Caru had been successful in arranging for Srila Prabhupada to appear on a number of Sydney television shows. The first one was scheduled for 7.30am -- the popular live-to-air breakfast-time chat show Sydney Today, hosted by Andrew Harwood.
Prabhupada travelled to the Channel Seven studios in a car with some of his senior disciples, while about 10 brahmacaris followed in the Volkswagen van. While everyone sat in the reception room waiting to go on, Mohanananda introduced all the devotees present one-by-one to Srila Prabhupada, describing their specific ability or service. The devotees felt excited to be personally introduced to their spiritual master.
On air, Srila Prabhupada and Andrew Harwood sat side-by-side on soft, vinyl-covered swivel chairs, as the devotees sat cross-legged on the floor. Some held copies of Prabhupada's Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita. At one point, Andrew asked Prabhupada about the on-going court cases with the Sydney City Council.
"It seems you people can't even go out chanting on the streets these days without getting fines or being arrested. What will you do if this continues?"
Prabhupada's answer was short and to the point.
"We will go somewhere else."
"Mm .. And what about your dress? Don't you think your dress alienates people?"
"Oh, dress is not that important. We can wear shirt, coat, pants. The dress is not important -- the important thing is to become God conscious."
The interview was brief -- after three minutes it was over, and Srila Prabhupada and the devotees returned to the temple.
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
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