The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as 'the Hare Krishna' movement, is one of the Hindu Vaishnava religious organizations. It was founded in 1966 in New York City by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Its core philosophy is based on traditional Hindu scriptures such as the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad-gītā, both of which, according to traditional Hindu view, date back more than 5,000 years. The distinctive appearance of the movement and its culture come from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, which has had adherents in India since the late 1400s and Western converts since the early 1930s.

Non-sectarian in its ideals, ISKCON was formed to spread the practice of bhakti yoga (devotion to God), in which aspirant devotees (bhaktas) dedicate their thoughts and actions towards pleasing the Supreme Lord, Krishna (seen as non-different from God). ISKCON today is a worldwide confederation of more than 400 centres, including 60 farm communities, some aiming for self-sufficiency, 50 schools and 90 restaurants. In recent decades the movement's most rapid expansions in terms of numbers of membership have been within Eastern Europe (especially since the collapse of the USSR) and India. In the recent years organisational and management structure of ISKCON is becoming less relevant to its members.

ISKCON Gurgaon originally based its activities at the Radha-Krishna temple in Sec-4 that was undergoing construction. Then there were a series of weekly house programs at HG Achyuta Hari Prabhu's house and a monthly program at Siddheshwar Temple, which continued for more than 5 years. With this, a congregation of 32-35 regular devotees developed and their main activity at that time was to organize the yearly Jagannatha Ratha Yatra. The Ratha Yatra has been organized in Gurgaon for the past 8 years. In January, 2008 ISKCON Gurgaon shifted to a residence in Sec-31 which was donated by a Senior member. Since then the congregation has grown to consist of nearly 200 devotees. Now the congregation consists of both Householder devotees and celibate resident devotees. The preaching activities have expanded due to the mercy of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja who has repeatedly sent empowered devotees to preach in Gurgaon. In Gurgaon there is also BACE- the Bhaktivedanta Academy of Culture and Education which houses 10-15 young devotees who live together in a leased apartment and practice spirituality whilst attending to their professional or academic duties.

 

 

 

“I could see the purity in the organization; all my vices left me in one day. The day was 1st January, 1996.”
 – Arun Joneja (HG Achyuta Hari Prabhu), DGM in a leading PSU

“Life has completely changed. I came to know what the aim of life is. After 40 years in material life, when I connected to ISKCON I realized I had spent so much time in useless material pursuits. I now understand what the real goal of life is. “
- HG Rama Sharan Prabhu, Businessman in Surat

The teachings of Srila Prabhupada have worked wonders all over this planet and anyone who follows these teachings sincerely can make their life sublime. All that determines this, is the degree of surrender.
- Vinod Anand, (HG Asit Prabhu) Chartered Accountant and CFO in a leading MNC.

“Krishna Consciousness means the scientific exposition, practice and application of the Absolute Truth, whatever be our position in society. Medicial practitioners truly realize that they only treat, but He cures!”
- Dr. Ravi Sauhta (HG Radha Vallabha Prabhu) Leading Orthopaedician

“In the digital world there is only 1 and 0 and the spiritual world has Only One- Krishna, everything else is Maya zero! This is a truth, we software professionals realize after our long hours of work, from the Teachings of Srila Prabhupada.”
- Ghanashyam Gehlot, Young Software Professional

“Joining ISKCON and following its principles and philosophy has convinced me that Krishna is the Supreme Architect.”
- Ms. Yogyata Khatri, Vice Chairperson, Indian Institute of Architects, Gurgaon Chapter