On February 4, 2026, the Governing Body Commission (GBC) formally inaugurated the ISKCON Constitution at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mayapur. The event marked a milestone in the history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as GBC Chairman Govardhana Das offered a copy of the Constitution to His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON.
History of the ISKCON Constitution
In October 2006, the GBC convened a special meeting in Prabhupadadesh, Italy, to identify strategic initiatives essential for ensuring the long-term health and vitality of ISKCON. A key concern at that time was the gradual departure of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples and the recognition that, within several decades, none would remain physically present.
Among the top priorities identified at that meeting was establishing an ISKCON Constitution. Such a document was envisioned as a means to provide the Society with a unified and stable governance framework by clearly defining rights, duties, authority, and foundational principles. It would promote unity, safeguard institutional integrity, align governance with śāstra and Srila Prabhupada’s intent, address legal gaps, guide the resolution of sensitive issues, and enhance clarity, consistency, and legal effectiveness throughout the movement.
Importantly, Srila Prabhupada himself had previously expressed a desire for ISKCON to have a Constitution. In response, a committee was formed that began meeting, drafting, and presenting proposals to the GBC.
Over approximately ten years, five drafts were produced. However, none of them reached a stage at which the GBC felt they fully met the Society’s needs or were ready for formal adoption.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-constitution-formally-inaugurated-at-the-2026-agm-in-mayapur/
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