Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Happy Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Appearance Day!
On this special day, I want to offer my heartfelt gratitude to you for your boundless mercy and tireless dedication to spreading the holy names of Kṛṣṇa across the world.
Mahārāja, you planted the seed and spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness in Kṛṣṇa-kathā Deśa.
I am deeply grateful for your efforts in planting the seed of Kṛṣṇa consciousness here in Kṛṣṇa-kathā Deśa (Qatar). Because of you, we have been able to nourish the roots of Bhakti-vṛkṣa, Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhakti-śāstrī, TTC, IDC, celebrate various festivals, and so much more in this desert land. Today, we are blessed with Bhakti-vaibhava through online programs, and we eagerly look forward to the day when, by your mercy, we will also have physical Bhakti-vaibhava here.
Mahārāja, you are so merciful.
It is because of you that my śikṣā-gurus were able to guide me in converting my material consciousness, once focused on cricket, to Kṛṣṇa consciousness. From material pursuits to the highest spiritual realization—this transformation would not have been possible without your mercy.
During your South India tour, I had the humble opportunity to observe a few things with my limited ability. If I have made any mistakes or offenses, I humbly beg for your forgiveness, Mahārāja.
Mahārāja, you are a great poet.
I remember when you spoke about the Ugādi laddu you had tasted decades ago. That laddu was both sweet and bitter—reflecting the nature of life, which is a mix of both happiness and distress. Your words were filled with profound wisdom, Mahārāja. Happy Ugādi to you as well, with the hope that we can continue learning from your teachings.
Mahārāja, you are a great caretaker.
You mentioned the earthquake in Myanmar, which measured 7.47 on the Richter scale and caused damage to our temple in Mandalay. You also spoke about the earthquake affecting Bangkok and Thailand. In this material world, there is always a mix of happiness and distress (connected with the Ugādi laddu), yet you continue to inspire us with your unwavering commitment to Lord Caitanya's mission and to caring for His devotees. We pray for all those affected by these natural calamities.
Mahārāja, your dedication to Śrīla Prabhupāda is truly inspiring.
You introduced the My Sādhana app, which tracks our daily practices, such as japa, book reading, hearing, and preaching. It has been a wonderful tool for many of us to stay connected to our sādhana. As you mentioned, the app is available for iPhone users, and soon, it will also be available for Android users on Vyāsa-pūjā day. You explained that this app was created by the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) and is dedicated to Śrīla Prabhupāda. What a beautiful way to honor our Founder-Ācārya and encourage our own devotional progress.
Mahārāja, you are a great businessman—of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
When someone asked about the cost of the app, you kindly responded that the cost was simply to do good sādhana and preach Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Your approach to business is a divine model for us to follow. This spirit of giving and sharing, as exemplified by Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, is something we can all aspire to.
Mahārāja, you give great importance to regional languages.
When you spoke the word “Nandri” (thank you) in Tamil, you touched our hearts deeply. I also admire how you learned Bengali to assist in the development of Māyāpur. This shows your genuine love for the culture and your respect for the devotees of all regions. You are indeed a wonderful speaker, Mahārāja, and your words resonate with us all.
Mahārāja, you are a living example of devotion.
I am moved to tears when you preach, as despite your physical condition, your words serve as a constant reminder of the deep compassion and love you have for Lord Caitanya and His devotees. Despite your physical challenges, you continue to walk in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya, leaving a divine legacy in South India.
Mahārāja, because of you, we received the service of the Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura temple construction.
By your mercy, we received the Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura Mandir project at his birthplace in Bīrnagar. A 12-crore construction project has been entrusted to Kṛṣṇa-kathā Deśa. Thank you for giving us such an opportunity, which was also a wish of Śrīla Prabhupāda and his instruction to you, Mahārāja, for building the temple for Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura. Because of you, we have received this opportunity.
Mahārāja, my personal obligations:
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I wish to inform you that I have resigned from my current organization in order to uplift my material position. My family and I are planning to relocate from Kṛṣṇa-kathā Deśa (Qatar) to North Sweden by April 2025. Before making any commitment to the new organization, we sought approval from our śikṣā-guru and our yātrā president. By their mercy, we have received approval, with the expectation of forming a new ISKCON center in North Sweden. Although I do not know if I am capable of this task, I have faith in the words of my śikṣā-guru. I humbly seek your blessings for the successful establishment of this new center, Mahārāja.
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During our celebration of Ugādi here in Kṛṣṇa-kathā Deśa, while reading the horoscope predictions for this year, it was said that I would be blessed with a new child. Mahārāja, I humbly request your blessings that this prediction may come true, but in a spiritual sense. May I receive a spiritual child—a disciple—through your mercy.
Please forgive me if I have made any offenses in expressing these thoughts. I am a humble disciple, seeking your guidance and blessings in all aspects of my life.
Jaya Guru Mahārāja! Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Your servant,
Prabhu Govinda Dāsa