INTRODUCTION
We have different CDM developers preaching in different countries and continents around the world. They are trying to promote the different CDM activities. Here we have mentioned a few of the Bhakti-vriksha and Nama-hatta CDM preachers and some of the Nama-hatta people engaged in different parts of the world. We are trying to develop groups in a very systematic way.
We have try to get an accurate numbers of the amount of groups we have in each of our regular programas like Nama-hatta, Bhakti-vriksha, etc. In the following table you can have an idea of the present number of groups per program. Our Ministry is working on getting implemented a more functional system to track in a more efficient way an up to date number of groups.
| Nama-hatta | 5,343 groups |
| Bhakti-vriksha | 2,927 groups |
| Asraya Groups | 180 groups |
| Gita Course | Grade 1: 21,795 students Grade 2: 3,510 students Srimad Bhagavatam: 990 students |
| Online Gita Course | Level 1: Over one million participants across 43 batches Level 2: 3,397 participants Level 3: 1,004 participants Level 4: 531 participants |
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
⌗ Activities by the Minister and others on Training, Supervision and Research
(i) Activities by the Minister HH Jayapataka Swami
Monthly meetings with Managers of CDM for planning and implementation in various parts of the world of Damodara Outreach Program, Purushottama Month, Bhakti Kids, Youth Section, Family and Devotee Care.
Bhakti-vriksha
1. Participated in the Mayapur Bhakti-vriksha Festival on January 8, 2023.
2. Delivered an address to approximately 700 Bhakti-vriksha members from Kolkata, led by Palak Partha Sarathi dasa, on January 23, 2023.
3. Engaged with Bhakti-vriksha devotees from South America (Argentina), over Zoom, on January 28, 2023.
4. Conducted a meeting with Angira Gauranga Dasa, the Russian Bhakti-vriksha Coordinator, on March 2, 2023.
5. During the months of April, May and June, gave personal guidance to several Bhakti-vriksha leaders and devotees from Damodaradesh, Mathuradesh, Avataridesh, Syamadesh, Balaramadesh, Los Angeles and differents parts of California, Dallas, Austin, Huston, New Orleans, Minneapolis, Detroit, Atlanta, New York, differents parts of Italy, London, Birmingham, New Castle, and Leicester.
6. Met with Bhakti-vriksha vaisnavi Members of Hyderabad, August, 2023
7. Addressed the Bhakti-vriksha retreat of Kashadesa devotees on August 24, 2023, over Zoom, which included participants from Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Germany.
8. Engaged with Bhakti-vriksha devotees, led by Vamsidhar Vishal das and Madhuri Mamatamayi devi dasi from Mumbai, during their visit to Mayapur on November 19, 2023.
9. Addressed Baroda Bhakti-vriksha devotees during the Ahmedabad visit on January 13, 2024.
10. Delivered a speech to Surat Bhakti-vriksha devotees during the Ahmedabad visit on January 14, 2024.
11. Addressed Ahmedabad Bhakti-vriksha devotees during the Ahmedabad Visit on January 20, 2024.
12. Addressed around 300 Bhakti-vriksha devotees from Mangalore, preached by Nama Nistha das at Kolkata, November 03, 2023
13. Addressed a group of 40 Bhakti-vriksha devotees from Russia (grand disciples, disciples of Caitanya Chandra Charan das) Mayapur, November 11, 2023
14. Addressed Bhakti-vriksha devotees from UK, Mayapur, December 02, 2023
Nama-hatta
1. Held a meeting in Mayapur with Gauranga Prema Swami and some devotees from Uttar Dinajpur district Nama-hatta on January 28, 2023.
2. Conducted a meeting in Mayapur with Nama-hatta leaders from various places such as Assam, Bengal, Tripura, etc., on March 30, 2023.
3. Attended the Assam and Tripura Nama-hatta Sammelan 2023 in Mayapur, on July 9, 2023, along with His Holiness Gauranga Prema Swami, His Holiness Bhakti Vilasa Gaurachandra Swami, Sumadhura Gaura das, Padmanetra das, and others.
4. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees that came to Mayapur from Malda and South Dinajpur districts on Sept 20, 2023.
5. Held a meeting in Mayapur with Bangladesh Nama-hatta leaders – Naru Gopal Das, and other leaders on September 24, 2023.
6. Addressed Karnataka Nama-hatta devotees over Zoom on December 5, 2023, covering devotees from Madikeri, Shimoga, and Chitradurga Nama-hatta, led by Sudhir Chaitanya das, the Regional Director for Nama-hatta.
7. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees from Nadia, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South Dinajpur, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Mayapur on December 5, 2023.
8. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees from Burdwan, West Medinipur, Assam, Bankura, and Purulia, in Mayapur on December 7, 2023.
9. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees from Hooghly, North Malda, Cooch Behar, and North Dinajpur Districts in Mayapur on December 9, 2023.
10. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees from Assam, Bankura, Howrah, East and West Medinipur, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Pakur, South 24 Parganas, Odisha, North 24 Parganas, North Dinajpur, in Mayapur on December 11, 2023.
11. Addressed Nama-hatta devotees from Murshidabad, Birbhum, Ekacakra Dhama, Pakur, and South 24-Parganas in Mayapur on December 12, 2023.
Congregational Festivals
1. Addressed Minneapolis congregational members and participated on the occasion of Panihati Cida-dahi Mahotsav on May 29, 2023, Minneapolis.
2. Participated along with congregational members from Dallas, Austin and Huston on the occasion of Panihati Cida-dahi Mahotsav on Jun 1st, 2023, at the house of Sarvajaya Madhava das in Dallas.
3. Participated in the ISKCON Atlanta, New Panihati Dhama, Panihati festival on June 04, 2023. I also took part in the Cida-dahi Danda Mahotsava drama, playing the role of Lord Nityananda’s assistant.
4. I spent approximately 7 days, from October 5 to October 11, 2023, in Mangalore. Every day, I gave classes, had question and answer sessions, met with devotees, and provided guidance to Nama Nistha das and the teachers of the Online Gita Course.
Youth and Kids
1. Delivered an audio message for the Parivartan Youth Festival organized by the ISKCON India Youth Council on March 11, 2023.
2. Addressed Bengaluru youth devotees of ISKCON Seshadripuram, led by Kesava Kripa Sindhu das brahmacari, in Mayapur on November 13, 2023.
3. Engaged with Eastern India Division Council Youth Preaching leaders in Mayapur on December 7, 2023.
4. Delivered a talk at a youth summer camp organized by Radhesyama das for college students in Mayapur, with approximately 700 participants on July 16, 2023.
5. Addressed youth preachers at a summer camp organized by Radheshyam das, with approximately 700 students and 200 preachers participating on July 17, 2023.6. Met with a group of kids and mentors led by Adideva Giridhari Das, in Mayapur on July 27, 2023.
(ii) Activities by the Bhakti-vriksha Senior Coach – Prema Padmini Mataji
Daily Chaitanya Charitamrita/Srimad Bhagavatam classes for devotees in Bangalore, Hyderabad and Saibabad devotees.
Weekly classes in different topics related to Bhakti-vriksha as well as study of the Chaitanya Charitamrta, Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita for Russian devotees.
Weekly Srimad Bhagavatam/ Chaitanya Charitamrta classes for London Leaders of the Bhakti-vriksha
Weekly Chaitanya Charitamrta classes for devotees in Kuwait.
Daily night classes on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam for Bangalore devotees. Visited and conducted Seminars and classes on the Bhakti-vriksha in Mathuradesh. Visited and conducted seminars on Bhakti-vriksha in Hyderabad.
Monthly Srimad Bhagavatam classes for devotees in the USA.
Monthly seminars on Bhakti-vriksha leadership training in Bangalore.
(iii) Activities by the Bhakti-vriksha Coach – Caitanya Avatari Prabhu
Khasadesh:
Throughout the year, substantial efforts were invested in training new Manjari servant leaders and Bhakti-vriksha servant leaders. Those who completed the training were provided the opportunity to initiate their own groups under the close supervision of central coordinators. A noteworthy achievement includes the enrollment of over 800 new members actively participating in the Manjari programs, with training provided to more than 75 Manjari leaders.
In the realm of Bhakti-vriksha, there are currently over 200 dedicated members consistently attending and practicing Krsna Consciousness (KC) under the guidance of Bhakti-vriksha servant leaders and central coordinators. To ensure continuous growth, weekly online programs are conducted for both Manjari and Bhakti-vriksha leaders.
A significant event for Khasadesh was the annual Bhakti-vriksha and Manjari leaders’ convention held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Spanning three days, the convention centered around training, coordination, and reporting. Notably, senior Sanyasis and disciples of Srila Prabhupada graced the occasion, offering inspiring association and encouragement to propagate KC in Khasadesh.
