ISKCON GOVERNING
BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY Registration Number S/74662 under the West Bengal
Societies Registration Act, 1961 P.O. Shree Mayapur Dham, Dist. Nadia, West Bengal 741313 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 10, 2013
Global Coordination
Team: Lokanath Swami, Janananda Goswami, Ekalavya Das
Vrindavan Samadhi Standing Committee
Gopal Krishna Goswami, Malati Dasi,
Satyanarayan Das, Naresvara Das, and Pancagauda Das
(convenor)
GBC-BBT
Team
Members
– Badrinarayan Das (Coordinator), Gopal Krsna Goswami,
Sivarama Swami, Madhu Sevita Das, Hrdaya Caitanya Das,
Praghosa Das
Section 200: FINANCE
201. GBC Budget
RESOLVED:
The GBC budget for 2013-14 is (in INR):
GBC Annual
General Meeting
3,71,000
Executive
Committee Travel
2,12,000
Emergency Fund
2,12,000
GBC EC
Secretariat
3,18,000
ISKCON Resolve
4,46,260
ISKCON Database
1,53,382
Dandavats
2,78,939
Ministry of Cow
Protection & Agriculture
1,59,000
Deity Worship
Ministry
4,46,260
Ministry of
Educational Development
2,78,939
ISKCON Congregational
Development Ministry
53,000
GBC Corresponding
Secretary
3,18,000
GBC Strategic
Planning Team
5,57,878
GBC Community
Relations Office
1,59,000
Vaisnavi Ministry
2650
Vaisnava Calendar
Web Site
22,313
Mayapur GBC
Office
1,85,500
Ministry of Book
Distribution
1,11,565
Finance and Bank
Charges
19,080
ISKCON News
1,67,321
Hermeneutics/Epistemology
Committee
27,878
Child Protection
Office
5,57,878
ISKCON Sannyasa
Ministry
16,695
ISKCON 50thAnniversary
Committee
53,000
Legal Fees – part
repayment
1,06,000
Total:
52,33,538
202. Appointment of Auditor
Sri A. K. Shah, F.C.A., Chartered Accountant, of 125, Netaji
Subhash Road, Room No. 45, Kolkata 700 001, is appointed as
statutory auditor for the year 2013-2014.
Section 300: INTERNAL ISKCON
301. Midterm Meeting 2013
The Midterm Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society shall take place
from October 14-19, 2013, at ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai, India.
302. Annual General Meeting 2014
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ISKCON GBC Society shall
take place from February 16-March 2, 2014, at ISKCON Mayapur, WB,
India.
303. GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada
Whereas there is a need to clarify within our society, via a
succinct statement, Srila Prabhupada’s preeminent position in
relationship to diksa and siksa gurus as well as all ISKCON
members, and to provide clarity on the function and position of
diksa and siksa gurus in the ISKCON society:
RESOLVED:
That the GBC endorses the following statement:
As the Founder-Acarya of the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the preeminent teacher
and ultimate authority within our society, Srila Prabhupada has
a unique relationship with every ISKCON devotee.
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead,
is the original guru whose Divine Grace descends through the
medium of the guru parampara. As such, a devotee is
ultimately delivered by Sri Krishna acting through a combination
of various manifestations of His mercy. These include, but are
not limited to, the caitya guru, Srila Prabhupada, the guru
parampara, one’s diksa guru, other siksa gurus, the Holy Name,
sastra, and the nine processes of devotional service.
Within these cooperative elements, Srila
Prabhupada, as the Founder-Acarya of the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness, is the preeminent guru for all
members of ISKCON. All members of ISKCON, for all generations,
are encouraged to seek shelter of Srila
Prabhupada. All members of ISKCON are entitled and
encouraged to have a personal relationship with Srila Prabhupada
through his books, teachings, service, and his ISKCON society.
All members accepting leadership roles within
ISKCON, including diksa gurus and siksa gurus, have the duty of
serving together under ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC)
to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s instructions as he has given in
his books, lectures, and personal communications. [1]
Overall, the primary duty of all diksa gurus, siksa
gurus, and others in leadership positions, is to assist Srila
Prabhupada in his service to his Guru Maharaja Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, and our Brahma Madhva Gaudiya
Sampradaya.
Those who accept the service of diksa guru or siksa
guru in ISKCON are required to be exemplary in representing
Srila Prabhupada’s teaching in their words and personal
behavior. The siksa guru gives spiritual instruction and
inspiration on behalf of Srila Prabhupada and our guru
parampara. The diksa guru gives spiritual instruction,
inspiration, formal initiation, a spiritual name, and later
imparts the sacred Gayatri mantras to a qualified disciple as a
service to Srila Prabhupada and our guru parampara.
