In September of 2023, Kesava Dasa and Kesava Priya Dasi arrived in Ghana, West Africa, at the invitation of Srivas Vanacari, the Zonal Secretary for West Africa, to assist with college preaching as well as book and prasadam distribution.
Recently, Guruttama Dasa (Gurmann Saini) of ISKCON Finland and a member of the National Forum for Cooperation of Religions in Finland (USKOT), was named by the Finnish Government to represent religious communities on the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development 2024-2027.
In Kenya's rich and diverse cultural tapestry, where traditions blend harmoniously within a variegated contemporary Africa, emerges a compelling narrative of heritage, spirituality, and music embodied by Harikanta Devi Dasi, a fourth-generation Indian Kenyan whose journey from spiritual seeker to enchanting musician has captivated hearts far and wide. Her debut Kirtan album, "Jambo Kirtan," is not just a collection of melodious hymns; it's a testament to her profound spiritual odyssey and her endeavor to infuse Krishna Consciousness into the vibrant cultural landscape of Kenya.
Sankirtana Das (Andy Fraenkel), a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and contributor to ISKCON News, has recently received a Storytelling World Resource Award for his CD Sacred Voices. ISKCON News (IN) interview with Sankirtana Das (Skd) about the honor and his thoughts on art, theater, sacred storytelling, interfaith dialogue, and more.
Hundreds of thousands of Vaishnavas are gathering around the world today to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, with the largest gathering held in Sri Mayapur Dham (fuller coverage coming soon).
In the bustling city of Jos, Nigeria, amidst the diverse trimmings of cultures and religions, Salika Das stands as a beacon of interfaith harmony and peacebuilding. As a disciple of Bhakti Tirtha Swami and the temple president at ISKCON Jos for the past 25 years, Salika's journey has been marked by unwavering dedication to Srila Prabhupada's mission of spreading Krishna consciousness and fostering understanding among different faith traditions.
Madhumangala Das, a devoted adherent of the Hare Krishna movement in Japan, shares a compelling narrative of spiritual growth intricately woven with the cultural tapestry of the "Land of the Rising Sun." Reflecting on his journey, Madhumangala's insights offer a profound glimpse into the collective experience of the Japanese devotee community—a journey marked by resilience, cultural adaptation, and unwavering dedication to the service of Srila Prabhupada's mission.
Eight and a half years ago, Sharana Prada Das came to Mayapur following his spiritual journey in the 1990s when he first discovered the philosophy he yearned for in Srila Prabhupada's "Teachings Of Lord Chaitanya." His relentless dedication in Mayapur has helped transform the Russian-speaking community into a vibrant cultural center.
South Africa, a nation deeply marked by its tumultuous history, continues its journey towards healing and self-realization. In the heart of this transformative landscape, Premvikash Das - mathematician, artist, activist, and former temple president at ISKCON Hammanskraal - emerges as a spiritual trailblazer, navigating the crossroads between Krishna Consciousness and African Spiritual Practices with a mission to empower communities still grappling with the aftermath of apartheid.