ISKCON Partners with Government to Transform Societies
ISKCON Pakistan (VNN)
The role of ISKCON in partnering with Government to transform societies: A Historical Event and further testimony of Srila Prabhupada’s potency and continued influence.
Anousha Maheshwary, Dr. Neeta Maheshwary
“If you make some of the big government officials interested in our movement then our strength will increase. Because we are in the material world sometimes we require that help. Another point is that if a Government officer becomes our admirer or member then many others will follow, so try to make them sympathizers.” SPL to Tejiyas , 15 August, 1973.
Srila Prabhupada wanted to restore the natural traditional system of effective and mutually supporting leadership through combined wisdom (brahminical culture) and governance (ksatriya culture) and this based on the perennial teachings of the universal book of knowledge that is Bhagavad-gita (followed later with the Srimad-Bhagavatam). This is very much possible and desirable. Efforts in such a robust direction will go a long way to pave the way for other devotees to implement the recommended model of Daiva Varnashrama Dharma (Divine Culture) by Srila Prabhupada according to which the devotees as qualified brahmins counseling and advising top government leaders (ksyatrias) for the betterment of society.
Inspired by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna consciousness & his disciple His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja about implementing such models how to encourage the continued cooperation between the devotees and the government here in Pakistan, we are presenting a success story herewith. This will enthuse the devotees to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s mercy in the form of Harinam and his books.
It can also be noted that this could be the very beginning of a new era in the ISKCON history where the natural cooperation between the devotee brahmins and the government ksyatriya leaders becomes well known locally and worldwide. The devotees need to be aware that this relationship is based on
trust and that the more they follow the 6 brahminical duties and exhibit the 9 brahminical qualities, then that trust will become more and more solidified. All it takes is one errant devotee to do or say something
foolish that could potentially disrupt that trust. So the consciousness of the temple devotees should always be fixed on becoming exemplary brahmins in Krishna consciousness.
The journey of ISKCON has always enthralled, and revolves around the conceptualization of Srila Prabhupada’s message concerning Bhagvad Gita’s divine universal culture that needs to be widely introduced through book distribution and various outreach programs. The unique example of involving the leaders through strategic vision is the need of the hour for productive collaboration. Correspondingly, certain reputable people have been featured to cooperate in this mission, namely Mr. Laxman Maheshwary, Dr. Lalchand Ukrani, and Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary hailing from Pakistan.
Mr. Laxman Maheshwary is working for the reigning Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Vice President Sindh for minority non-Muslim affairs and Dr. Lalchand Ukrani is the MPA and the President of the minority non-Muslim affairs. Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary utilized his correlative cognizance and cordial association with Mr. Laxman Maheshwary in order to play his part for ISKCON Pakistan. A proposal has been put forward by HG Ram Sakha, and Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary has sought assistance from the Pakistan government to sponsor Bhagvad Gita with their funds. Nonetheless, the credentials were given to Mr. Laxman Maheshwary and Dr. Lalchand Ukrani for welcoming the proposal.
Moreover, in accordance with the aforementioned proposal, a meeting was arranged with the minority advisor and ministers after getting on board with all the concerned stakeholders. On the day of the Deities Installation, the festivity of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, a communique was been stated by Senior Provincial Minister Nasir Hussain Shah reporting that ten thousand Bhagvad Gitas would be released for sponsorship (printings and translations) as promised in the proposal after receiving endorsement from the ministry of
non-Muslim affairs. Mr. Laxman played a vital role in the proposal and several other additional ones which were presented by Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary when the first cheque for one million rupees was granted for Bhagvad Gita by the respective Head of Accounts for minority affairs. Though the amount stated in the cheque has been reduced due to the uprising of the COVID 19 pandemic, it has been given to provide allocation to the Health sector.
In addition to this, a second proposal was also put forward by Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary requesting a vehicle for facilitating Sankirtan preaching and book distribution. The proposal was mutually consented to by the political representatives moving onward, ensuring to submit an application for relevant approvals. The scheme was agreed to and is still in process. Last but not the least, fortunately, due to the synergy of HG Ram Sakha and Mr. Chander Mohan Maheshwary, 05 Lac rupees were acquired in2019 for Bhagvad Gita sponsorship by Mr. Mukesh Chawla who is the Minister for Excise and
taxation.
On behalf of ISKCON, we would like to acknowledge your consideration and abetment towards our platform. We would avail the opportunity for thanking:
The Chairman of Pakistan People’s Party, Mr. Bilawal Bhutto
The Senior Provincial Minister for local bodies, Mr. Nasir Hussain Shah
The Minister for Excise and Taxation, Mr. Mukesh Chawla
The MPA and President of minority (non-Muslim) affairs, Dr. Lalchand Ukrani
The Vice President for minority (non-Muslim) affairs, Mr. Laxman Maheshwary.
They say that one who conquers the sea today is ready to conquer the ocean tomorrow. The doors will be opened to those who are courageous enough to knock. The journey has just begun, and by the Grace and Mercy of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and all the Vaishnavas, we aim to achieve these ambitious goals as such success is the One Family of ISKCON’s success, worthy to be Cherished and Celebrated together.