Srila Prabhupada has clearly explained that
devotees who are strictly following the Krsna conscious
principles are acting on the liberated platform, and, as such,
are pure devotees, even though they may actually not yet be
liberated. [2] (Such unalloyed devotional service is not
necessarily determined by one’s role or position of service, but
by one’s realization.)
Those who accept the service of diksa or siksa guru
within ISKCON are mandated to be strict followers of the
instructions of Srila Prabhupada, and, as long as they follow,
they are acting on the liberated platform. Thus they may serve,
as Srila Prabhupada ordered, as bona fide representatives of the
Lord and the guru parampara and be a via media of their mercy.
Yet it should be clearly understood that if such diksa or siksa
gurus deviate from strictly following, they may fall down from
their position.
Thus, to act as a diksa guru in ISKCON means to serve under the
GBC and in cooperation with other ISKCON authorities by
functioning as a “regular guru” as Srila Prabhupada has
directed.
This statement, while conclusive, is not exhaustive in its
discussion of these principles. The GBC may authorize additional
statements and papers in the future to further explain the
preeminent position of our Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada, the
role and responsibilities of those who serve as gurus in our
society, and the related duties of ISKCON members and initiates.
All GBC members must distribute this resolution to all ISKCON
temples, communities and congregations via appropriate means of
communication for the education of all ISKCON members. This
statement shall also be studied in ISKCON courses including
introductory courses, the ISKCON Disciple Course, the Spiritual
Leadership Seminar: Being a Guru in ISKCON, and other relevant
venues. Reading this statement, and affirming it has been read
prior to initiation, shall be part of the test for all prospective
initiates.
1. More details on these spiritual relationships
and duties may be found in the official “Harmonizing ISKCON’s
Lines of Authority” Paper approved by the GBC in 2012.
2. “This Krishna consciousness movement directly receives
instructions from the Supreme Personality of Godhead via persons
who are strictly following His instructions. Although a follower
may not be a liberated person, if he follows the supreme,
liberated Personality of Godhead, his actions are naturally
liberated from the contamination of the material nature. Lord
Caitanya therefore says: ‘By My order you may become a spiritual
master.’ One can immediately become a spiritual master by having
full faith in the transcendental words of the Supreme
Personality of Godhead and by following His instructions.”
SB 4.18.5, purport
And:
A person who is liberated acharya and guru cannot commit any
mistake, but there are persons who are less qualified or not
liberated, but still can act as guru and acharya by strictly
following the disciplic succession.” Letter to Janardana, 26
April, 1968.
And:
“We may not be cent percent perfect, but as far as possible, if
we follow the instruction as it is, that much perfect. In this
way one will get perfection. So one has to follow. The same
example, try to understand, that a perfect, expert technologist
or technician or mechanic is working, and somebody is working
under his instruction. So this somebody, because he is strictly
working under the instruction of the expert, he's also expert.
He may not be cent percent expert, but his work is expert. Is
that clear? Because he is working under the expert. Do you
follow? So if you follow pure devotee, then you are also pure
devotee. It may not be one is cent percent pure. Because we are
trying to raise ourself from the conditional life. But if we
strictly follow the pure devotee, then we are also pure devotee.
So far we do, that is pure. So pure devotee does not mean one
has to become immediately cent percent pure. But if he sticks to
the principle that "We'll follow a pure devotee," then his
actions are... He is as good as a pure devotee. It is not I am
explaining in my own way. It is the explanation of Bhagavata.
Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah [Cc. Madhya 17.186].” Ref.
VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 2.1-10 and Talk -- Los Angeles,
November 25, 1968
304. Founder-Acarya Foremost on ISKCON Temple Websites
[Guideline]
Whereas numerous websites of ISKCON temples currently do not
prominently feature the personality and teachings of His Divine
Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the Founder-Acarya
of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness on their
home page. Many do not have a picture of Srila Prabhupada at all.
