On February 9th, devotees from ISKCON Patna held the first ever program in Ranchi, the capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The program’s purpose was to provide a basic understanding about the goals of ISKCON, about the Bhagavad-gita, and Srila Prabhupada’s contribution to humanity. The program also had other usual Krishna-conscious attractions, such as a Mantra Rock Show and prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food).

The main speaker was Rambhadra das Director of ISKCON Youth Forum (IYF) for the states of Bihar and Jharkhand.  Originally, he was a B.Tech engineer from Chandigarh, and was working with TCS & IndiaBulls ltd before joining ISKCON as a celibate monk in 2006. There were several very prominent guests presents such as Mr. Sudarshan Bhagat (MP, Minister of State for Rural Development), Mr. Chandreshwar Prasad Singh (a leader in Bharatiya Janata Party, Jharkhand MLA and former ‘Speaker’ of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly), Mrs. Gangotri Kujur (Jharkhand State Information Commissioner), Dr Jitu Charan Ram (BJP MLA from Kanke Legislative Constituency), Mr. Ram Kumar Pahan (BJP MLA from Kejri, Legislative Constituency.) All the guests received a copy of the Bhagavad-gita from Rambhadra Das.

Rambhadra Das spoke about the problems and shortcomings in today’s modern society and how the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita offer solution to them. He talked about the contribution of Srila Prabhupadam to the modern society, by introducing the Vedic culture outside India for the first time in history. He also talked about how ISKCON is carrying out the mission of Srila Prabhupada for protecting, preserving and promoting Vedic hertitage, peace in society and by elevating people above the conception of nations, caste, color, etc.

The program ended with a mantra rock show and prasadam. The guest of honors talked with Rambhadra Das about the future plans of spreading this message of Bhagavad-gita in Bihar, Jharkhand and all over India.