The Official Website of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
The Official Website of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
What is the GBC?
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), established the Governing Body Commission (GBC) to be the ultimate managing authority for the society. In ISKCON’s Direction of Management written on July 28, 1970, Srila Prabhupada states:
As we have increased our volume of activities, now I think a Governing Body Commission (hereinafter referred to as the GBC) should be established. I am getting old, 75 years old, therefore at any time I may be out of the scene, therefore I think it is necessary to give instruction to my disciples how they shall manage the whole institution. They are already managing individual centers represented by one president, one secretary and one treasurer, and in my opinion they are doing nice. But we want still more improvement in the standard of temple management, propaganda for Krishna consciousness, distribution of books and literatures, opening of new centers and educating devotees to the right standard.
Srila Prabhupada reaffirmed the position of the GBC in his final will drafted in June, 1977:
The Governing Body Commission (GBC) will be the ultimate managing authority of the entire International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Through legal documents, training, and discourse, Srila Prabhupada clearly identified the GBC as the highest managerial body in ISKCON.
At present, the GBC body is comprised of thirty-four members who are individually responsible for overseeing the management and spiritual standards of ISKCON centers in assigned geographic regions. GBC members also supervise specific projects, initiatives, and ministries. Following the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, the GBC body convenes yearly in Mayapur, West Bengal for their Annual General Meeting, during which time they discuss proposals, specific issues and projects within ISKCON, and pass resolutions by way of a voting process.
GBC Mid- Term Meeting 2023 - Key Outcomes Shared by Guru Prasad Swami, GBC EC Memberyoutu.be/DzrwYCGScaY?si=aLliIA1nnHBP7lwHIn this video, Guru Prasad Swami, GBC EC Member, shares crucial insights and updates from the GBC Mid-Term Meeting 2023 held from 25 Oct - 29 Oct 2023 at ISKCON Pune. ... See MoreSee Less
Exclusive Insights: GBC Members & ISKCON India Leaders Meeting - GBC Mid Term Meeting 2023youtu.be/fZd0LFLzEXI?si=B1wwteCgwYE9FLhwIn this video, GBC Members and ISKCON India leaders share impressions of their two day meeting held on 26 Oct and 27 Oct as part of GBC Mid Term Meeting 2023 at Pune, India. The participants had meaningful discussions relating to guru tattva and relationships amongst them ... See MoreSee Less
GBC Mid-Term Meeting Daily ReportDay 4: 28 October, 2023The day four of the GBC Mid Term Meeting, hosted at ISKCON Pune, commenced with Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja prayers followed by a presentation on the 'Transcend' app.The meeting was presided over by the GBC Executive Committee, consisting of Revati Raman Das (Chair), Guru Prasad Swami and Tapana Misra Das. The key agenda items discussed during the meeting are as follows:Review of SabhaThe GBC members were presented with an extract of executive summary review of Sabha which was conducted by the five-member committee consisting of Bhaktivaibhava Swami, Prahlananda Swami, Chandrashekhar Das, Gauranga Das and Govardhan Das. Sati Devi Dasi, Chair - Sabha, acknowledged the review and addressed the observations and recommendations presented. Following this exchange, the Review Team informed them that they would continue to engage with Sabha.Guntur Deity Installation The GBC was presented with a proposal to install Nrsimhadeva and Balaji deities in Guntur, India. Guntur was gifted land with the condition of installing deities of Nrsimhadev and Balaji. After considerable deliberation, GBC and the Deity Worship Ministry granted permission to Guntur temple to install Nrsimhadeva and Balaji. The worship shall be performed according to ISKCON standard with a separate altar for the respective deities. Nomination for Zonal Supervisors Seven leaders from North America and one leader from Romania were nominated for Zonal Supervisors. Members voted for the respective leaders. Members voted for Extending GBC Meeting and GBC Quorum proposals. Issued by:GBC Communications ... See MoreSee Less
GBC Mid-Term Meeting Daily ReportDay 2 & 3: 26 Oct & 27 Oct, 2023The GBC met with leaders from ISKCON India for two days on 26 Oct and 27 Oct 2023 as part of the GBC Mid-Term Meeting. The assembled members deliberated on various aspects of leadership and explored the subject of guru tattva and relationships. ... See MoreSee Less
GBC Mid-Term Meeting Daily ReportDay 1: 25 October, 2023The GBC Mid Term Meeting, hosted at ISKCON Pune, commenced with Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja prayers followed by a reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam.The meeting was presided over by the GBC Executive Committee, consisting of Revati Raman Das (Chair), Guru Prasad Swami and Tapana Misra Das. The key agenda items discussed during the meeting are as follows:Child ProtectionThe GBC spent time in the morning session to discuss the new recommendations recently presented by the Child Protection Office (CPO) Review Committee and voted by the GBC in a span of four zoom sessions. Among other things, the GBC resolved to now implement these Guidelines to improve the current operations of the CPO.Constitution UpdateDevakinandan Das, ISKCON General Counsel and a member of the Constitution Committee (CC), recalled the distribution of the fourth draft of the Constitution in February 2023 for feedback. He requested members to share their valuable feedback before January 2024. In an effort to embrace inclusivity, non-GBC members were previously invited to contribute their insights regarding the draft Constitution.The CC is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with the GBC, actively seeking their invaluable inputs and feedback. The CC shall present a final draft of the Constitution during the AGM 2024 for the GBC’s further deliberation. During this update, General Counsel also took the time to address any inquiries related to the Constitution.GBC Representation on RGBsThe GBC engaged in a brief discussion regarding the development of the Regional Governing Bodies (RGBs). In particular, it was mentioned how a structure has been implemented in North America and Europe. This model provides a considerable degree of autonomy to the RGBs to formulate regional policies. Simultaneously, it ensures adherence to Srila Prabhupada's instructions, emphasizing the GBC's role as the ultimate managing authority in ISKCON.This discussion was held in the context of understanding how we can continue to expand the movement and develop RGBs and maintain cohesion of ISKCON globally under the GBC as Srila Prabhupada desired. Meet Indian LeadersGBC EC informed the GBC shall meet with Indian leaders on 26 Oct and 27 Oct 2023 to discuss relevant leadership related issues. The meeting concluded with members voting on certain proposals submitted by the GBC Deputies. Issued by:GBC Communications ... See MoreSee Less
