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A massive prasadam-distribution program was launched by ISKCON Kolkata on January 1, 2004, at Shealda Station, one of the busiest places in Kolkata. The Railway Department allowed us to use the whole parking lot in front of the station. Devotees of our Kolkata congregation had prepared a nice pandal, and many devotees gathered to cook and distribute Krsna's mercy to everyone.

The program started at 10 AM with guru-puja offered to Srila Prabhupada and chanting of the Hare Krsna Mahamantra. HH Bhakti Caru Maharaja was personally present to make sure that everything was arranged properly. West Bengal's Minister for Youth and Sports, Subhash Chakravarty, reached the place around 11 AM as scheduled. He was greeted by devotees ecstatically chanting Hare Krishna, while HH Bhakti Caru Maharaja and I offered him garlands. On mounting the stage, the Hon'ble Minister in turn offered garlands to Srila Prabhupada and arotik to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. The minister spoke for about 15 minutes in spite of a throat problem that made it difficult for him. Excerpts from his speech follow:

"First of all, I offer my respect to Srila Prabhupada and his followers. I am very pleased to be present here on this first day of the new year, where ISKCON has arranged this most wonderful program of food distribution. I am very much impressed by this. Whether Hindu or Muslim or Christian or Buddhist, everyone needs food, clothes, a house, and medicine. Wherever one may stay, whether in Kolkata or England or America, everyone needs these things for survival. This food distribution is one of the best programs and a very enjoyable program.

"I had heard that ISKCON was distributing food in Shealda, but today, on this New Year's Day, they have arranged a huge prasadam-distribution program. I thank and glorify ISKCON from the core of my heart for organizing this great program.

"Many may think that ISKCON is very much a religious society, so why did I come here to a program organized by a religious society? Including newspapers, many people will have many questions. Fact is that I do not hesitate to go anywhere in order to search for light to dispel the darkness. It is not only for myself that I have dared to come, it is a must for everybody to search for the Absolute Truth. This mentality has to be developed. Not only today, but from my childhood, I have always had great respect for Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. If any great personality has taken birth in Western India, that is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is the first among all great personalities. In the whole world Sri Caitanya and Nityananda Mahaprabhus are famous for bringing revolution to the masses. They are the personification of public revolution; they are the fathers of 'Gana Andalan' [public uprising]. They faced Jagai and Madhai to protect the public from their atrocities.

"Science has developed a lot and done miracles, but in spite of all this, still human beings need mental peace, mental satisfaction. Everyone has his own independence. We cannot force anyone. We have to respect each other's sentiments."

"Such a big function, where food distribution will go on for many hours, so nice arrangements have been made for people to take food peacefully. That's why I would like to thank ISKCON. And my good wishes to them.

"I would like to mention that some ten years ago one of my friends enrolled me as a life member of ISKCON. So I am a life member of ISKCON, but unfortunately I have lost my life membership card. I am not unhappy for this, because when I visited ISKCON's temple in London, though I had no life membership card and did not identify myself as a minister, still I was treated very nicely in their London temple. I did not face any problems and took nice prasadam.

"I am very happy to have come to this function, even though I am suffering from a severe cold. I have throat problems and pressing government responsibilities. That's why I cannot spend much time here. Please excuse me. I am again offering my respects to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and taking leave from you all. Thank you very much."

After the Minister's speech, HH Bhakti Caru Maharaja took the stage, explaining about Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His greatest contribution to the world: the Hare Krsna Mahamantra. Maharaja thanked the Hon'ble Minister for his efforts in coming here and delivering such a nice speech glorifying Lord Caitanya in spite of his health problems.

Next I gave a vote of thanks and offered a calendar to the Minister, who was happy to receive such a nice gift, published by the BBT in UK.

Then HH Bhakti Caru Maharaja took the Hon'ble Minister to visit the kitchen. Mr. Chakravarty was amazed to see the huge cooking arrangements and found the prasadam delicious. He took some for his family, too.

The Minister started prasadam distribution by personally serving the assembled people for some time. Then he took his leave, while thousands received hot kichuri and tasty sabji.

The main organizer of this prasadam distribution program is Sriman Satyaraj Das, one of the life membership preachers of ISKCON Kolkata. He said that prasadam for 10,000 people had been prepared. The program will continue until this evening, January 1.

ISKCON Food for Life ki jay!

© dipika.org January 5, 2004