From left to right: Dr. Supratim Das, Vice Principal of Scottish Church College, HG Radharaman Das, V.P. ISKCON Kolkata, HG Sankarshana (Srila Prabhupada’s 78-year-old nephew), HG Dina Bandhu Das, HG Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari (author), and Dr. Madhumanjari Mandal, Principal of Scottish Church College.

A grand book-release function was held on Wednesday, 20th December, at the most prestigious Scottish Church College in Kolkata, where Srila Prabhupada studied for his B.A. degree during his student years. Sundar Gopal of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC) and Radharamana of ISKCON Kolkata collaborated with the college authorities to host this historic event. 
The new book about Srila Prabhupada’s life, entitled “Calcutta-City of Divine Grace” by Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari, was officially released at the college by the principal, Dr. Madhumanjari Mandal.

Both the principal and vice-principal greatly eulogized Shrila Prabhupada during their speeches. The book includes over forty memoirs of Prabhupada’s disciples who served in Calcutta during his lifetime. There are also 88 pages of period photographs. Subtitled “An Historical Memoir,” it reveals many unknown facts about Srila Prabhupada’s birth and early life in Calcutta. The book covers all of Srila Prabhupada’s many visits to Calcutta during the period of his 14-year preaching tour around the world. There is also a chapter on Srila Prabhupada’s final days in Vrindavana. Complementary copies of the book were also donated to the college library.

Author Rajasekhara released the book with the Principal of Scottish Church College, Dr. Madhumanjari Mandal.

The book also establishes that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Calcutta, a small hamlet known as Varahanagara, which became Baranagar in North Calcutta. This occurred in the year 1510 when Mahaprabhu was on a tour of South India. A local brahmana saw Mahaprabhu & began reciting the Srimad Bhagavatam. On hearing the chanting, Mahaprabhu danced in ecstasy. He gave the brahmana the name Bhagavatacharya. Additionally, there is an old ghata called Chaitanya Ghata, where Mahaprabhu bathed and a temple with His paduka (wooden peg sandals). Bhaktivinode declared Calcutta a holy city equal to Vrindavana.

Where to buy the book:

Rasabiharilal & sons, Loi Bazar, Vrindavana. Ph:0565 2442570, Email: brijbasi2001@hotmail.com or visit rasbiharilal.com

Indiana Book Store, College St, Kolkata. Ph: +91 70013 91517, Email: Indianabkshp@gmail.com

Bulk book orders (minimum of ten books) for ISKCON temples/bookshops at regular wholesale rates contact: Samrat Das (VPP Proprietor) Ph: +91 90456 86430 Email: samrat794@gmail.com