Founder Acharya of ISKCON Srila Prabhupada had deep faith on Gaudiya Vaishnab tradition to achieve peace and harmony in a strife torn world. He established ISKCON organisation to spread Vaishnabism all over the world with coordination of his followers and disciples. Among his followers and disciples, Sri Srimad Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami Maharaj, Sri Srimad Gour Govind Swami Maharaj and Sri Srimad Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj are prominent ones. They are mostly known for their contributions in spread of Bhagavat tattwa and Vaishnbism all over the world in various adverse situations.
Today is 77th Holy Appearance Day of Sri Srimad Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj who is an international preacher, philosopher, Guru and great Vaishnab Acharya. Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj was born in the holy city of Kolkatta in the year of 1945. He had proceeded to Germany in the year 1970 for higher qualification in Chemistry. When he continued his study in Germany he had been influenced by Indian spiritual culture and came back to India and moved from city to city to inquire his spiritual master. He had not got any way or not arrived in any conclusion.
Lastly, he had been encouraged by an ISKCON devotee to read “Bhakti Rasamruta Sindhu” which had been written by Srila Prabhupada. After reading this book he was attracted towards ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada and was eager to meet Srila Prabhupada. After he met Prabhupada, the latter directed him to join at Mayapur ISKCON center in the year 1976. Prabhupada directed him to translate his English books in Bengali language for utility of Bangali devotees. Prabhupada gave him in one-time Harinam and Brahmana Diksha and appointed him his personal secretary in Indian affairs.
Prabhupada was overpleased with his seva and gave Sanyasa diksha after three months. He was very close to Prabhupada among all other Indian and foreign devotees.
He proved his efficiency and better administrative capability when the prominent ISKCON centers all over the world like Mayapur, Manipur, France and South Africa were set up.
He became Guru in the year 1997 and created lakhs of devotees all over the world through preaching of Bhagavad Seva. When he was chief of ISKCON art and culture department, he had translated Bhagavad Gita. Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita and Bhakti Rasamruta Sindhu which has been deeply accepted by Bengali devotees . He was director and producer of weekly prashna picture of Abhaya Charan in the national channel during the year 1996. He constructed a nice temple only in ten months at Krishna Balaram Education center, Ujjain during the year 2004 by due invitation received from the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and he had also constructed many Gurukuls, Goshalas, Ayurvedic hospitals. He was also chief of ISKCON Annapurna Unit which gives midday meal to lakhs of school going students. He is advisor of England Hindu Sanatan Vaidika Dharma organization named ‘I’ Foundation.' He was awarded by the United Nations for his noble deed. He also imparted lessons on spirituality to many PhD scholars and educationalists.
His Holy Appearance Day was observed in many ISKCON centers all over the world whereas it was observed as a main event at Ujjain. The ISKCON Bhubaneswar also observed the day in honour of the noble works of the Swami.
(The writer is State PRO, ISKCON, Bhubaneswar; Mob.: 9132090199)