Following an explanation about the lyrics, Bhadra Rupa performs Vaishnava songs for UN leaders in Geneva.

In 1973, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), touched down at Zurich Airport, marking the beginning of a memorable visit to Switzerland. On April 1, 2024, ISKCON commemorates the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s momentous journey to Geneva with a series of celebrations at the United Nations, where his teachings continue to inspire global peace and unity.

The celebrations were a collaboration with the ISKCON Zonal Secretary Krishnaprema Rupa Dasa and the ISKCON Temple President in Zurich, Damodara Prasad Dasa. Bhadra Rupa Dasa, a key figure in orchestrating these celebrations, recently shared his insights and experiences in an interview with ISKCON News. His narrative not only highlights the historical significance of Srila Prabhupada’s visit but also showcases the impact of his teachings on contemporary global initiatives.

“With our accreditation from the UN Economic and Social Council, we have a unique opportunity to organize Srila Prabhupada-inspired events at major UN venues in New York, Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi,” Bhadra Rupa explained. This accreditation allows ISKCON to present Srila Prabhupada’s mission on a grander scale, participating in UN councils with written and oral statements that are widely disseminated by the UN Secretariat. “We can now share Srila Prabhupada’s vision with the world, making his teachings more accessible to a global audience.”

Bhadra Rupa’s journey with the United Nations began with a special mission from his Guru, HH Jayapataka Swami, in 2022. “My Guru Maharaj asked his disciples and well-wishers to help him satisfy the desire of the Vaishnava Acharyas to inundate the planet with Krishna consciousness. He asked me to see if any UN agencies could assist in achieving Srila Prabhupada’s orders; therefore, we received this UN accreditation after a difficult and long journey of preparation over 30 months,” he recalled. You can learn more about this service here. 

This led to significant collaborations, such as the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Geneva, which was celebrated at the United Nations Palais des Nations in Geneva, the headquarters of the UN in Europe.

One of the most moving aspects of the celebrations is the musical involvement of young people. “Engaging the youth, particularly young children, to dive deep into kirtan and learn musical self-expression is a very beautiful initiative,” Bhadra Rupa said. He emphasized the importance of teaching children to compose music and write lyrics based on their emotions and experiences, guided by the wisdom of Vedic scriptures. For more insight on the role of kirtan in education, creativity, and the spiritual development of children, watch this video. 

The 50th-anniversary celebrations at the United Nations in Geneva featured a program focused on intercultural dialogue. Key highlights included speeches from world leaders such as the Director-General of the United Nations in Geneva, the UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the Mayor of Geneva, and the Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva.

Bhadra Rupa delivered the concluding address, presenting Srila Prabhupada’s 50th-anniversary visit within an intercultural dialogue framework. He shared his life experiences as a scholar, artist, professor, and inventor in South America, Japan, India, and Europe and performed a flute rendition of Vaishnava Acharya poems. “Several UN leaders and ambassadors told me afterward that it was a very lively, impressive, and touching presentation. They said, ‘This is what we need at the UN!'”

Reflecting on these achievements, Bhadra Rupa noted, “By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights chose kirtan as the heart of this UN agency—learning to compose music and lyrics and performing them based on the Vedic scriptures.” This decision illustrates the universal appeal and transformative power of Vedic music and spirituality.

Upcoming events at the UN include presentations inspired by the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. “Today, my students will open a Human Rights Council session at the UN with their compositions, performing them based on these ancient texts,” Bhadra Rupa shared. These performances highlight the relevance of Vedic culture in addressing contemporary issues and fostering a deeper understanding of human rights and dignity.

Bhadra Rupa spent seven years training at the Brahmacarya ashram in ISKCON Peru, during which he distributed thousands of Srila Prabhupada’s books, particularly the Bhagavad-gita and Srila Prabhupada Lilamrtas. He also delivered lectures to over 300,000 university students in South American universities, organized festivals (including the largest festival in Peru’s history with over 4,000 non-devotees), and celebrated the ISKCON 50th anniversary at the Parliament of Peru, where he received an Honorary Doctorate from the National University of Education of Peru. His efforts were recognized with the ISKCON European Excellence Award for “the Scientific Presentation of Krishna Consciousness” from the Euro RGBC, and he was honored by the President of the Parliament of Peru. Furthermore, in April 2024, he was awarded the Key to the City by the Mayor of Lima, Peru. Devotees can read more about Bhadra Rupa’s achievements in an article dedicated to him. 

Bhadra Rupa’s efforts extend beyond the UN. He has worked tirelessly to preserve and revive traditional Vedic music, traveling to Orissa to study the original palm leaves written by Jayadeva Goswami 800 years ago, sponsored by India’s National Academy of Music, Sangeet Natak Akademi in Delhi. “Pandit Gopal Chandra Panda, an awardee of this National Academy of Music from the Minister of Culture of India, taught me the Gita Govinda, its scales, ragas, and rhythmic tals used by Srila Jayadeva Goswami,” he said. This dedication to authenticity enriches the cultural presentations that are now shared on international platforms. To watch a video on the research, composition and performance of the Gita Govinda in Delhi, click here.  

In South Africa, for instance, the teachings of Srila Prabhupada have had a significant impact on communities striving to overcome the legacy of apartheid. “We need cultural experiences that immerse people into the inclusive spiritual reality,” Bhadra Rupa emphasized. “It’s amazing to see people from different backgrounds come together and connect through the universal language of music and spirituality.”

Through personal stories and global examples, it becomes evident that Srila Prabhupada’s vision transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. His teachings have inspired countless individuals and communities to embrace a life of spirituality, compassion, and unity.

As the celebrations continued, the legacy of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Geneva 50 years ago shone brighter than ever. His teachings, brought to life through music, art, and cultural exchange, continue to inspire and uplift people worldwide. Bhadra Rupa’s efforts ensured that this golden milestone was not only a tribute to the past but also a beacon for the future, guiding us towards a more harmonious and spiritually enriched world.

The 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Geneva is a celebration of the enduring impact of his vision. Through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Bhadra Rupa, his message of peace, unity, and spiritual awakening continues to resonate worldwide, touching all who accept it.