Europe:
During the visit to Switzerland and Italy en route to the US, the primary focus was on evaluating and providing support for the implementation of Bhakti-vriksha and Manjari programs. Encouragingly, significant progress has been observed in both locations, with the initiation of numerous face-to-face and online Manjari and Bhakti-vriksha programs, showcasing enthusiastic participation from members.
USA:
In Chicago, the Congregation Development Head organized a two-day training session for preachers, specifically focusing on the 6C Strategy for Congregation Development. Over 20 devotees actively participated in this insightful event, contributing to the enhancement of their preaching skills and strategies.
(iv) Activities by the Bhakti-vriksha Coach – Nityanand Asraya Prabhu
We currently manage a network of 60 Bhakti-vriksha groups, facilitated by over 132 trained Servant Leaders, fostering a dynamic community comprising 3,500 devoted individuals.
Additionally, we operate 12 outpost centers in Kharkhoda, Jhajjar, Bhiwani, Dadri, Gohana, Sampla, Mahendergarh, Kalanour, Rohad, Tikri, and Hirankudana, hosting regular Bhakti-vriksha programs.
To engage the youth, we’ve established 5 BACE Centres in Bahadurgarh, Bhiwani, Jhajjar, Dadri, and Rohtak, connecting with over 500 young participants involved in regular Bhakti-vriksha programs.
For children, our 15 Gopal’s Garden Schools, staffed by 50 trained teachers, cater to over 500 children.
In terms of festivals and events:
– Our summer camp attracts 500 children.
– A remarkable 100,000+ lamps were offered by devotees.
– During Kartik or Damodar Month, 300+ House Programs were conducted.
– Bhakti-vriksha Groups organized 150 Sankirtan programs across different parts of Haryana during World Holy Name week.
– In the Bhagavad Gita Marathon, ISKCON Bahadurgarh secured the 2nd position in the Medium temple category, accumulating over 60,000 book points.
In the realm of training programs:
– In 2023, approximately 600 devotees received training in Bhakti-vriksha Leadership, contributing to a global count of 2,100 trained individuals.
– The Servant of the Servant Course (Dasanudas Course) successfully trained over 40 devotees over a 9-month period, both online and offline.
– Bhakti Shastri course, Bhakti Vaibhava Course, and Disciples Course were organized for the broader community of devotees.
– BV Leadership Training sessions were conducted in Vrindavan, Ahmedabad, Jhansi, Dwarka-Delhi, Kuwait, and the USA, benefitting more than 400 devotees.
(v) Activities by the Bhakti-vriksha coaches – Angira Gauranga Prabhu
In Russia they have 474 Bhakti-vriksha groups with 3,107 devotees.
They have introduced various methods for encouraging the devotees to practice their spiritual lives smoothly. These devotees regularly chant around 4,000 rounds and practise Krsna consciousness very sincerely and faithfully.
(vi) Activities by Sri Radhe Govinda Mataji
Introduced women’s sanga – Krsna Connection and conducted many programs.
Delivered Online training seminars on topics of relationship and personal development in different countries and continents including the USA, Africa, England, Russia, South America, and India.
Online and onsite training and seminars in New Jersey, New York, New Vrindavan, Denver and Boise.
⌗ Damodara Outreach Program
This year the Damodara Outreach Program team faced a few challenges. Some of the team members were too busy with other services and couldn’t participate as much as previous years, so the preparation and promotion of the Program was lesser than expected. Still, by the enthusiasm of our global devotee community there was an increase in the number of souls that were given the chance to offer lamps to Lord Damodara.
RESULTS
Overall, we received reports from 23 countries, 2 less than last year. The number of the cities increased to 129 compared to 121 last year, and the number of centers went up to 154.
The total number of lamps in 2023 has crossed 7.3 million, compared to 6.5 million in 2022.
Also, 38,823 books were distributed.
