Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my humble obeisances. Allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation on
this blessed day of your appearance!

śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma

How can one attain kevala-bhakti, pure, unalloyed devotion? Only devotion to the lotus feet of the
spiritual master can detach us from the material concept of happiness and show us the way to a
pure abode where love and endless happiness can quench our thirst.
At an advanced age, when you traveled to Western countries, you set an example of faithfulness
to the instructions of your spiritual master and the guru-paramparā.
By keeping the spiritual master’s instructions in your heart as your life and soul, you passed
through many trials and overcame many difficulties, spreading the glories of devotional service.
By your example and enthusiasm, you awakened the seed of devotion in the people whom
Kṛṣṇa sent you. Defying all material values, you steadfastly resisted the onslaught of material
nature, taking shelter of the holy name and the scriptures.
What would we be doing now if you hadn’t left us these amazing books that are full of spiritual
power? Your voice and your instructions give us shelter and a taste for pure devotional service.
Before you left this world, you many times expressed concern about the future of ISKCON.
How would your students be able to carry your spirit and, by cooperating with one another,
strengthen the international movement? You said “intelligence and organization,” “intelligence
and organization”…
You established the GBC and personally trained its first members. You taught them how to
manage an organization – how to be leaders. Despite the fact that you were absorbed in writing
your books, you checked bank accounts, settled conflicts between devotees, and monitored the
development of ISKCON’s reputation.
This year, on Rāma-navamī, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Deities’ installation
in Vrindavan, at the Kṛṣṇa-Balarāma temple. Your disciples shared their memories of those times.
This is your victory!
During that Deity installation, even during your lifetime your mūrti was installed. Someone
asked you, “Swamiji, people will touch your feet and get rid of their sins.” With a heart full of love
and compassion, you answered, “This is my mission.” Śrīla Prabhupāda, you are so great!
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, it is a real refuge for me to participate in the development and main-
tenance of ISKCON. Material nature puts so many obstacles and challenges in the way, but your
example always inspires confidence and determination in my heart.
Please allow me to continue my efforts to develop your mission, which I have received from the
entire guru-paramparā and Lord Caitanya Himself! Let me be useful in this service.

The servant of your servants,
Acyutātmā Dāsa

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