09/02/1998 - 2108 ...(See Related VNN Stories)

ISKCON vs Ram Parashar

Los Angeles, USA (VNN) - ISKCON has filed an Unlawful Detainer action (eviction from temple apartment) against Ram Parashar apparentlybecause his philosophical views do not match those held by the presentadministration. This following letter is a response by the Indian community inSouthern California to ISKCON's legal action:

August 29, 1998
His Grace Svavasa Dasa
President, ISKCON New Dwarka
Los Angeles City, CA 90034

Dear Svavasa Prabhu,

 Hare Krishna, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

 It has been very painful and disheartening for all of us to learn therecent developments related to the stay of Ram Parashar on the templepremises. It is particularly astonishing and sad knowing Ram, as well asdevotees like yourself in New Dwarka. Among other things, Ram and hischildren have evidently received personal threats over the phone.Furthermore, Ram also has been served an eviction notice and sued in thecourt.

 Ram has been preaching and distributing Srila Prabhupada's books inSouthern California region over past 5 years. We believe that Ram has beenmost adherent to the standards and practices in these activities set forthby Srila Prabhupada. Because of his tireless personal preaching among Indiancommunity, Ram has been able to bring in so many of us in SouthernCalifornia close to Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON, and New Dwarka temple inCulver City.

 Finally, we are really shocked to realize that a Vaishnava, like RamParashar is being subjected to such a treatment. It is further shocking thatthis treatment of a humble Vaishnava is being orchestrated at a place likeNew Dwarka where devotees of Sri Krishna and most importantly, followers ofSrila Prabhupada's teachings assemble and manage. These kinds of threats andbehavior is perhaps uncommon even among people engaged in mundaneactivities. Certainly the kind of threats and treatment Ram is beingsubjected to does not represent Vaishnava etiquette.

 This letter is a humble request from devotees of Sri Krishna to anotherdevotee who is managing this wonderful temple (New Dwarka) that SrilaPrabhupada built for all of us to serve. We hope that there could be abeginning of exchange of dialogues between us in this matter. We believethat the resolution of this matter is crucial for a continuous developmentof a beneficial relationship between Indian community in Southern Californiaand ISKCON. Let us make sure that Srila Prabhupada's mission is not hurt byour personal whims and non-Vaishnava activities. We also hope and pray thatyou would allow us not to resort to any other course of collective actionfrom the community regarding this matter by promptly responding.

 Hari Bol,

Ishwar Deedwania
President, Rajasthani Association
55 South Hill Street, Suite 693
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-264-8330

Dr. Vipin Chaturvedi
Professor, La Jola Institute
10355 Science Center Dr.
San Diego, CA 92121
619-678-4564

Supporters:

Dabbiru Patnaik, Vice President, Balaji Malibu Temple

Harish Dhruv, President, Federation of Indian Associations

Jitendra Goel, PhD, President, Vishva Hindu Parishad

Lal Kakani, Secretary, Radha Raman Temple (Placentia)

Narendra Shah, Treasurer, Radha Raman Temple (Placentia)

Ram Singhania, PhD, Vice President, Radha Raman Temple (Placentia)

Vir Nanda, M.D., President, High Desert Gita School

Manmohan Nayyar, M.D.

cc: HG Badrinarayan Dasa, Chairman GBC Executive Committee
HG Sesha Dasa, ISKCON Minister of Justice, GBC Executive Committee
HH Bir Krishna Swami, Chairman, GBC North America
HG Anuttama Dasa, Director, ISKCON Communications
HG Mandapa Dasa, Chairman, ISKCON Reform Group
HG Vishnumurti Dasa, Editor, Kalachakra News Bureau, India
HG Navina Krishna Dasa, President ISKCON Foundation
Dr. Vibhakar Modi, President Hindu Alliance, Washington
Dr. Yashpal Lakra, President, Vishva Hindu Parishad-USA
HG Virabahu Dasa, GBC ISKCON Los Angeles
HH Lokanath Swami, ISKCON Minister of Social Development
Mr. Joseph Fedorowsky, Esq., Oxford Law Firm
Editor, Vaishnava News Network
Editor, PADA (Prabhupada Anti-Defamation Association)

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