ISKCON was officially recognized and registered in the Soviet Union on May 20, 1988, ending years of persecution of the Hare Krishna devotees by the Communist regime.

On May 17, 2018, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his congratulatory message for the occasion of the 30th Anniversary of ISKCON in Russia, which is presented in full below:

“I am delighted to know that the Moscow Society for Krishna Consciousness is celebrating the 30^th year of its registration in Russia.

Many socio-spiritual organizations have been a boon for India. Not only do they serve the poor, hungry and needy within India, but they also spread the quintessential Indian values of peace and harmonious living across the world.

The teachings of Shri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita are a great source of inspiration to millions. His stress on gaining knowledge resonates with our current era where knowledge is given primacy. His message of maintaining equanimity in the face of successes and setbacks, is ever more relevant in this era of stressful lifestyles. His call to do our duties, especially in serving others is a guiding light for all of us.

Be it in taking these timeless values of the Bhagavad Gita to the world or in popularizing the spirit of devotion, organizations like the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, through their various chapters like the Moscow Society for Krishna Consciousness, have done yeoman service to humanity.

The various social initiatives of ISKCON throughout the world are greatly appreciated, especially the programme that serves millions of meals everyday across the world to the hungry and needy.

Once again, I wish the Moscow Society for Krishna Consciousness [well] on the 30^th year of its registration in Russia. It is hoped that the organization will continue to serve humanity with great enthusiasm and spread the message of peace and brotherhood.

Narendra Modi

New Delhi

17 May, 2018″