International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) unveils Govardhan Eco-Village & Farm Community to mark Golden Jubilee

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) unveils Govardhan Eco-Village & Farm Community to mark Golden Jubilee

Mumbai, January 27, 2016: On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee anniversary, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) presents two Eco-Villages or Eco-friendly Farm Communities, which highlight the importance of spiritual ecology: the need to live in harmony with ourselves, nature and the Divine. There are over 40 ISKCON eco-villages and farm communities around the globe based on this ethos.

Photo caption: Replica of Yamuna river and ghat at ISKCON Eco-Village in Wada (Palghar)

ISKCON Mumbai has two farm communities: Govardhan Eco village which is a 100-acre sustainable farming community (a model farm community) and retreat center highlighting the importance of spiritual ecology: the need for us to live in harmony with ourselves, nature and the sacred. It is located in Wada (Palghar) 108km north of Mumbai at the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains. One of its highlights is that it houses replica of the six main temples of Vrindavan.

Photo caption: Left: Replica of one of the six main temples of Vrindavan at ISKCON Govardhan Eco-Village and devotees chanting ‘Hare Rama Hare Krsna’

ISKCON Nilachan Dham is an eco-friendly farm community spread across 20 acres at Talasari in Thane, Maharashtra. The Nilachal Dham project also includes organic farming, flower cultivation, plant nursery, cottage industry making cow products, medical camps and rural development.

Photo caption: Left: Indigenous rice plantation and doctor teaching local children

One of the highlights of Nilachal Dham is its Highway to Happyway Project which adopts cows who are hurt or left to stray on the highway. There are many medical camps for local residents.

Photo caption: A doctor from Mumbai treating residents of the local community

HG Sura Das, National Convener for 50^th Anniversary Celebrations – India said, “This year, ISKCON is celebrating 50 years of its Inception way back in 1966 in New York by our Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. ISKCON has emerged in these fifty years, as a strong centre, propagating the ancient Vedic philosophy and Krishna Consciousness, not just in India but all over the world. The event on 5th, 6th & 7th of February is the first leg of our  celebrations. It is our way to pay homage to our Founder Acharya and also bring to the world the achievements of ISKCON. More importantly, spread the message of “The joy of devotion”, as the legacy and teachings of Srila Prabhupada not just in Mumbai but all of India and the world.“

ISKCON temples across the globe will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 'Journey to West' of its founder who was originally known Abhay Charan when leaving in August 1965 to spread the message of Lord Krishna and Bhagavad-Gita in USA. He founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York on July 13, 1966. While it was not unusual for immigrants from India to head to the United States, Srila Prabhupada did not seek riches. Instead he wanted to distribute the greatest wealth of India which is the timeless knowledge of Bhagvad-gita.

ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya (denomination or tradition), an ancient monotheistic tradition within Vedic or Hindu culture. It propagates the timeless Vedic philosophy which is not limited to any religion. The concept of God consciousness, devotional service and associating with god by remembering His name, His pastimes and following His instructions is universally preached in all spiritual walks of life and is explained in the Vedas as the 'sanatana dharma', the basic duty of all living entities. The message of Bhagvad–Gita is more a manual for life and is relevant even in today’s times and thus has a universal appeal.