By Atma Tattva Das
Mr. Champak Soni, an early and courageous supporter of the Hare Krishna movement in South Africa, passed away on June 25, 2025. He played a vital role in the establishment of Srila Prabhupada’s mission in the country, standing alongside ISKCON’s first pioneering preachers during a time of political division and legal risk.
In 1972, when Ksudhi Das, a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, arrived in South Africa, Champak Soni offered him shelter at his private beach house. This act of service, done during the apartheid era, was not only generous but illegal under segregation laws at the time. His bravery and unwavering support helped lay the groundwork for the ISKCON mission in South Africa.
In 1975, Champak Soni also assisted in the extraordinary effort to bring Srila Prabhupada to South Africa, no small feat given that India had banned travel to South Africa and the apartheid regime placed strict limitations on the entry of Indian nationals. His behind-the-scenes efforts helped overcome these obstacles, making Srila Prabhupada’s visit possible.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/pioneer-devotee-supporter-champak-soni-passes-away-in-south-africa/
Comments
He was a close friend of my late dad. In 1973, at the age of 4, I touched Ksudi Prabhu's feet on holiday at Champak Bhai's home in La Mercy. My mother instructed me to touch a sadhu's feet. His dad , Nagin Bhai Soni took my mother as his daughter.