DETAILS on number of lamps offered –
India – 5,697,000; No. of Cities – 44
Malaysia – 1,023,861; No. of Cities – 21
Uttama Deshas (Middle East) – 222, 259; No. of Cities – 2
Kannaiyadesh – 122,688; No. of Cities – 1
Australia – 85,224; No. of Cities – 5
Nepal – 55,683; No. of Cities – 4
Bahrain – 27,989; No. of Cities – 1
UK – 25,841; No. of Cities – 9
Myanmar – 25,383; No. of Cities – 2
South Africa – 18,298; No. of Cities – 7
USA – 9,404; No. of Cities – 13
Thailand – 7,550; No. of Cities – 8
Indonesia – 6,475; No. of Cities – 2
Argentina – 4,700; No. of Cities – 1
Mexico – 2,845; No. of Cities – 2
Uruguay – 1,350; No. of Cities – 1
Hong Kong – 800; No. of Cities – 1
Austria – 528; No. of Cities – 1
Slovakia – 515; No. of Cities – 1
Canada – 380; No. of Cities – 1
Czech Republic – 260; No. of Cities – 1
Croatia – 216; No. of Cities – 1
Mauritius – 150; No. of Cities – 1
THE PROCESS
More or less devotees followed the same process as previous years, by organizing:
special Damodara month House programs and door-to-door visits,
many school programs, especially in Malaysia that increased their score to 1,023,861 from 637,983 lamps in 2022.
In Bangalore we saw devotees adopting an innovative approach by setting up a small altar in their car booth, stopping the car on the side of the road and inviting passers-by to offer lamps.
Special temple programs
Nama-hatta programs
Special Bhakti-vriksha programs
Street setups – such as a little cart with Damodara altar near a busy area or a small altar on a park bench
Hindu temple programs
Diwali festivals
Mobile temple in Durban, South Africa
CDM office designed a foldable paper “altar” that was printed and distributed to new people.
We keep improving our web-based application where devotees can directly and easily upload all the data.We also did a lot of calls and personal messages as that works the best in explaining the Damodara Outreach Program and getting devotees on board. We found that personal touch and regular follow-up are essential for the expansion and success of this program.
HELP FROM THE LEADERS
It would be of great help if GBC members would endorse and promote Damodara Outreach programs in their respective areas, as that would encourage devotees to give it a try and realize its vast potential. It is a simple way of offering the first contact with Krsna consciousness in a very gentle and unobtrusive manner.
We thank you for taking the time to read this report and pray that with your blessings this simple program will grow and expand unhindered as years go by.
⌗ Bhakti Kids
During the reporting period, we successfully executed a series of impactful programs and initiatives within the Bhakti Kids project. Our efforts included:
- Facilitation of 10 children programs, engaging approximately 480 children
- Conducted 6 school preaching programs that reached over 4950 kids and youth
- Facilitated the Purusottama Challenge with participation from 3645 kids and adults ranging from 1-79 years old across 53 different parts of the country.
- Conducted 7 Bhakti Kids presentations, reaching over 100 children program leaders and teachers, providing insights on initiating and expanding children programs within their communities using the resources provided by Bhakti Kids.
- Finalized the Bhakti Kids logo
In the realm of publications, we achieved significant milestones by:
- Reprinting the second edition of “Becoming Your Devotee Part 1”
- Publishing “Krsna – My Best Friend.”
- To complement the Purusottama Challenge, an online activity book was compiled and distributed for free online.
- Manuscript for “Becoming Your Devotee Part 2” was successfully completed
In terms of book sales, we made substantial progress, selling:
- 870 copies of “Becoming Your Devotee Part 1”
- 1,825 copies of “Krsna – My Best Friend,”
- TOTALING = 2,695 books.
Additionally, efforts were made to expand our reach globally by translating “Becoming Your Devotee Part 1” into Russian and Hindi, along with translating “Krsna – My Best Friend” into Russian. These translated versions were showcased to leaders and Maharajs to broaden our impact.
Our goals for 2024:
- Print and launch “Becoming Your Devotee Part 2” during Gaura Purnima
- Complete the book manuscript about the Ashta Sakhis
- Complete the manuscript for the Srimati Radharani book
- Launch the Bhakti Kids website which will serve as a comprehensive educational hub connecting devotees worldwide with Krsna conscious resources to engage children.
- Facilitate online courses for kids
- Facilitate onsite camps
- Continue collaborating on the “Nectar of Devotion” book for kids and youth with HG Urmila Mataji
Sell over 3,500 books
⌗ Nama-hatta
Recognizing the significant contribution of Nama-hatta programs in congregation development, in the past year we created a dedicated department led by committed individuals for Nama-hatta. This team is tasked with conducting training sessions, crafting manuals and developing programs to ensure the smooth implementation of the Nama-hatta system globally. Additionally, the department will foster communication with leaders to streamline the organization of Nama-hatta programs, gathering reports and feedback for continuous improvement.
Nama-hatta Achievements in 2023:
– A commendable distribution of 76,638 books throughout the year.
– Number of groups 5.343.
