Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, we, the devotees of ISKCON Manchester, offer our heartfelt gratitude for your unlimited mercy. By your compassion, the holy name of Lord Kṛṣṇa has reached this important city of Manchester, and we have been given the opportunity to engage in devotional service.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, whatever service we are able to perform is only by following your instructions and taking shelter of your teachings. You have given us a complete process for spiritual life through your books, by your example, and in the society you established. We are simply trying, in our own imperfect way, to assist in your mission.
Inspired by your emphasis on congregational chanting, we regularly come together to chant the holy names. Each month, devotees participate in public chanting and book distribution, trying to share your teachings with sincerity. Remembering your instruction, “Book distribution is the most important activity in our Society” (letter to Rupanuga, 28 December 1974), we continue this service with whatever capacity we have. By your mercy, this past year many people have received your books, and we have been able to distribute approximately 5,000 copies. We also distributed around 2,000 devotional calendars, hoping to bring remembrance of Kṛṣṇa into people’s daily lives.
For the first time, we were able to participate in the “Be a Gardener” campaign and, by your mercy, exceeded our pledge in distributing sets of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. We are also taking part in the Bhadra campaign and are steadily progressing in that service.
Understanding the importance you placed on education, we offer a Bhakti Śāstrī certificate course, where devotees study your books in a systematic way. At present, around twenty devotees are enrolled. Alongside this, regular study groups, mentorship programs, and courses such as the ISKCON Disciple Course are helping devotees deepen their understanding. As you instructed, “These books are the basis; our preaching is the essence,” (letter to Hamsaduta, 3 December 1968) – we are trying to keep this foundation central to all our efforts.
By your mercy, several devotees have taken further steps in their spiritual lives and accepted initiation, strengthening their commitment to devotional service. We pray that we may remain faithful to your instructions and continue progressing under your guidance.
Our temple programs, including regular Sunday gatherings and weekly morning classes, are centered on hearing and discussing your books in devotee association. In a spirit of cooperation, devotees serve in various ways, supporting festivals and assisting other communities when opportunities arise, following your instruction that our love for you will be shown by how much we cooperate to keep this institution together (letter to Karandhara, 18 October 1973). We are especially grateful for the sincere efforts of the many volunteers who help organize and support these programs.
As the congregation grows, many festivals are held in hired venues to accommodate increasing participation. Each year, we celebrate Ratha-yātrā and other festivals, giving many people the opportunity to take part in kirtan, hear your teachings, and receive spiritual benefit. By your mercy, many thousands have also received prasādam over the past year.
We are also trying to support nearby congregations in surrounding towns around Manchester through participation in local programs, mentorship, and devotional education, helping to encourage their development in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
In a spirit of loving cooperation, devotees from Manchester annually take time to assist in cooking for the Birmingham 24-hour kirtan festival. Devotees also travel together, filling several coaches, to participate in the London Ratha-yātrā as a joyful opportunity to serve and be part of the wider mission.
We are also trying to reach newcomers and the local community through our Sacred Lounge program in the city center, where people are invited to experience Kṛṣṇa consciousness through chanting, spiritual discussion, and distribution of prasādam. By your causeless mercy, new people are gradually becoming interested and connecting with devotional life. Regular youth preaching programs are also being conducted at the university in our town, and by your grace many students are becoming interested in Kṛṣṇa consciousness through these efforts.
As our congregation continues to grow, we are fully aware of the need to better accommodate the devotees and expand opportunities for service. With this understanding, we are actively working toward securing a larger temple facility, while also exploring how the current temple may be expanded. We pray for your guidance and mercy so that these efforts may be carried out in a way that pleases you and supports the continued growth of your mission in Manchester.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, although we are limited in many ways, you have kindly engaged us in your mission. We pray that we may always remain your servants, following your instructions without deviation, and working together to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness for your pleasure. Please bless us that we may continue to serve you with sincerity, humility, and determination.
Your insignificant servants at ISKCON Manchester