06/04/98-1845

Harikesa Swami Ill

Germany (VNN) - by Ravindra Svarupa das (from COM)

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus:

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I am writing on behalf of the GBC Executive Committee to inform you of the health of the GBC Chairman, Harikesa Maharaj.

For some time, Harikesa Swami's health has been poor. Since his last visit to India, he has been suffering from serious amoebic dysentery and food poisoning. More recently, owing to stress, a longstanding heart problem has reoccurred, accompanied with severe migraine attacks.

On Monday, 1st June, Harikesa Maharaj decided to suspend all duties for one month, and to travel to a quiet location in Germany for the purpose of recuperation. On the following morning, as he was preparing to set off on the retreat, Harikesa Maharaj collapsed and he was taken to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

Fortunately, he has made a partial recovery, but is still in need of a prolonged period of rest and recuperation. He will therefore not resume his duties until next month, when it is hoped he will have recovered his health.

The GBC executive committee meeting, scheduled for June 2nd in Abentheuer has gone ahead as planned. In a few days, the executive committee will release a brief communiquÈ about its meeting. We wanted to communicate this news at once, and ask that you all pray to Lord Krishna for Harikesa Swami's speedy recovery.

Your Servant

Ravindra Svarupa das
Vice Chairman of the GBC.