Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday praised ISKCON for spreading Sanatan Dharma worldwide and serving humanity through relief and welfare work. He spoke at the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur, West Bengal, during celebrations marking the 152nd birth anniversary of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
Shah told devotees he visited Mayapur as a follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, not as a Union minister. He said the spiritual centre inspired him for years and he finally fulfilled his long-held wish to come.
He highlighted Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur’s role in shaping Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, whose efforts later built the global ISKCON movement. Shah said their combined life work carried Indian spiritual values to every continent.
Recalling his travels as BJP president and Union minister, Shah said he saw ISKCON’s presence across India. He noted that ISKCON’s editions of the Bhagavad Gita reach students, professionals, and elders alike.
Shah also praised the organisation’s humanitarian role. He said ISKCON runs food distribution drives, supports disaster relief, and reaches affected areas quickly. He added that the group provides healthcare, education, and cultural engagement for youth through Indian festivals.
The address blended devotion with public service, highlighting ISKCON’s expanding role in spiritual outreach and social responsibility across world.