Few of them have links to Srila Prabhupada’s books, tapes, &
videos. Srila Prabhupada’s pre-eminent position as the
Founder-Acarya of ISKCON appears to have been de-emphasized on
numerous ISKCON temple websites. On certain sites, “ISKCON” or
“Prabhupada” only appear in the introductory pages in a very
small, faint font;
Whereas currently, there is no requirement that determines how
Srila Prabhupada’s photo and official title should be displayed on
ISKCON center web sites:
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON center officials shall be
responsible to ensure that any and all web sites published by
the center prominently feature a picture of Srila Prabhupada
on the introductory page. This picture should be larger than
any other individual’s photo (such as the GBC, center
President, or guru). Srila Prabhupada should be addressed by
his formal name and title: “His Divine Grace A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the
International Society for Krishna Consciousness,” or “ISKCON
Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada”, or an equivalent translation.
All such web sites shall prominently
display direct links that emphasize Srila Prabhupada on their
home page such that the casual viewer would have access on the
home page to Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and video
recordings
The picture of Srila Prabhupada on the home
page, accompanied by his formal name and title, should be free
from any other person’s image. In other words, Srila
Prabhupada’s image should be the only personality in the photo
or likeness
The fonts presenting Srila Prabhupada’s
name and title should be easily legible.
All ISKCON center web sites should adhere to this standard no
later than three months (90 days) from passage of this resolution.
305. “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” Paper
Required Reading
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas harmony between various authorities in ISKCON is required;
Whereas while initiating gurus are important spiritual authorities
in the lives of devotees, other ISKCON authorities also play an
important role;
Whereas the GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing ISKCON's Lines of
Authorities” explains how to promote harmony in the services of
gurus and other ISKCON authorities.
RESOLVED:
That the official GBC paper entitled “Harmonizing
ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” shall be required reading for
all prospective harinama initiates before the initiation. This
should be verified both by the ISKCON authority who gives the
recommendation for harinama initiation as well as by the
initiating guru.
Within three months, all GBC Zonal Secretaries shall:
have the paper translated such that it is
accessible to the devotees of their zone
have the paper distributed to all approved
initiating gurus, to all National Councils and other regional
bodies, and to temple presidents, congregational leaders, and
other officials in their zone
306. Amendment to Required Examination Prior to
Accepting a Diksa-guru
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada and
the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” have been
approved by the GBC and been made required reading for all
harinama initiation candidates;
Whereas it is also important to make sure that the candidates have
understood these papers;
Whereas according to ISKCON law 7.2.1.1.6, every harinama
initiation candidate must take a test before initiation. This test
is a good opportunity to make sure that the candidates have read
these papers and to judge their level of understanding of their
important concepts:
RESOLVED:
(a) that ISKCON Law 7.2.1.1.6 be amended to include the following
three questions in the test that all harinama initiation
candidates must take before initiation:
14. Have
you read the GBC Statement on the Position of Srila Prabhupada?
15. Have you read the paper “Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of
Authority”?
16. What
have you understood as the most important points of the
“Harmonizing ISKCON’s Lines of Authority” paper?
And (b), that the Guru Services Committee shall update the
Initiation Exam accordingly for all GBCs and gurus to distribute.
307. Sannyasis and Sannyasa Candidates Attending Spiritual
Leadership Seminar
[Guideline]
Whereas the ISKCON Spiritual Leadership Seminar, “Being a Guru in
ISKCON”, given under the auspices of the GBC Guru Services
Committee, gives valuable information and instruction on how to
serve as a diksa or siksa guru within ISKCON;
And whereas, according to sastra, a sannyasi is naturally a guru,
and as such ISKCON sannyasis would be able to function more
effectively in their service were they to take this Seminar:
RESOLVED:
All ISKCON sannyasis are strongly advised
to attend the Spiritual Leadership Seminar, “Being a Guru in
ISKCON”, given under the auspices of the GBC Guru Services
Committee
All sannyasa candidates must attend the
Spiritual Leadership Seminar, “Being a Guru in ISKCON”,
provided it is available in a language appropriate for them
308. GBC Members’ Definition in ISKCON Law
[ISKCON Law]
Whereas the wording of the existing ISKCON Law needs fine tuning
to increase clarity:
RESOLVED:
That ISKCON Law 3.5.1: “The following shall be considered to
be GBC Members: GBC Zonal Secretaries, GBC Ministers, Assistant
GBC Members, and Candidates for GBC, GBC Deputies and GBC
Emeritii.”
Shall be replaced by:
“The expression “GBC member” exclusively indicates the full
(voting) GBC members, the Acting GBCs and the Assistant GBCs; they
are supported and aided by the GBC Emeriti, the GBC Candidates,
the GBC Standing Committees, the Global Ministries, the Executive
Secretariat, the Divisional Directors, the GBC Deputies and by any
other office, committee or individual as required and approved
from time to time by the GBC.”
