Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON’s Global Minister of Communications, was in the Senate wing of the US Capitol on Tuesday when the House of Representatives voted to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy from his position, a first in congressional history. It was a front-row seat for an event that offered significant lessons for ISKCON in these difficult times. 

The US Speaker of the House is a crucial figure in the US federal government, as they are second in line for the presidency after the Vice President. Their role as the leader of the House of Representatives (one of the two chambers of the United States Congress) carries significant responsibility in shaping legislation, setting a legislative agenda, and maintaining party discipline. 

Anuttama was in downtown DC for a gathering on religious freedom in the US and globally held steps away at the Russell Senate Office Building. “While I was here, a historic vote was held to remove the Speaker of the House from his office,” said Anuttama, “It is significant for us as devotees because we know this is the Kali Yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, and we see it in the growing polarization going on in governments, societies, and families.”

The historic event is a stark reminder of Srila Prabhupada’s request, “Your love for me will be shown by how well you cooperate together.” Anuttama continued, “Therefore, we should always keep Krishna in the center, Lord Caitanya in the center, and keep Prabhupada’s request to us central: cooperating, listening to each another and working together harmoniously…giving everyone a chance to come back to Godhead and hear the message of Sri Krishna.”