The worldwide activities of the International Society for Krishna consciousness (ISKCON)
Worldwide
November 4 marks the twentieth anniversary of the departure of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acarya of ISKCON, who left the world in November of 1977.
Hare Krsna devotees have chosen December 13 as a day to make a special effort to distribute large numbers of books on Krsna consciousness. This year's goal: one million books worldwide. To take part, get in touch with your local ISKCON center.
United States
Vandals set fire to the main equipment and hay storage barn at ISKCON's New Talavan Farm in Carriere, Mississippi, last July, causing at least $100,000 in damage. Destroyed were two tractors, a hay bailer, $5,000 worth of hay, and the New Orleans Rathayatra cart. The loss is a severe financial burden for the farm. Donations can be sent to Yogindra Dasa, President, ISKCON New Talavan, 31492 Anner Road, Carriere, MS 39426 USA.
Israel
Druze leader Sheik Moafaq met with ISKCON's Danavir Swami last February during Danavir's Swami's visit to eleven Druze villages in northern Israel. The meeting took place in an auditorium at the site of the tomb of the late Druze leader Sheik Amin Tarif, who had spoken with devotees several times. For the meeting with Danavir Swami, the auditorium was filled with sheiks eager to learn more about Krsna consciousness. The Druze are an Arab sect whose teachings are in some ways similar to those of the Vedas.
South America
ISKCON leader Bhakti Tirtha Swami lectured last spring at the University of Guyana. He met with Guyanese President Samuel Hines. And while in Guyana he was interviewed on four national TV shows and by several radio stations, as well as all the major Guyanese newspapers.
Europe
Devotees in Holland held Rathayatra festivals in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Africa
ISKCON Ghana has acquired 210 acres of farmland. A master plan for a Hare Krsna community on the land calls for 160 acres for farming and cottage industries, and 50 acres for schools, a temple, a restaurant, a guest house, a medical clinic, a tourist village, an art museum, and a barn with surrounding pastures.
Commonwealth of Independent States
More than a thousand devotees took part in July in a Hare Krsna festival in Moscow.