309. Female Diksa Gurus
The subject of Vaisnavis initiating in ISKCON is tabled until the
GBC Annual General Meeting 2014.
310. Female Diksa Guru Research Paper
Whereas there is a need for clarity in ISKCON’s current policy
regarding Vaisnavi diksa gurus;
And whereas there have been calls for additional references and
support from Srila Prabhupada and the sastra to explain and
justify that policy:
RESOLVED:
A GBC committee consisting of Bir Krishna Das Goswami (convenor),
Bhanu Swami, Badrinarayan Das and Praghosa Das shall research and
write a paper on the subject of female diksa gurus based on Srila
Prabhupada’s teachings, sastra, and historical precedents. The
committee may enlist the service of other devotees including
current members of the Sastric Advisory Council.
The committee will specifically document and provide justification
of the current ISKCON policy, or reasons to reconsider that
policy.
The committee shall send a draft of its work to the GBC Executive
Committee by September 30, 2013 so that it may be circulated to
the GBC members in advance of the Midterm GBC meeting in Mumbai
in October 2013, and may be discussed there.
The committee will then consider the input from the GBC members
and complete a final draft to be sent to the Executive Committee
by January 15, 2014. The Executive Committee will circulate that
final draft so that it may be discussed and voted upon at the AGM
in 2014.
311. Bhaktivedanta Institute
Whereas Rasaraja Das has offered dedicated service, for more than
three decades, to ISKCON, most notably in Bhaktivedanta Institute
(BI), which is exceptionally dear and important to Srila
Prabhupada;
Whereas Rasaraja Das has gained recognition from a cross section
of the scientific community including academic institutions,
fellow scientists, peers, scientific publications and media.
His accomplishments include the publishing of twenty-five
scientific papers—one of them used as a course text in Brown
University, an Ivy League institution;
Whereas Rasaraja Das has identified that there is now a unique
opportunity to demonstrate that proper scientific understanding is
in accordance with Srimad-Bhagavatam. This could lead to
tremendous potential and could give ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada
immense credibility amongst both the scientific community and the
public;
Whereas the BI is one of the most important preaching projects
that Srila Prabhupada personally provided direct funding for;
Whereas GBC resolution 307/2009 states:
307. BI Standing Committee
[Action Order]
Whereas the GBC has the
responsibility to give clear vision, leadership and oversight
in regards to scientific preaching and the Bhaktivedanta
Institute;
Whereas funds allocated from the BBT to the
Bhaktivedanta Institute need to be supervised;
RESOLVED:
The formation of the BI Standing Committee
with the following mandate:
•
To research Srila Prabhupada’s instructions on scientific
preaching, and, in consultation with devotees presently
engaged in the field, come up with a clear vision for the
future of scientific preaching and the
Bhaktivedanta Institute. The committee will report to the GBC
and the BBT about its progress by the next GBC AGM. •
According to that vision, to provide unified leadership to
scientific preaching in ISKCON. •
To formulate systems for receipt of applications, allocation
of funds received from the BBT, and reporting and assessment
from individuals and projects that have received
such funds.
Individual committee members will not take part in decisions
involving projects located in their GBC zones.
The GBC appoints Devamrita Swami, Sesa Das,
Bhakti Vijnana Goswami and Hanuman Das as members of the BI
Standing Committee.
Whereas the members of this committee have resigned without having
achieved their mandate;
Whereas the BBT has stated in writing to the GBC that no funding
for Bhaktivedanta Institute will be released until the GBC clearly
decides whom they consider to be the legitimate heir to Srila
Prabhupada’s Bhaktivedanta Institute legacy. Once the GBC reaches
a decision, and the BBT agrees, funds will be released to this
institute exclusively:
RESOLVED:
The GBC Body hereby commends the important and time-critical
nature of the work of Rasaraja Das and Bhaktivedanta Institute
Berkeley/Mumbai. The GBC members offer their heartfelt blessings
to them for their continued excellence in devotional service.
The BI Standing Committee created via the above resolution is
hereby dissolved.
There shall be a temporary committee to accomplish the following
mandate by the beginning of the GBC AGM 2015:
To research Srila Prabhupada’s instructions
on scientific preaching and the Bhaktivedanta Institute, and,
in consultation with devotees presently engaged in the field,
propose to the GBC a vision statement for the
Bhaktivedanta Institute.
According to that vision, propose a unified
structure for the Bhaktivedanta Institute, how it will
function on an ongoing basis, and how the BI will be
accountable to the GBC body.
