However, it is strongly felt that the people of India need to learn more about this legendary spiritual leader, whose exceptional service to mankind is bound to dominate and decorate the pages of human history in the future. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder and acharya of the International Society for Krishna consciousness ( ISKCON), certainly does not need introduction.

The recent release of commemorative silver coins on his 125th birth anniversary is a most welcome step by the Government of India in this direction and the worldwide community of devotees have expressed their wholehearted gratitude towards this gesture. The other, and more obvious reason is, his almost mythical personal performance and outstanding service to the world is yet to be known by Indians. Even the worldwide society he founded did not carry his own name but that of Lord Krishna’s. If a citizen of India is yet to hear the name of the Indian whose phenomenal success in the fields of social reform, spiritual wisdom, humanitarian services and universal brotherhood- just to name a few- it could be because that saintly gentleman, untouched by any tinge of desire for name, fame and fan club, chose to remain humble and dedicated his entire life to spreading the message of Bhagavad Gita. Especially, transforming the lives of tens of thousands from foreign lands and making them joyfully embrace Sanatana dharma, regardless of their caste, creed, gender, faith or nationality, has intrigued numerous religionists and earned lofty praises from distinguished academicians and political leaders alike from different parts of the world. It does not surprise that the life story of a person, whose teachings enlightens millions from all walks of life and faiths that you could name, has left scores of renowned scholars and analysts baffled as to what enabled him to do what he did in such a short span of time. Thanks to their universal vision, all encompassing solicitude and stellar personal performance, they are loved by one and all, without geographical boundaries. While some great personalities are loved and adored only by their own countrymen or a specific interest group, there are those rare heroes whose popularity is not confined to such criteria. Nations take pride in praising and promoting their heroes.

Why prabhupada says no gambling