Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to you on your most
auspicious appearance day!
Attempts to express my deep gratitude and appreciation for you manifest in my desire to give
your ISKCON as much energy and life as I can within this lifetime. There is no longer the ques-
tion of why, only how. And how can it be done better?
I owe you a huge debt, which I realize daily when I am able to experience true love, joy, ecstasy,
and happiness in the association of devotees. Not only have you brought meaning and purpose
to my life and the lives of countless others, but you also opened up the holy dhāmas and an entire
culture of spiritual opulence to those who would otherwise remain in a state of ignorance.
You said you never think small, that your problem was that you always think big – your vision
was never, ever limited.
Here in New York we desire to pay homage to you by our efforts to spread Kṛṣṇa conscious-
ness, but also to give back 1,008 times by resurrecting your beloved skyscraper – because there
is such a need for the householders to live close to the temple – and thereby we can bring that
mood, which is so prevalent in Jaipur, the home of Govindevjī, here to New York City. Jaipur is a
place where each morning and evening the many merchants and citizens come in crowds, together
as a community, with love and devotion, to take darshan of the Lord at the beginning and end of
their working day; where people bring Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda into their lives and hearts and dis-
play their Lordship’s photos proudly in their businesses and offices; where people from all walks
of life are inspired to engage themselves in Kṛṣṇa’s service; a community that reflects the diversity,
possibilities, and structure you taught us.
Returning ISKCON NYC back to the incredible gift you gave the world is at the forefront of
our ardent wish to serve you. Just last year we welcomed the magnificent return of Śrī Jagannātha,
Śrī Baladeva, and Śrī Subhadrā to their original home by the side of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda.
Next year we will celebrate the Golden Jubilee, the fiftieth anniversary of the New York Ratha-
yātrā, a commemoration to your Divine Grace’s first triumphant ride down none other than Fifth
Avenue – arguably the most famous street on earth!
We are currently remodeling areas of our building to accommodate more facility for the resi-
dents of New York to experience the beauty and mercy of your Deities, Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda.
To date, these renovations include new classrooms, a new event space complete with arched win-
dows that connect us with the city, and most recently, we are about to complete a new street-level
Govinda’s Café, which will bring the unlimited power of kṛṣṇa-prasādam to a new audience.
New York was the first place you came, knowing full well that from here you could transmit
the message of Lord Caitanya throughout the world. ISKCON New York City is the mother of all
temples, helping to give birth to our major projects in India as well as cultivating and inspiring
the many devotees who have gone on to be empowered leaders and examples across the globe. All
this was done by your magnanimity and faith in Kṛṣṇa, encouraging devotees to share that convic-
tion and traverse the city’s subways and bus terminals, spreading the awareness and collecting the
donations that led to rapid growth.
Your movement started with young people, so by your example, we aspire to inspire many
more generations to come to take up the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Thus we will become a
shining beacon and an example to the world, a jewel in the crown of your ISKCON, and by your
divine potency emanate out to the whole planet.
We need to have a temple and cultural center that reflects the greatness of the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness and all that it represents – a living example, of the rich culture
and lifestyle that you gave the world that will attract and inspire the hearts and minds of the mil-
lions of souls who pass through this most important city.
Your servants at ISKCON NYC
(written by Āditya Devī Dāsī, vice president)

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