Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my daṇḍavat praṇāms at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace on this
most holy occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā!
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
As I sit down to write this offering, my heart is filled with gratitude. Your teachings are like a
guiding light in my life, illuminating the path of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and inspiring me to serve.
On this sacred occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, we, the dedicated members of ISKCON’s
Padayātrā Ministry, humbly bow down at your lotus feet, offering our deepest gratitude and
devotion. Your divine teachings and unwavering dedication to spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness
continue illuminating my path and inspiring my service.
In 2024, we celebrated significant milestones, including the fortieth anniversary of the All-
India Padayātrā at Jagannātha Purī Dhāma. This journey began in 1984, and we’ve traversed over
300,000 kilometers, planting seeds of devotion in millions of hearts across India. Your vision has
empowered us to introduce the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra to countless villages, res-
cuing many from despair and igniting the flame of bhakti.
We have launched new initiatives, such as the Haryana-Punjab Padayātrā and the Maha
Kumbh Padayātrā, expanding our reach and impact. These efforts are a testament to your teach-
ings on the importance of taking Kṛṣṇa consciousness to every town and village. I am also happy
to share the news of an upcoming new Padayātrā in 2025 in Germany.
Your instructions have been the cornerstone of our efforts, guiding us to overcome challenges
and remain steadfast in our mission. Despite financial constraints and resource limitations, we
strive for excellence, inspired by your example of unwavering dedication and compassion.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding our outreach, increasing book
distribution, and enhancing our digital presence. Our vision includes creating a Padayātrā Office
to support our initiatives and equip devotees with the tools needed to effectively share the mes-
sage of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, your life and teachings are a beacon of hope and inspiration. We are eter-
nally grateful for your guidance and blessings, which empower us to carry forward your mission
with unwavering dedication. Your words echo in our hearts:
yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi
dhyāyan stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam
“By the mercy of the spiritual master, one receives the benediction of Kṛṣṇa. Without the grace
of the spiritual master, one cannot advance. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the
spiritual master. At least three times a day, I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus
feet of my spiritual master.”
With every step we take in the Padayātrā, with every book we distribute, and with every soul
we touch through the holy name, we feel your presence guiding us. Your vision of a world united
in Kṛṣṇa consciousness drives us forward, inspiring us to work tirelessly in your service.
On this auspicious day, I recommit myself and our entire Padayātrā Ministry to your mission.
May we always remain instruments of your compassion, spreading the nectar of the holy name
and your teachings to every corner of the world.
kṛṣṇotkīrtana-gāna-nartana-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī
dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pūjitau
śrī-caitanya-kṛpā-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bhārāvahantārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Six Gosvāmīs, namely Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī, Śrī Sanātana
Gosvāmī, Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī, Śrī Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī, and
Śrī Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī, who are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa and
dancing. They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular both with the gentle
and with the ruffians because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever they do, they are all-
pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord Caitanya. Thus, they are engaged in mis-
sionary activities meant to deliver all the conditioned souls in the material universe.”
With deep gratitude and eternal devotion to your lotus feet,
Sri Krishna Caitanya Swami
On behalf of the ISKCON Padayātrā Ministry