Kolkata, 26th February 2025: Gaudiya Mission held a press meet at the Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Museum Auditorium, unveiling details of the Closing Ceremony for the 150th Advent Commemoration of Srila Prabhupad. The event, scheduled for 28th February 2025 at Science City Main Auditorium, Kolkata, will be graced by His Excellence, Jagdeep Dhankhar, Hon’ble Vice President of India; His Excellence, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal; and Shri Suresh Gopi, Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism.
The press meet was graced by Srimad Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Goswami Maharaj, Acharya & President of Gaudiya Mission, alongside Assistant Secretaries Sripad Bhakti Bhaskar Bharati Maharaj and Sripad Bhakti Rakshak Hrishikesh Maharaj. They underscored the significance of the commemoration, highlighting Srila Bhakti-Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad’s (1874-1936) legacy in shaping the modern Vaishnava movement.
Founder of the Gaudiya Maths Mission, Prabhupad institutionalised Vaishnavism through ‘Daiva Varnashram Dharma,’ advocating Bhagwat Dharma as a universal path of peace, love and harmony. He was instrumental in introducing Indian spiritual thought to the West, establishing 64 math centers globally and garnering a following that spanned scholars, royalty and global intellectuals. His influence extended to notable Indian leaders, including Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Madan Mohan Malaviya and Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari.
A pioneer in spiritual publishing, Prabhupad leveraged the printing press to disseminate Indian philosophy in multiple languages, bringing its teachings to the global stage. The Closing Ceremony promises to be a landmark tribute to his enduring vision.