The ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team (SPT) is launching the “ISKCON Future Forward” podcast to spotlight innovative leaders and programs that are shaping the future of ISKCON by spreading the message of Sri Chaitanya, growing the devotee community, and enhancing its well-being. Hosted by Pancharatna Dasa, the current Chair of the SPT, the podcast will be live-streamed on the SPT’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. New episodes will be broadcast on the first Wednesday of each month, with plans to increase the frequency as the podcast gains momentum.

The inaugural episode will premiere on May 6th at 7 PM EDT, featuring Jaya Krsna Das, who will offer deep insights into the North America Regional Governing Body’s (RGB) ambitious 3/35 Initiative. This visionary plan aims to inspire 3% of the populations of Canada and the United States — approximately 12 million people — to meaningfully engage in Krishna consciousness by the year 2035.

The launch of the ISKCON Future Forward podcast marks a new chapter in the SPT’s broadcasting history. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SPT quickly adapted to serve isolated devotees, using emerging tools like Zoom to produce over 500 broadcasts on YouTube and Facebook. These programs offered spiritual nourishment, practical guidance, and discussions on Srila Prabhupada’s seven purposes for ISKCON.

As the name of the podcast suggests, The ISKCON Future Forward podcast will primarily focus on ongoing service initiatives being launched today, with the intention of sustaining and growing them into the future. “With this in mind, we conceived a series highlighting ‘Future Forward’ ideas: visionary and innovative efforts already being implemented within ISKCON that are shaping its future. While we will also address potential challenges ahead, the primary focus of the broadcast is ISKCON’s vision for the future. This aligns closely with the essence of strategic planning, which means how do we get from where we are now to a future vision,” explained Pancharatna Dasa.

ISKCON Future Forward podcast will highlight outreach, community-building, and devotee care initiatives across ISKCON’s global communities, showcasing how Srila Prabhupada’s vision is being realized in innovative ways. It will adopt a long-form format, allowing for in-depth conversations that may stretch beyond an hour if the topic demands it. In addition to the SPT’s YouTube and Facebook channels, episodes will also be available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major podcasting platforms. Devotees are encouraged to participate interactively, joining live broadcasts, asking questions, and sharing their visionary ideas.

The relaunch aligns with the GBC Strategic Planning Team’s 2025 action plan, which focuses on building a “learning community” within ISKCON. Key initiatives include revitalizing ISKCON Connection, a global communication framework, expanding the ISKCON Network for collaboration, and deepening devotees’ connection with Srila Prabhupada. These efforts aim to foster strategic thinking, collaboration, and a culture of ongoing learning and service across ISKCON.

Pancharatna Dasa concluded, “We believe strategic initiatives for the future of ISKCON should come from the grassroots level—temples and leaders on the ground. Our goal is to highlight these leaders through public platforms and encourage global initiatives, starting with North America. This approach involves all centers working together towards a common goal, and similar initiatives are emerging in various areas of ISKCON, often supported by different ministries.”

ISKCON Future Forward podcast is a call to action for all devotees to help shape the future of the movement. By featuring those who lead with vision and courage, the podcast aims to inspire a new generation of service, leadership, and innovation, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s mission into the future.

For more information, please visit their वेबसाइट. You can watch the upcoming episode live on फेसबुक और यूट्यूब.