By Dandavats Staff Writer
In 2024, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrated several significant achievements and developments:
**Lifetime Achievement Awards for Stephen Knapp**: Stephen Knapp, known as Sri Nandanandana Dasa, a dedicated disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, received two prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards for his global contributions to spreading Krishna consciousness and Vedic culture.
**Launch of the 2024 ‘Live to Give’ Campaign**: Building on the success of the previous year, ISKCON initiated the 2024 ‘Live to Give’ campaign with an ambitious goal of distributing 4.2 million copies of the Bhagavad-gita worldwide, aiming to share transcendental knowledge across the globe.
**Commemoration of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s 150th Birth Anniversary**: UNESCO recognized the 150th birth anniversary of Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada, a prominent philosopher and spiritual leader, including it in its list of anniversaries for 2024-2025.
**Exhibition Honoring Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati**: The Bhaktivedanta Research Center organized an extensive exhibition at the ISKCON Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, showcasing rare photographs, manuscripts, and historical documents related to Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s life and contributions.
**$18 Million Redevelopment of Sydney Temple**: ISKCON’s Sydney branch announced an $18.2 million redevelopment plan for their four-decade-old temple in North Sydney. The project includes constructing a new multistorey building with a temple hall, facilities for deity worship, a boarding house for clergy, and various amenities to accommodate the growing Hindu population.
**Inauguration of Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir in Raipur**: ISKCON inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Mandir in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, marking it as the largest temple in the region and expanding ISKCON’s presence in India.
**Strategic Initiatives for Organizational Growth**: ISKCON continued to implement strategic initiatives focusing on strengthening foundations, building leadership capacity, expanding outreach, and enhancing devotee care, aiming to foster a culture embracing compassion, enthusiasm, and kindness.
**Annual Report of the Congregational Development Ministry**: The Congregational Development Ministry reported substantial efforts in training new servant leaders and Bhakti-vriksha leaders, contributing to the growth and organization of ISKCON’s congregational activities.
**Promotion of Sustainable Practices**: ISKCON communities engaged in sustainable practices, including organic farming, cow protection, and tree planting, emphasizing environmental consciousness and a commitment to a simpler, more natural way of life.
These milestones reflect ISKCON’s ongoing dedication to spiritual education, community development, and cultural preservation throughout 2024.
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=113441
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