Mayapur (WB), February 18 Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday that ISKCON was playing a key role in spreading the message of 'Sanatan Dharma' across the world and serving humanity through relief work and social welfare activities during times of crisis.
Addressing devotees at the ISKCON headquarters in Mayapur in West Bengal's Nadia, Shah said he had come to the spiritual centre not in his official capacity, but as a devotee of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
"Brothers and sisters, you respectfully referred to me as the home minister of India, but I have not come here in that capacity. I have come here as a devoted follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu," Shah said, adding that he had long wished to visit Mayapur, but circumstances had delayed the trip.
He was addressing the celebrations marking the 152nd birth anniversary of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
"One of Bhaktisiddhanta's greatest contributions was nurturing a disciple like Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. The globally spread ISKCON movement today is the result of the life work of both these great souls," he said.
Shah said he had seen ISKCON's influence across India during his travels as the president of the BJP and as a Union minister, noting that the Bhagavad Gita published by the organisation was accessible to people of all ages and professions.
Highlighting ISKCON's humanitarian efforts, Shah said the organisation's role extended beyond devotion, with food distribution camps, and it is often among the first to reach areas affected by disasters.
He also lauded its work in providing healthcare and education to the poor, as well as engaging youth through Indian festivals.
