ISKCON GBC member and initiating spiritual master Bhakti Charu Swami has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently on ventilator, in critical condition in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Florida, USA. The following is a letter from the GBC Executive Committee to the worldwide devotee community:

“Dear Devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We write today to inform you that HH Bhakti Charu Swami has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently in critical condition in the ICU at a hospital in the USA.

We request the worldwide community of devotees to offer heartfelt prayers for Maharaja’s prompt and smooth recovery.

As you all know, HH Bhakti Charu Swami is a most respected Vaisnava leader who has generously given his life to the service of his beloved spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Maharaja is an initiating spiritual master, a member of the Governing Body Commission, a renowned speaker on the Vedic scriptures, a most melodic kirtan leader, an innovator in Krishna conscious arts and culture, and above all, a dedicated servant of Srila Prabhupada in whichever capacity he serves. He began his life in Krishna consciousness as Srila Prabhupada’s personal servant and secretary and continues every day to serve Srila Prabhupada in the same personal manner.

Again, please pray with all your heart, in line with the instructions Srila Prabhupada gave his own disciples when he was not well, “My Dear Lord Krishna, if you so desire, please cure His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami.” 

Thank you very much.

Hare Krsna,

Your servants,

Ramai Swami
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Bhanu Swami,
GBC Executive Committee”

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Upade on June 18th: Bhakti Charu Swami is responding to the medication and he is not taking so much support from the ventilator. That means although he is on ventilator, it is not turned on very high. This is a very good sign.

For continuous updates on Maharaja’s condition please visit: https://www.facebook.com/bhakticharuswami/