– Organized 115 Ratha Yatra events, contributing to community engagement.
– Facilitated 37,758 Nama-hatta Seminars.
– Orchestrated 3,556 Spiritual Yatras.
– Carried out 32,702 impactful home visits as part of Bhakti Home visits.
Additionally, during the auspicious month of Damodar, an impressive offering of more than 2.4 million lamps was made within the Nama-hatta community.
⌗ Asraya Groups
Overall about 180 groups
Description
- Ashray Program is one of the ISKCON preaching congregation in Delhi having multiple centers and a community of 5000+ devotees.
- His Holiness Gopal Krsna Goswami Maharaj, Temple president of ISKCON East of Kailash H.G Mohan Rupa Prabhu, H.G. Amogh Lila Prabhu, H.G Sarvapriya Prabhu are part of this program.
- The whole program is designed in 4 levels based on Srila Prabhupad’s books and different levels to train the devotees.
- Pre-Ashraya Level – 3 months duration for New devotees – Minimum 1-hour gathering per week and 0 to 4 rounds of chanting.
- Ashraya Level 1 – 6 months duration after the previous level – 4 to 8 rounds of chanting + Srila Prabhupada small books
- Ashraya Level 2 – 14 months duration after Level 1 – 16 rounds of chanting + Srila Prabhupada books + Vaishnava etiquette
- Ashraya Level 3 – 24 months duration after Level 2 + BG + NOD + NOI + ISO + Teaching of Lord Chaitanya.
Reference link
Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/myashraya/)
⌗ Gita Course
Formerly named Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy, this programa was started by Laksmi Govinda Prabhu in Mauyapur. Is a kind of Nama-hatta but is centered on the study od Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Originally started with the regular study of the Bhagavad gita by correspondence and gradually evolved to a more personal and systematic interaction.
These program is very successful with 2 grades of Gita Study:
Grade 1: 21.795 students
Grade 2: 3.510 Students
Srimad Bhagavatam: 990 students
The program consists in creating small groups of students that start studying the Gita Course and after evolving on preaching units that attract more students and create new groups.
Have developed 3 study guides like we know as a “ Bhakta Program “ that act as a guide for new devotees. Some of those groups have become formerly Preaching Centres and even a temple.
Devotees from Mayapur travel to train, guide, supervise and empower such groups.
⌗Gita Course Online
Under the guidance of His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaj, Nama Nistha Prabhu developed and launched online Gita courses in June 2020 in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
These courses, aimed at providing spiritual education remotely, initially focused on teaching the Bhagavad Gita across five levels.
The courses were conducted in 12 languages, catering to a diverse audience, and included assessments and certifications upon completion.
Course Offerings
Level 1 – Basic understanding Bhagavad Gita:
Enrollment: Over one million participants across 43 batches
Duration: 18 days
Languages options: English, Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Oriya, Tulu, Konkani
Format: Basic course consisting of 12 sessions, each lasting 1 hour
Assessment: Online quizzes after each session
Certification: Participants receive a certificate upon course completion
Level 2 – Detailed Study of Bhagavad Gita:
Enrollment: 3397 participants
Duration: 6 months
Curriculum: In-depth exploration of the Bhagavad Gita
Practice: Emphasis on chanting and other spiritual practices
Certification: Provided upon successful completion of the course
Level 3 – Advanced Studies:
Enrollment: 1004 participants
Curriculum: Includes Ishopanishad and Goswami Grantha, NOI & NOD
Practice: Students encouraged to chant 4 rounds and follow Krsna Sevaka rules
Level 4 – Bhakti Shastri Course:
Enrollment: 531 participants
Outreach and Future Plans
Curriculum: Covers Nectar of Devotion & Nectar of Instruction
Current Enrollment: 1000 students with 25 teachers
Future Goal: Targeting 10,000 students annually
International Outreach:
Gulf Visit: Provided a list of 5,000 devotees who completed courses
Connection: Facilitated engagement with temples in the Gulf region
Future Challenges:
Changes in Social Media Algorithms: Difficulty in targeting devotees due to removal of religious terms
Increased Advertisement Costs: Ad expenses in foreign countries have risen significantly
Course Expansion and Administration
Language Coverage:
Bhakti Shastri and Bhakti Vaibhav: English, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Tulu, Bengali
Gita Courses: English, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Tulu, Bengali, Oriya, Marathi, Konkani
Initiation Training Coordinator Courses: English, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu
Additional Offerings:
Art and Culture Courses: Shloka chanting, Singing Gaudiya Vaishnava Bhajans, Drama
Bhakti-vriksha Courses: Provided in various languages
Dean Administration Team:
Responsibilities: Coordination of digital marketing, registration, promotion, hosting, translations, content creation, and technical support
Conclusion
Despite challenges in targeting devotees and rising advertising costs, the online courses initiated under His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaj’s guidance continue to expand and serve a growing audience across different languages and levels of spiritual understanding. The administration team ensures smooth operation and further development of these courses for the benefit of devotees worldwide.