The unified structure for BI should include
BI Mumbai/Berkeley. Other entities and initiatives might also
be included, at the discretion of the committee.
The GBC requests Madana-mohana Das and Hanuman Das to propose a
committee within 90 days to the GBC EC for approval.
The committee will report to the GBC and the BBT about its
progress by the next GBC AGM.
Because BI Mumbai/Berkeley will be part of the BI structure, the
GBC requests the BBT to direct the BI funds to BI Mumbai/Berkeley
during the interim period while the committee is coming to its
conclusions.
312. Executive Secretariat Reporting and Accounting
Whereas the Executive Secretariat has been established recently
and a clear line of reporting is needed:
RESOLVED:
That the Executive Secretariat (ES) receives its mandate from the
Governing Body Commission (GBC); the Secretariat reports and is
accountable to the GBC. Throughout the year the ES works with the
GBC Executive Committee (EC) in its role as representative of the
GBC, to ensure and assist the ES to perform as mandated.
In the unlikely circumstances of crisis or a ‘state of emergency’,
the EC may delegate or re-prioritize the service responsibilities
of the ES, which shall be discussed by the full GBC at its next
meeting.
313. Licensing GCal Software
Whereas Gopalapriya Das, in consultation with the rest of the GBC
Vaishnava Calendar Committee, has written a computer program
called “GCal” that has had success in providing ISKCON devotees
with a dependable calendar calculation system. It has been very
well accepted in the devotee community.
GCal was developed on behalf of the GBC Body and it is owned by
the GBC West Bengal society. All along, the GBC Vaisnava Calendar
Committee has been planning that GCal would become an “open
source” program, in the sense that the source code of the program
would be available to anyone who agrees to abide by certain
licensing terms. This can result in the improvement of the
program, since other programmers can study the code and perhaps
find problems to be corrected. It also will tend to increase the
credibility of the program, since nothing is hidden from the
knowledgeable user. However, the committee has not yet released
the source code.
With the burgeoning of different kinds of hand-held devices,
tablets, etc., over the last few years, there is now a demand for
GCal to run on these different platforms. Gopalapriya Das,
however, has at present little time for GCal programming work.
Recently, a number of different devotees have approached the
committee with an interest in porting GCal to these other
platforms. By releasing the GCal source code now to whomever wants
to do whatever they want with it, under the terms of a general
open-source software license, it is likely that GCal will become
even more successful as a valuable tool for devotees. Since the
software belongs to the GBC Body, the GBC Society needs to give
permission to do that.
RESOLVED:
That the ISKCON Governing Body Commission Society hereby agrees
that its copyrighted software package “Gaurabda Calendar (GCal)”
authored by Gopalapriya Das may be licensed to members of the
general public under a suitable open-source licensing agreement.
The GBC Vaisnava Calendar Committee, presently constituted with
members Bhanu Swami, Gopalapriya Das, Sadasivananda Das, and
Bhaktarupa Das, are authorized, in consultation with legal
advisors, to finalize the terms of such licensing agreements and
devise policies and procedures whereby such agreements may be
executed.
314. ISKCON 50th Anniversary
International Committee and International Coordinator
Whereas there is a need for international leadership and
coordination of ISKCON’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration in
2016;
And whereas it is important for ISKCON members and communities
around the world to begin planning for ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary
celebration:
RESOLVED:
That an International 50th Anniversary Committee is created whose
initial members shall include Pancharatna Das, Gauri Das, and
Anuttama Das. They shall add additional members as required.
A 50th Anniversary International Coordinator shall be engaged
under the guidance of the Anniversary Committee to assist in
coordinating the 50th Anniversary. The Anniversary Committee shall
create a service description and appropriate goals for the
Coordinator and support his or her seva up to and during the
Anniversary.
The Anniversary Committee and Anniversary Coordinator shall work
with the GBC, Regional Governing Bodies, ISKCON Ministries,
Temples, and other ISKCON communities and projects to encourage
them in planning the celebration of the 50th Anniversary through
multiple events. The Coordinator shall work closely with the
Communications Ministry to promote internationally consistent
messages, themes and event ideas.
In addition, all ISKCON GBC members, Regional Governing Bodies,
Temples, communities, projects and members around the world are
encouraged to develop appropriate strategies to celebrate the 50th
Anniversary in their areas, and to ensure such efforts are
consistent with the themes brought forth by the 50th Anniversary
Committee.
ISKCON leaders and communities are advised to develop preliminary
national, regional and local plans during 2013 to be further
coordinated and discussed at the International Leadership Sanga in
Mayapur in 2014.
