At the outset, I would like to thank the Hon’ble Vice-President for kindly consenting to be with us on this momentous occasion – the launch of the book ‘Sing, Dance and Pray’.

‘Sing, Dance and Pray’ is an apt title chosen by Hindol to summarise the sublime philosophy propagated by Srila Prabhupada to distribute the love of Krishna by chanting His holy names.

India is the birthplace of many revered saints like Purandara Dasaru, Annamayya, Sant Tukaram, Narsi Mehta and Meerabai, who have spread the glories of God through bhajans and kirtans. In our Gaudiya-Vaishnava Sampradaya, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught that the Nama Sankirtana Yajna, chanting the holy names of Lord Krishna, is the recommended way for liberation from material miseries in Kali Yuga.

The beautiful tradition of Singing, Dancing and Praying continues to this day in every part of our country. We recently witnessed lakhs of devotees chanting, singing and dancing together without any discrimination of caste, colour or creed at the annual Ratha Yatra in Jagannath Puri. This chariot festival became popular due to Srila Prabhupada, who conducted the first Ratha Yatra outside India in San Francisco in 1967. Even to this day, Ratha Yatras are organised in all major cities of the world.

Srila Prabhupada also introduced our cultural traditions like temple worship, the celebration of festivals and mass Annadana programs to ensure that no one goes hungry. His rational and authoritative presentation of our Sanatana Dharma brought millions of souls closer to God. He imparted the seven purposes of ISKCON to create a spiritually awakened populace based on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. He engaged thousands of men and women in the service of humankind through the institutions that he established. He gave us the understanding that our ultimate goal is to return home to the eternal kingdom of God, where we can experience real freedom and unending bliss. Due to his pioneering efforts, people across the globe have developed immense respect for Indian values and are imbibing our principles in their lives.

‘Sing, Dance and Pray’ is the inspirational life sketch of Srila Prabhupada, reflecting his untiring efforts, faith and unparalleled devotion to Lord Krishna despite adversities. The book describes how he started a spiritual renaissance and brought about a positive cultural transformation in every corner of the world. This biography is the result of the idea of presenting Srila Prabhupada’s glorious personality and creating awareness about his unparalleled contributions and selfless sacrifices for the benefit of everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate Hindol for his labour of love and Penguin Random House Publishers for publishing this book.

In today’s times where spiritual consciousness is weaning, ISKCON temples serve as embassies promoting Indian culture and heritage through values, music, dance, and devotion. We recently inaugurated the Rajadhiraja Govinda Temple in Bangalore to fulfil the desire of Srila Prabhupada to build a temple like Tirumala. Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, performed the Lokarpana of this cultural complex. The upcoming Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir project is another initiative to build an iconic monument to disseminate the teachings of Lord Krishna. All these projects are in pursuance of Srila Prabhupada’s mission to give every human being the opportunity for a life of happiness, good health, peace of mind and God-consciousness.

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, rightly said, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” We believe that it is important to educate modern society, specifically youngsters, and instil in them values and principles that will shape their character.

Sing, Dance and Pray is one such initiative to inspire people, especially youth, to discover a higher purpose in their lives by studying Srila Prabhupada’s exemplary life. Our current generation is frustrated due to various trials and tribulations. They are desperately seeking answers to their perplexing situations. I am confident that Srila Prabhuapda’s teachings and unique perspectives can be the panacea to the problems that plague us. This biography will help us to broadcast his vision to unite the entire humanity in peace, friendship and prosperity.

Shri Venkaiah Naidu Ji has always encouraged the younger generation to read and take inspiration from the life stories of great leaders. He believes that practising and living by their principles is the highest tribute we can pay to them. His gracious presence at this book release event will help us take Srila Prabhupada’s message of universal love and compassion far and wide.

I am grateful to the Hon’ble Vice-President of India for standing by us in all our endeavours. We are fortunate to have his support and look forward to his guidance in our future initiatives. Thank you very much, Sir!

I once again thank all of you for your participation in this event.

Hare Krishna!