The foundation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was informally laid way back in 1486, when Lord Krishna supposedly appeared in Bengal as Shri Chaitanya. He was the one who established the movement for Krishna consciousness in India. Opposed to any social, religious or racist prejudice, Shri Chaitanya revealed the recommended method of God Realization for the present age - chanting of holy names of The Lord Krishna. His devotees, who traveled across the globe, promoted his preaching. In the footsteps of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu It was A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who formally laid the foundation of ISKCON. However, the principals and practices of the members of ISKCON were actually taught and codified by the 15th century saint and religious reformer Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who some believe was a reincarnation of Shri Krishna. Shri Chaitanya advocated an extensive Krishna bhakti (devotional) movement in India. He supervised the compilation of hundreds of volumes on the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. After the demise of Shri Chaitanya, the bhakti movement slumped, to be revived again in the 19th century by a Vaishnavite (follower of Vishnu, Shri Krishna was a reincarnation of Vishnu) priest Bhaktivinoda Thakur. His son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur carried on his father's work. And it was Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur who urged his disciple Srila Prabhupada to spread Krishna's message in the Western hemisphere. Srila Prabhupada's family and background Srila Prabhupada was born on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta. His family was devoted to Lord Krishna, especially in His form of Lord Chaitanya. Having descended from the family line of the great sage Gautama, it was predicted at the time of his birth that Srila Prabhupada would become a great exponent of religion and would open 108 religious centers. Growing up in a religious atmosphere Srila Prabhupada, in 1916, went to study at Scottish Churches' College, then the top British College in Calcutta at his father's behest. But being a supporter of 'Swaraj' (independence), after he passed his final examinations, he supported Gandhi's call to boycott all things that were British and refused to accept his diploma. Meeting the Guru Srila Prabhupada was 26 years old when he first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur in 1922 by coincidence. One of Srila Prabhupada's friend Naren Mullick took him to hear Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, who was a prominent religious scholar and the founder of sixty-four Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes) in India. During the lecture Srila Prabhupada challenged his Guru. He said that at a time when India was under foreign rule, none would hear the messages of Shri Chaitanya. He added that only after gaining independence would people be able to spread the Indian culture. To this Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati replied that the Krishna consciousness movement was an important one and could not wait for India to get free. Moreover he explained that the movement was independent of India's political scenario. Though Srila Prabhupada was defeated in the verbal duel, he found his spiritual Guru. Spreading the word Knowing that Srila Prabhupada had studied at Scottish Churches' College, then the top British College in Calcutta, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur requested him to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya in English. was only ten years later that Srila Prabhupada became Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's officially initiated disciple. During this span he had established a successful pharmaceutical business. When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was breathing his last in 1936, Srila Prabhupada volunteered to spread the preaching of Lord Chaitanya. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta advised him that he should translate and preach the thoughts and arguments of Lord Chaitanya in English. That became the mission statement for Srila Prabhupada. Thus, in 1950, at the age of 54, Srila Prabhupada left his home and family and dedicated his life to preaching. In 1959, he took sanyas (a life of celibacy and prayer). Later he wrote three volumes of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, finishing the first of twelve cantos. He got these books printed and made them available in all major cities in India. Going To US Having written these three books Srila Prabhupada was convinced of his ability to carry on the work assigned to him by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta. His books were instantly popular all over the country and he realized the weight of his spiritual master's order. By then he made up his mind that he would go to America to further spread the word about Krishna consciousness. He knew that once he had convinced Americans the rest of the world was bound to follow. Thus, he managed to get to New York on a cargo ship that took 35 days. He survived two heart attacks on the way. For the initial six months he barely managed to survive. It was after a lot of struggle that he managed to rent a small place in New York. This is where he came in touch with a group of people who were sincere searchers of spiritual knowledge. They called him 'Swamiji'. Establishment of ISKCON Gradually, having gained recognition from a huge section of people in the United States, he officially incorporated The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on July 11, 1966 in the state of New York. Soon Srila Prabhupada held chanting sessions and gave lectures to eager groups of people. He managed to captivate the hearts of thousands of people through his publications and his chanting. And thus began the Hare Krishna movement in the West. After his success in New York, Srila Prabhupada went to San Francisco to establish ISKCON on the West Coast of the USA. Several Americans (hippies) joined his movement and spread spiritual love and peace throughout the community. His disciples went to other parts of the world and in order to establish ISKCON. Soon the good word was spread to all the parts of the world including London. Srila Prabhupada along with his disciples created 108 centers worldwide. In a short span of 11 years he had created the world's largest publisher of Vedic literature (The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust), a scientific preaching academy (The Bhaktivedanta Institute) and many other trusts to insure the continuity of ISKCON. Laying importance to the continuity of the movement, Srila Prabhupada in the 70's created the Governing Body Commission (GBC), a body of about 30 devotees to take over the burden of management from him during his lifetime. And also to manage all the affairs of ISKCON after his departure. Srila Prabhupada's Teachings Srila Prabhupada believed that religion means direct touch with God. And for this, one must practice the life recommended in Vedas. His preachings have become the goals of ISKCON, some of which are listed below. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large, and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life, in order to check the imbalance of values in life, and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. To propagate consciousness of Krishna, as it is revealed in Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is and Srimad-Bhagavatam. To bring the members of Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna). To teach and encourage the sankirtan movement, congregational chanting of the holy names of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. To erect for the members and for society large holy places of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life. With a view toward achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, books, and other writings. His Books Srila Prabhupada came to be known for 51 volumes of transcendental literature that he wrote in less than 11 years. Srila Prabhupada's works include the 'Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is ', 'Srimad Bhagavatam (12 Cantos)', 'Chaitanya-Charitamrta (17 volumes)', 'The Nectar of Devotion', 'Krishna -- the Supreme Personality of Godhead', 'Teachings of Lord Chaitanya', 'The Teachings of Lord Kapila', 'The Teaching of Queen Kunti', 'Sri Isopanisad', 'The Nectar of Instruction' and dozens of smaller books. Before leaving for his heavenly abode on November 14, 1977, at the age of 81, Srila Prabhupada had passed on the message of Vedas to the whole world.

- Vandana Mohal Archive