⌗ Bhakti Homes
Bhakti Homes (BH) is yet another unique program by the Congregational Development Ministry, envisioned by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur (originally named Sraddha-kutir). In Sri Godruma Kalpatavi, Part Eight, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura writes:
“Wherever a traveling salesman stays is called a Sraddha kutir, e.g., Phula Kusum Sraddha kutir, Nakhuria Sraddha Kutir, etc. There is no need for a separate house or separate building to be constructed. Whenever a worker connected with the Nama-hatta visits a village where a traveling salesman is situated, he should first visit the Sraddha kutir and meet with the salesman. Nama-hatta workers should pay for their expenses from personal funds. However, since the traveling salesman has feelings of brotherly affection for all, if he wishes to take a brother-worker as a guest in his home, then whatever is pleasing to both—a mutual exchange of happiness—should be settled on.”
THE PURPOSE
The aim of Bhakti Homes is to strengthen the bonds between all members of our communities by recognizing every devotional home as an abode of faith and every family as a unit of vast preaching potential. Our devotees’ families are an integral part not only of ISKCON society but also of the mundane societies we live in. Their members go to school, work, and hold influential positions in governing bodies, making them well-positioned to spread the message of Lord Caitanya and fulfill the prophecy that “In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.”
Srila Prabhupada said:
“Everyone can establish a small temple in his house, and he can begin family-wise — himself, his wife, his children. That is wanted. This Krsna consciousness movement wants to see that every house has become a temple of Krsna. That is our program.” (Lecture by Srila Prabhupada, 13 December 1972)
THE GOALS
With the Bhakti Homes program, we aim to help families by educating and supporting them in their personal spiritual growth and in their endeavors of spreading Krsna Consciousness in their immediate communities. We also aim to support congregational leaders by providing the tools for creating the necessary structure and systems to most effectively care for their congregational members and establish many “safe houses” for devotees and new people alike to visit and receive the mercy of previous acaryas.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023
For that purpose, we have achieved the following:
- Created a comprehensive website (bhaktihomes.com) that offers all the information one needs to start and progress in spiritual life, as well as ideas and guidelines to effectively reach out and share the messages of our acaryas.
- Currently developing guidelines for leaders and an online tool for easy collection and utilization of data.
- Incorporating the Bhakti Steps program (bhaktisteps.com), which guides individuals from the beginner level to first and then second initiation. The family can advance collectively through Bhakti Homes, while each individual can advance in their Krsna consciousness through Bhakti Steps.
THE STRUCTURE
We have revised the requirements for each level of Bhakti Homes to make it more attainable. They are as follows:
- Beginner Level:
- Each member is favorable to Krsna Consciousness.
- Only vegetarian food is consumed within the house.
- At least one member of the household is daily chanting a fixed number of rounds of the Hare Krsna Mahamantra. (Sadhana Levels – Sraddhavan)
- Advanced Level:
- All family members should be fully vegetarian and follow the four regulative principles.
- At least one devotee is in the Krsna Sevaka level of spiritual advancement, 4 rounds, or higher. (Sadhana Levels – Krsna Sevaka)
- First Initiation Level:
- All family members should be fully vegetarian and following the four regulative principles.
- At least one devotee is connected to Guru Parampara by the process of initiation.
- Brahmin Level:
- All family members should be fully vegetarian and following all four regulative principles.
- At least one devotee is Brahmana initiated.
FUTURE PLANS
Our next step is the launch of the Bhakti Homes program and promotion to the worldwide community through online communication and on-site visits.
CONCLUSION
The idea is that BH can create a social structure through which devotee families can support each other as well as the temple. In this way, community spirit will grow, bonds between devotees will get stronger, and the temple will greatly benefit from so many families actively spreading Krsna Consciousness. We know that many grihasta devotees get very busy with their jobs and usually allocate only one day per week to come to the temple and get some devotee association. Through various BH initiatives, they will feel more connected to the community, more knowledgeable, and more enthused to perform some service during the week as well. We hope that by actively training, supporting, and appreciating families for their achievements, they will grow into stronger building blocks of our worldwide society for Krsna consciousness and, in this way, transform the whole world.
