith in Lord Krishna, he boarded the cargo ship Jaladuta bound for the United States. After enduring two heart attacks during the 36-day voyage, he arrived in New York City on September 19, 1965, a lone spiritual warrior in an unfamiliar land.
Building ISKCON: From Nothing to a Global Movement
Prabhupada’s initial days in America were marked by struggle. Living with minimal means, he began preaching on the streets and in parks, singing kirtans and delivering discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. His humility and unwavering devotion drew attention, gradually attracting followers. In July 1966, he formally established ISKCON in New York, creating a spiritual home for seekers of diverse backgrounds.
Prabhupada’s genius lay in simplifying complex theological ideas, presenting them through kirtan (devotional music), food (prasadam), and accessible teachings. This resonated with the Western countercultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, offering an alternative to materialistic lifestyles.
His disciples, many of whom were young Americans disillusioned with modernity, became his first soldiers of devotion. Prabhupada empowered them to establish temples, publish books, and spread the Hare Krishna mantra across continents. By the time of his passing in 1977, ISKCON had grown to 108 temples worldwide—a remarkable achievement in just 12 years.
The Controversy in Bangladesh
While ISKCON has flourished globally, it remains a controversial presence in Bangladesh, where its propagation of Vaishnavism intersects with the sensitivities of a Muslim-majority nation. Critics perceive ISKCON’s activities as part of a larger cultural assertion, while its supporters argue that the movement merely revives the shared spiritual heritage of the region. Despite challenges, ISKCON continues its mission in Bangladesh, often emphasizing its humanitarian efforts alongside its spiritual teachings.
Legacy and Impact
Prabhupada’s work has been described as a cultural and religious renaissance. Indologist A.L. Basham remarked, “For the first time since the time of the Roman emperors, a new Oriental religion, or rather a new Oriental interpretation of religion, is being practiced by Westerners in the context of Christianity.”
Today, ISKCON is more than a religious organization—it is a cultural phenomenon. It has influenced global music, food, and art. Its vegetarian cuisine, popularized as prasadam, and its joyful public kirtans have become hallmarks of its outreach.
A Vision Realized
Prabhupada’s journey from a solitary voyager on the Jaladuta to the founder of a global movement stands as a testament to his faith and resilience. His life fulfilled Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy: “My name will be sung in every town and village.”
Through his extraordinary efforts, Srila Prabhupada turned the Hare Krishna movement into a universal call to spiritual awakening, proving that one man, armed with faith and devotion, can change the world.
