On December 7th, Kunti Devi Dasi, ISKCON's Interreligious Dialogue representative in Brazil, was invited to speak at an event that brought together justices from the Regional and Federal Courts of Justice in Rio de Janeiro. The auspicious occasion was held at the feet of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, a colossal Christian monument atop the Corcovado mountain overlooking Rio. The theme of the gathering was "justice," and it featured representatives from various religious traditions who brought their unique perspectives to the topic with an aim to promote understanding and more meaningful interreligious dialogue. Kunti Devi Dasi spoke on the Vedic approach to justice.
The major highlight was the acceptance of the proposal made by ISKCON via the Government of India to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, which falls on 29 February 2024. This proposal was seconded by Russia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Vietnam, and Thailand in their Executive Meeting earlier this year and adopted by the entire body in Paris last month.
King Charles III of the United Kingdom recently met with over 30 faith leaders and community representatives at the historic Lambeth Palace Library in central London. The event was part of the annual "Inter Faith Week," which aims to promote tolerance and greater understanding between different faiths and communities. Among the select guests joining the King was Visakha Dasi, President of ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor.
ISKCON leaders Visakha Dasi, Vinay Tanna, and Radha Mohan Das from the Bhaktivedanta Manor joined senior faith leaders today at St Albans Cathedral as a witness for peace in the Middle East. They were invited by HM Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Mr. Robert Voss, and Rt. Revd. Dr. Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans, to stand in solidarity with other faith groups across Hertfordshire in an act of silent witness and prayer. "It was a show of unity in a prayer for peace and stability in the region of Israel and Gaza," said Radha Mohan Das, Communications Officer for the Manor.
The largest Hindu temple in the U.S. recently held a multi-day inauguration celebration in Robbinsville, New Jersey. Leaders from Hindu organizations worldwide participated in the festivities held on the 183-acre BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham property, named for its founding Hindu spiritual organization.
On September 26, ISKCON devotee Kunti Devi Dasi, representative of ISKCON Rio de Janeiro to the inter-religious movement since 2020, took a public oath as a counselor of COMPIR-RIO (the Municipal Council for the Promotion of Religious Freedom of the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro).
Recently, the fourth annual Camp Unity, held on the outskirts of Borehamwood at Well End Scout Activity Centre, had another successful gathering. The popular event allows area children and their families to experience other cultures, foster friendships, strengthen community bonds, and serves as a springboard for celebrating diversity. Hosted by a team of multi-faith leaders, this year saw the largest registration of campers, with 48 children participating from various religious and cultural backgrounds.
Religious scholars and spiritual practitioners gathered for the 26th Annual Vaishnava-Christian Dialogue on March 14-15th. Attendees include priests, pastors, and professors from both the Protestant and Catholic worlds, as well as leaders and scholars from the Vaishnava tradition.
On March 30th, the “Building Peace around Ancient Cultures” forum was held in the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro in Mexico City, coinciding with the Rama Navami festival.