⌗ Bhakti Steps
The definitive Bhakti Steps Logo, embodying the vision and mission of the system, has been finalized. This emblem serves to acknowledge devotees for their dedication to spiritual practices.
Significant strides have been made as six major ISKCON centers in India have adopted the Bhakti Steps methodology. These centers are actively utilizing the free database to monitor and track the Sadhana Level of their congregation.
Furthermore, progress is underway as six major centers outside India are in the process of implementing the Bhakti Steps system.
To enhance accessibility, the Bhakti Steps website is now available in three languages. Additionally, preparations are nearly complete for the inclusion of three more languages, pending upload to the website www.bhaktisteps.com. This multilingual approach aims to reach a broader audience and foster greater inclusivity.
⌗ Purusottama Month
During the auspicious Purusottama Month, which occurs approximately vonce every three years and celebrated fervently by devotees, CDM seized the occasion to engage enthusiasts in heightened spiritual practice and outreach efforts. In alignment with this objective, we initiated the development and launch of a dedicated website (purusottamamonthcdm.com)featuring a comprehensive database tracking devotees’ progress in their spiritual endeavors. Emphasizing the importance of preaching, our focus extends to documenting and recognizing devotees’ commendable efforts in spreading the teachings from the comfort of their homes.
⌗ Prison Preaching
We are eager to inform the devotees worldwide, especially those who are involved in reaching out to the inmates locked in various prisons that there was a sizeable increase in getting Srila Prabhupada books into jails in the year 2023.
United Kingdom Outreach – ‘Gita Project’ by Radha Dasi
Radha Dasi has worked tirelessly reaching out to many jails in the United Kingdom with the ”Gita Project’,’ a program that contacts chaplains and prison librarians with Srila Prabhupada’s books .In 2023, 2,652 books reach inmates in the UK of which 1,680 are Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Radha Dasi book distribution programs also includes Public Libraries,Hospitals,Schools,Yoga Studios, Mental Health Trusts,Housing Projects,Care Homes and Hospices.
United States Outreach – Bhakti Lata’s Continuous Service
Bhakti Lata in the USA year after year is reaching more and more prisons inmates with letter writing and Srila Prabhupada book.This year she visited a Women’s Prison in Ocala Florida where there is a group of inmates that hold regular gatherings and discuss Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Bhakti Lata distributed for 2023 is 10,815 of Srila Prabhupada’s books and BTG’S combined.
Bhakti Lata Dasi has dedicated her entire time to serve the prison communities in many places throughout the USA. In addition she releases a 10 page Quarterly Newsletter which includes articles by devotees and accounts of prison preaching along with letter excerpts from inmates. Her service to the prison inmates community is glorious.
Testimonial from Inmate Scott Gardner
”My taking shelter of the Mahamantra during my battle with COVID-19 got me through the most difficult time. The prison officials gave us very minimal assistance medically and no comfort physically. Taking shelter of Sri Krsna dancing on my tongue by chanting the maha mantra His mercy saved me and got me through. I owe much gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for giving me the direction in his books and to you for guiding me along with the other great sadhus” Letter to Upendra Prabhu Oct.2020.
In closing we are eager to announce that in many countries throughout the world the prison inmate population is steadily becoming more and more exposed to Srila Prabhupada books and visits by local devotees.
⌗ Bhakti-vriksha
Implemented communication channels through WhatsApp and Telegram groups, uniting over 70 international leaders representing various Bhakti-vriksha groups worldwide. The primary objectives of these groups encompass sharing locally developed materials, showcasing successful initiatives, discussing awards for exceptional developers, announcing upcoming training events, and coordinating global campaigns.
Global Presence:
The global footprint of Bhakti-vriksha has expanded significantly, with a breakdown of groups across various regions:
– 474 groups in Russia
– 70 groups in China
– 122 groups in Europe
– 83 groups in Australia
– 72 groups in the USA
– 12 groups in South America
– 407 groups in the Middle East
– 1,347 groups in India
– 340 groups in Bangladesh
This cumulative total of 2927 groups, averaging 12 devotees per group, has resulted in a thriving community comprising more than 35,000 devotees. Bhakti-vriksha not only nurtures devotees but also identifies and trains leaders within these diverse and widespread communities.
