By Nila-kamala das
On the 22nd of October 2018, His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj was invited to speak about the importance and the significance of the Hare Krishna Movement to an audience of 200 students, faculty chairmen and faculty secretaries. The Islamic State University is a prestigious institution in Bandung with many departments. The university gives their students a chance to go deeper into scientific disciplines, sciences, Islamic studies and studies of other faiths.
‘…it is nice that you are infiltrating into the schools and colleges. These are the best customers for our philosophy. Give them nice philosophy…’ SPL to Danavir 12 December 1971
The seminar began with prayers and the reading of the Koran. Following this was the address from the keynote speaker: Subhag Swami Maharaj. Maharaj delivered a PowerPoint presentation which covered the history of ISKCON, its purpose and teachings and the general philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. Maharaj spoke for an hour and then opened it up for questions and answers. To the surprise of many an array of hands shot up. A variety of questions were asked primarily from the Muslim students, ‘What is the difference between Krishna and Visnu?’ and ‘What is the relationship between the demigods and the Supreme Lord?’ were amongst the very intelligent questions asked. In the end there was not sufficient time to answer all the questions so Maharaj encouraged the audience to take a look at the books. Many of the students ran to the book stall to ask a little more to the devotees and a remarkable 48 books were distributed including 11 Bhagavad Gitas. Maharaj personally signed the books that were distributed.
‘Wherever my books are distributed profusely, our work is successful.’ Morning Walk Conversation, Denver 28th June 1975
There was positive feedback from both students and teachers of the University and the University Head requested Maharaj to attend the seminar next year.
We thank all the devotees who helped in facilitating this seminar headed by HG Lokanath Acarya das. Special thanks to the devotees who cooked prasadam for the program and those who districted books. We hope Srila Prabhupada is pleased with our small efforts in trying to share the valuable wealth of Krishna Consciousness to others.
Comments