60th ANNIVERSARY IN NEW YORK

Bhaktimarga Swami
Jul 31
2 min read

Friday, July 31st, 2026

New York City, New York

United Airlines took me from Vancouver to New York direct for a red-eye flight. I don't recall any shut-eye time, however, when Virat Priya, my walking partner when I pedestrianed by way through Guyana, met me at arrivals at La Guardia Airport, we zipped over to his home for catch up rest. We were both surprised at the sudden spread of an annoying rash all over the legs, something aggravated by some very strong organic massage oil.

Oh well! Some extra mercy!

My purpose in coming to New York in the first place was to formally celebrate 60 years since the incorporation of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Incorporated in 1966 by our dear Srila Prabhupada in New York, Vaishnavas and religious leaders from the Orthodox, Catholic churches and other Christian denominations attended.

At Glasshouse Hall devotees came from all around, old friends too. At table #2 I sat with our Zone 1 reps for ISKCON along with Hema Malini, established actress and dancer from India. I thanked her for her long time love for Prabhupada and the mission. Besides myself from the monastic side was Radhanath Swami and Chandramauli Swami. My dear friend from our MANTRA retreats, Anuttama, was the mastermind of the event, with excellent visuals and tasteful entertainment of dance, chant and narratives. A great presentation it was, to make you feel proud of our society, ISKCON.

It is sad that the 70th event (I've also been to the 50th in D.C.) will likely not see many disciples of Prabhupada. Few will be around.