Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to you, the Founder-
Ācārya of ISKCON, the unparalleled servant of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī, who illuminates
the world with Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
As we gather on this sacred occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, the Hare Kṛṣṇa Melbourne commu-
nity offer our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for your monumental contributions in the form
of your writings, vision, purpose, and the results of your tireless efforts to fulfill the order of and
please your Guru Mahārāja.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, your books are your most significant gift to humanity. Through your transla-
tions and purports of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, The Nectar
of Devotion, and other sacred texts, you have opened the doors to the timeless wisdom of Vedic
scriptures for millions worldwide. Scholars have praised your works for their depth, clarity, and
fidelity to tradition. They are not just books – they are living scriptures that guide us toward self-
realization and devotion to Kṛṣṇa.
In Melbourne, we witness daily how your books transform lives. Whether it is a seeker picking
up The Science of Self-Realization or a devotee diving deep into Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, your writings
continue to inspire and educate us. Your words are our lifeline, connecting us to Kṛṣṇa and his
eternal teachings.
We derive great pleasure and satisfaction in regularly reading, studying, and distributing your
books. Your emphasis on book distribution has become the heartbeat of our community.
Your vision is nothing short of extraordinary: to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness to every town and
village across the globe. You saw beyond cultural and geographical boundaries, recognizing that
Kṛṣṇa’s message is universal. By establishing ISKCON in 1966 with its Seven Purposes, you cre-
ated a movement that not only propagates spiritual knowledge all over the world but also fosters
unity, compassion, and service to people from all walks of life.
Here in Melbourne, we strive to uphold this vision by building a vibrant community centered
on devotional service. Your vision has given us purpose and direction, inspiring us to share Kṛṣṇa
consciousness with others through book distribution, prasādam distribution, kīrtana festivals, and
educational programs.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you dedicated your life to reviving sanātana-dharma, the eternal religion
of devotion to God. You taught us that true happiness lies in reconnecting with Kṛṣṇa through
chanting His holy names and living a life of simplicity and purity.
In just eleven years you achieved what no one else could – establishing 108 temples worldwide,
initiating thousands of disciples, publishing over seventy books in multiple languages, and self-
lessly traveling around the globe fourteen times to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Your impact is
immeasurable; millions have chanted the holy names because of you.
In Melbourne, we see your results every day in our thriving temple community. From vibrant
Sunday Feasts to grand Ratha-yātrā festivals that bring joy to thousands, your legacy lives on in
every devotee’s heart.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, as we reflect on your life and teachings today, we reaffirm our commitment
to serving your mission with sincerity and dedication. We pray for your blessings so that we may
continue spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness in Melbourne and beyond with humility and enthusiasm.
On this auspicious day of Vyāsa-pūjā, we bow down at your lotus feet in gratitude for every-
thing you have given us. You are our eternal spiritual guide – the light that leads us back home to
Kṛṣṇa.
Your servants at ISKCON Melbourne,
(written by Aniruddha Dāsa, president)

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