Dear Bhakti Vijnana Goswami and other Leaders and Devotees of the Russian Yatra,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We are writing on behalf of the GBC Body and the worldwide community of ISKCON devotees to congratulate you on your recent victory in the Appeal Court on the Tomsk Case against the Bhagavad-gita. We would like to especially congratulate you, Maharaja, as well as Sadhu Priya Prabhu and the other devotees who worked so hard for many months to counter the attack against us.
Since these most recent charges came against our beloved Bhagavad-gita As It Is, ISKCON members and leaders around the world have been praying for your protection. Certainly Lord Nrsimhadeva has taken special care to guard all of you and watch over you.
Russia was very dear to Srila Prabhupada, and remains so, no doubt. We all know the story of how he travelled to Russia under great difficulty, at an advanced age, to bring Krishna Consciousness to all of you. He was determined to personally plant the seeds of ISKCON and our Vaishnava tradition in Russia.
It is clear that his blessings continue to be with you. We see today how his movement in Russia continues to grow and grow. Despite so many obstacles, you are all continuing to serve Krishna and His representatives, and are working together to help awaken your fellow citizens to the great opportunity offered by Lord Caitanya’s movement.
The recent court case in Tomsk attracted the attention not only of devotees, but governments, scholars, religious leaders, and human rights advocates around the world. Many, many people were aware of how our entire tradition was under attack by this threat to the Bhagavad-gita. And many people stood up to help you including international leaders and scholars, who were not willing to stand by and see the devotees persecuted.
Somehow, the Lord has arranged it that His devotees in Russia have had to undergo repeated and serious challenges. Yet you continue undaunted and with greater determination and love for Krishna. Our movement worldwide is inspired by your example.
We pray that the Lord will bless you to continue always in His service. We pray that your desires for a beautiful temple in Moscow, that more of Srila Prabhupada’s books are distributed, and that your ISKCON community grows stronger throughout Russia, will be fulfilled to your heart’s content.
Thank you again for your dedication, your hard work, and your devotion.
Your servants on behalf of the Governing Body Commission,
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Tamohara Das
Anuttama Das
(GBC Executive Committee)