The Hindu Mandirs Empowerment Council (formerly known as the Hindu Mandirs Executive Conference) held its annual gathering of North American Hindu Leaders representing all the various Hindu Mandirs and Organizations across the region. ISKCON leaders were among the presenters at the September 27th to 29th, 2024 conference, held in Raleigh, North Carolina.

HMEC is the largest annual conference of its kind, welcoming hundreds of past and present executives, community leaders, and scholars of Mandirs, Gurudwaras, Ashrams, Derasars, and Hindu organizations from North America and the Caribbean. 

ISKCON Communications Co-Director for North America, Madana-gopala Dasa served on a panel at the event focused on the importance of devotee care for resident devotees as well as congregation members. He was joined on the panel by Kardama Muni Dasa from the ISKCON Hillsborough temple. Gopala Dasa Cohen, also from Hillsborough, spoke on the Art of Communication for Spiritual Leaders. 

Speaking of the importance of ISKCON’s presence at these kinds of gatherings, Madana-gopala said, “ISKCON is recognized nationally as one of the oldest dharmic organizations in North America and many leaders of other Sanatana groups have appreciated the contributions of ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is critical for ISKCON leaders to engage in positive and collaborative efforts with these groups in order to flourish in a multi-religious and multicultural country like ours. The attendees and organizers of this conference have always appreciated our partnership and input.”