Celebrating 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in Kurukshetra
On December 1, 2025, ISKCON Kurukshetra observed Gita Jayanti with a large gathering of nearly 2,000 devotees and visitors. The occasion also commemorated fifty years since the historic visit of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to Kurukshetra on December 1, 1975. The annual celebration became a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Srila Prabhupada’s enduring desire to see Kurukshetra emerge as a global center for the study and practice of the Bhagavad-gita.
The Gita Jayanti program began with the auspicious blowing of a conch by Shambhu, a Guinness World Record holder for the longest sustained conch-shell blow, setting a deeply devotional atmosphere for the day. The festival was further sanctified by the presence of Guru Prasad Swami (ACBSP), Mahaman Das (ACBSP), and Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnava Swami, who spoke on the timeless relevance of the Bhagavad-gita and the spiritual significance of Kurukshetra.
During his visit on December 1, 1975, Srila Prabhupada emphasized the unique spiritual importance of Kurukshetra and articulated a clear vision for its educational institutions. In a letter written that year, he stated, “I wish that this Kurukshetra be fully utilized for preaching Bhagavad-gita As It Is throughout the whole world… Why not introduce a department in the Kurukshetra University for understanding the Krishna Consciousness philosophy and give them a suitable diploma?”
Fifty years later, this vision is beginning to find tangible expression.
Significantly, the golden jubilee year of Srila Prabhupada’s visit also witnessed a major academic development. The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra, in collaboration with ISKCON Kurukshetra, launched a Diploma and Certificate Course in Bhagavad-gita for Working Professionals. Hosted by the Centre of Excellence for Holistic Personality Development at NIT Kurukshetra, the jointly certified program commenced from the academic year 2025–26.
The inauguration was graced by Prof. B. V. Ramana Reddy, Director of NIT Kurukshetra, as Chief Guest, along with Prof. Sanjeev Sharma of IIM Mumbai and Mohan Gaurchandra Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kurukshetra, as Guests of Honour.
Based on Bhagavad-gita As It Is by Srila Prabhupada, the course focuses on leadership, ethics, and life-management principles relevant to contemporary professional life.
During the Gita Jayanti celebrations, several new facilities at ISKCON Kurukshetra were also inaugurated, including a brahmachari ashram (E-Block), a devotee kitchen, and a Food for Life prasadam distribution vehicle.
These initiatives, guided by Sakshi Gopal Das, President of ISKCON Kurukshetra, and Mohan Gaurchandra Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kurukshetra, significantly strengthen the temple’s capacity for training, service, and outreach.
The festival also highlighted youth engagement, with seven devotees enrolling in a one-year Vaishnava Training Program and two devotees accepting saffron cloth.
As the celebrations concluded, speakers noted that the convergence of spiritual programs, institutional growth, and academic collaboration reflects the gradual fulfillment of Srila Prabhupada’s vision. The golden jubilee of his visit thus stood not only as a remembrance of the past, but as a living inspiration for Kurukshetra’s future as a center of Bhagavad-gita education and devotion.
