By Kishori Radhe dasi for ISKCON Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa
“The lotus flower blooms most beautifully from the deepest and thickest mud”. The arrival of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada materialized the above praxis when he arrived in South Africa in October 1975 during the height of the apartheid regime. The juxtaposition of apartheid, its racial and ethnic segregationist policies and the restlessness of a suppressed people caused the message and teachings of Srila Prabhupada to resonate widely and be felt deeply. He came to spread the universal message of peace, love, harmony and the tangible means of achieving such a state of existence.
During His tour of South Africa, His Divine Grace spoke at the famous Great Hall at the University of Witwatersrand on the 23 October 1975. In celebration of His 40th Anniversary to South Africa, ISKCON Sandton commemorated this magnificent moment by hosting a celebration at the Great Hall itself on the 3 October 2015.
Guests were welcomed in the foyer by a museum detailing the biography and principal accomplishments of His Divine Grace. They were thereafter treated to a meditative, enlivening mantra meditation; an enactment of a poem – ‘Who is Krishna’ in Zulu by African graduates of WITS University, a classical Indian dance presentation and a video containing original footage of the start of ISKCON and its accomplishments to present.
Srila Prabhupada propagated the universal teachings that were for millennia contained in India and boldly spread these teaching around the world within a short span of 10 years. South Africa was no exception to the spreading of the mission to bring peace, prosperity and truth to this world. ISKCON was privileged to have Mr. Nelson Mandela visit their temple in Chatsworth in 1992 and discuss the teachings of the ancient scripture, Bhagavad-Gita. During this visit Mr. Mandela with dignity but humility bowed before Srila Prabhupada, and asked “How did he do it?” meaning how did Srila Prabhupada spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. A discussion ensued about how Srila Prabhupada gave Krishna consciousness to all nationalities and types of people, without discrimination, and Mr. Mandela was deeply struck by this, and was very appreciative of Srila Prabhupada. He also very much appreciated the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita which emphasises the equality of all living beings; as children of God we all deserve to share in God’s gifts and to be treated with respect and dignity.
One of the many highlights of the event were the speeches made by the dignitaries present. These included the High Commissioner of India; Consulate-General of India; Pauline Naidoo of the MahaSabha (South African national Hindu and Tamil Federation); the CEO of ZeeTv South Africa and several stalwarts of ISKCON.
His Holiness Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, spoke on the importance of guru’s appearing in authentic bona-fide lineages, and that Srila Prabhupada proved his authenticity and managed a successful passage of truth because he belonged to such a linkage. His Grace Nanda Kumar Das, the President of the ISKCON Sandton spoke on how “Krishna consciousness is a cultural presentation for the re-spiritualisation of human society.” as well as how the correct implementation of practices can solve all socio-economic problems plaguing society. Medhavi Das, an initiating guru with ISKCON, spoke about how Krishna consciousness “transcends material designations and offers real freedom.”
Pauline Naidoo themed her talk on ‘Unity in Diversity’. Aptly, the attendees were from multi-racial backgrounds, different age and socio-economic groups. The sight invoked an unparalleled realization of Ubuntu, non-discrimination and equality, the hallmarks of South African society and the philosophy of ISKCON itself. She appreciated the efforts made by ISKCON in bringing people together and offering solutions to pertinent problems South Africans face. Her appreciation was compounded by the speech delivered by the High Commissioner of India. In addition, being an international society, she pressed that, “Wherever I travel in the world I always see the wonderful work performed by ISKCON.”. The latter point was highlighted and extended by the Consulate General of India who extended his help in assisting ISKCON realizing their goals.
The celebration was brought to a close by the cutting of a magnificent cake that detailed key moments in the life of Srila Prabhupada. All guests upon leaving were treated to a delicious vegetarian meal.
The closing of the event marked a deep sense of appreciation to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON by all the attendees. The presence, interactions and unification of different demographic groups working together made truth the realization of South Africa as a Rainbow Nation as well as Srila Prabhupada’s last wish for South Africa of seeing Blacks, Whites, Indians and Coloured’s holding hands, singing and dancing to the The Great Chant of Deliverance – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
ISKCON Sandton Communication
Johannesburg, South Africa
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