315. Child Protection Policy Manual (passed by
correspondence vote in June 2102)
Whereas in 1998 the GBC Body adopted resolution 305, which
accepted in total the recommendations of the Child Protection Task
Force “outlining a justice system, central office, and various
guidelines for GBC Members, Regional Secretaries and Temple
Presidents to assure enforcement and implementation”;
Whereas with now twelve years of experience of the functioning of
the Child Protection Office, there is a need to update the
existing processes based upon the experiences gained.
Specifically, there is a need to expand upon, and clearly detail,
among others:
(a) the processes involved in dealing with a
complaint of child abuse
(b) the duties and responsibilities of the
various role-players in the processes
(c) the categories of abuse, offenders, and
manner in dealing with them
(d) the scope of jurisdiction of the Child
Protection Office
Whereas there is a need to provide guidelines for the prevention
of abuse and the various processes involved in investigating and
adjudicating complaints of abuse;
And whereas a committee of Champakalata Devi Dasi (Child
protection Office Executive Director), Tamohara Das (GBC and
former CPO Director) and Anuttama Das (GBC and original CPO Task
Force member) have revised and edited a new version of the CPO
Manual and obtained legal review of the document:
RESOLVED:
That the current revised version of the "CPO
Policy and Procedure Manual" shall be adopted by GBC Body
and become official ISKCON policy.
316. Zonal Configuration
Whereas
the GBC Zonal Secretaries of many areas of the world together
with other leaders of those areas have identified the zones
that they wish to formally establish:
RESOLVED:
That
the following zones have been identified. It is to be noted
that the full implementation of these zones shall take place
gradually, and that this process of identification does not
affect or modify existing continental, regional or national
bodies:
Mexico
& Central America shall include two zones:
Mexico
Central
America: Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador,
Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama
Spanish
Speaking South America shall include three zones:
Colombia
and Venezuela
Ecuador, Peru
and Bolivia
Chile,
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
This configuration shall be revisited in two years.
The
Caribbean Area shall include two zones:
Northern
Caribbean: Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic,
Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and
Nevis
Southern
Caribbean: Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana, Trinidad &
Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Barbados,
Dominica and Grenada
Europe shall include
seven zones:
UK, Ireland,
Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Faroe Islands
Finland,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic and
Slovakia
France, Belgium,
Netherlands, Luxembourg, Monaco, Spain, Andorra and Portugal
Italy, San
Marino, Vatican City, Malta, Greece, Cyprus and Israel
Germany,
Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein
Hungary,
Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey
Slovenia, Bosnia
& Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro,
Macedonia and Albania
Australia
& Oceania shall include eight zones:
Northern
Australia
Central
Australia
Southern
Australia
New Zealand,
Samoa and Tonga
Papua New
Guinea, Solomon Island and Vanuatu
Fiji
Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau and Tuvalu
Tahiti (French
Polynesia) and New Caledonia
South
East Asia shall include six zones:
Myanmar and
Thailand
Cambodia,
Vietnam and Laos
Malaysia,
Singapore and Brunei
Philippines
Western
Indonesia (Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan)
Eastern
Indonesia and East Timor
The
Arab League Area (which includes other Islamic countries)
shall include three zones:
North Africa:
Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan,
Djibouti, Somalia and Comoros
Arabic
Peninsula: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab
Emirates, Oman and Yemen
317. A Letter of Appreciation and Commendation to the
Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai
From the Governing Body Commission of the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness
March 10, 2013
The Governing Body Commission (GBC) of the International Society
for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) offers its deepest appreciation
to the members and leaders of the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai
for their excellent service and dedication to His Divine Grace
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada and his ISKCON society.
We are grateful for the high level of professional and devotional
care the Hospital provides for hundreds of Vaisnavas and tens of
thousands of others each year, especially for the care provided to
the many senior devotees who seek your services.
We especially note the contributions of the Hospital through its
Spiritual Care Department, and its success in bringing many people
to the shelter of Lord Krsna and to active engagement in His
devotional service. As such, thousands of people have taken up the
chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra and several hundred have taken
spiritual initiation.
We also applaud the high standard of sadhana that is maintained by
many of the doctors, nurses and other staff members. And, we
are pleased to note the Hospital has expanded its services to
Vrindavan and Mayapur.
We strongly encourage you to continue your good work. We pray for
your continued success in pleasing Srila Prabhupada by serving his
devotees, his ISKCON society, and all the various constituencies
you so excellently serve.