KEEP THE TORCH ALIVE

Saturday, May 23rd, 2026

Owen Sound, Ontario

Our vehicle was tearing through the rain for a good three hours until Nanda, Jagannatha and I reached Owen Sound and the home of the Hannas. Our intent was to conduct some memorial kirtans for three beloved persons, colleagues who passed away recently, Garuda Hanna, Satvic (Silvio Carusi), and Gopan Ganapati all from Ontario whom you can credit for their pioneer work in sharing Krishna Consciousness to this part of the world.

Reminiscences of these souls were shared in a circle of friends. To honour them we also agreed a walk in the rain (now a lighter shower) was a way to demonstrate how each one of these enjoyed the out-of-doors. We were on the trail amidst cedars while the drizzle persisted but that was okay - all done out of love and respect. As each one of the departed demonstrated devotion in their lives, we were compelled to do the same. With mantras and remembrances behind us, it was then time for a feast of the grandest level.

Garuda, in particular, was a talented man and cooking has been one of his specialties. That skill was passed on to his sons and daughter. It is now three generations after him that have caught onto devotion and a fervour for service to Krishna. It is the chanting and the drum beating that excites. You can say that there is a remarkable achievement in keeping the perpetual flame alive and it appears to me that kirtan is the obligation we beneficiaries must preserve and pass on. Keep the torch alive.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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