⌗ Courses
Over the past year, there has been a notable surge in the number of individuals expressing interest in the online ISKCON Disciple Course – Self Paced, along with increased participation in the Marriage Courses for both Men and Women.
B. PUBLICATIONS
1. Published the children’s book Krsna – My Best Friend.
2. Launched the Bhakti Homes website – www.bhaktihomes.com . It’s a tool to support preachers in the training of new people.
3. ISKCON CDM also has launched a website for Purusottama Month – https://purusottamamonthcdm.com/
C. WEBSITE / E-MAIL
⌗ Social Media
We have three Facebook pages, one for children (Bhakti Kids – CDM), one for youth (ISKCON CDM Youth Service which we are not currently active on), and for devotees in general, which is our official page (ISKCON Congregation). We have changed and created a new facebook page under the same name with a new and improved look.
Bhakti Kids – CDM
Page Reach 74,200k with an increase of 24.6% Page likes 6.4K
ISKCON Congregation (New Page)
Page Reach 20,216k with an increase of 100% Page likes 62
There are two official Instagram pages, one for children (bhakti_kids_cdm), and one for the general public (ISKCON Congregation)
Bhakti_kids_cdm
Page Reach 514.8K with an increase of 1.1K% Followers 3,841
ISKCON Congregation
Page reach 138,056k with an increase of 53.6% Followers 4,600
YouTube
Bhakti Kids – CDM
Subscribers + 12 Total = 1,410 Subscribers
The channel got 1.1K views in the last 365 days
ISKCON Congregation
Subscribers + 707 Total = 5,804 Subscribers
The channel got 65,329 views in the last 365 days
D. RESOURCES
Two rented offices at the Chakra Building and 12 paid devotees on a full time basis, two part-timers and 5 volunteers.
We use one rented flat for offices.
Bought a 300 ft2 go-down (storage room) inside the ISKCON campus in Mayapur for 3 lakhs (money was lent to CDM) to keep the CDM books, promotional banners, tables, etc.
Temporary free-lease of a go-down in the Nama-hatta building for two years to store CDM books.
E. CHALLENGES
⌗ Financial
The GBC has kindly given financial support which has allowed us to achieve all that has been discussed here. However, we now find that we need additional funding in order to develop the most successful of these programs.
We are humbly requesting the sum of US $15,000 to enhance the current projects we are working on.
Please find the financial report at the end of this report.
F. VISION FOR THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MINISTRY FOR 2024
⌗ Vision
Bhakti Kids Program:
Our goal for the Bhakti Kids program is to expand our publications by printing “Becoming Your Devotee Part 2” and achieve a book sales target of 3500. We are working on two new books this year. We will focus on global temple promotion and collaborate with ISKCON educators. Additionally, we aim to enhance outreach and network with educators and devotees around the world through the launch of a new Bhakti Kids website, organize global children’s camps, and establish a robust social media presence. Our objective is to provide comprehensive educational resources and engage children worldwide.
Damodara Outreach Program:
Increase the number of participating cities from 154 to 180. We also aspire to elevate the count of lamps offered from 7.3 million to 8 million. Emphasizing the significance of reaching out to new individuals and encouraging them to participate in offering lamps will remain a consistent communication strategy.
Bhakti Steps Program: keep adding more centers to implement the program. We will continue working on the database, providing centers with a valuable tool for efficient program implementation.
Bhakti Homes Program:
Finalizing the structure and implementing it in five centers as case studies. Concurrently, we will continue adding more materials to the program’s website.
Nama-hatta Program:
We aim to implement it in more rural areas in India and small towns in the west.
⌗ Progressive Goals
1. Expansion of Bhakti Homes Worldwide:
– Implement a strategy to establish Bhakti Homes in every town and village globally.
– Provide training and empowerment to households, transforming them into centers for the distribution of Krsna consciousness.
– Utilize the increase in the number of participating families as a metric for measuring ISKCON’s growth.
2. Congregational Development and Support:
– Enhance and maintain communication with devotees engaged in congregational development preaching.
– Provide essential resources and training to support their efforts.
3. CDM Ambassador Program Implementation:
– Establish CDM ambassadors within each ISKCON Center and congregation worldwide.
– Task them with executing effective programs for practicing and sharing Krsna consciousness.
– Promote and distribute CDM resources through these ambassadors.
4. Training Initiatives:
– Conduct training programs to increase the number of presenters, coaches, and facilitators for congregational development programs.
5. Children Educational Hub Website:
– Develop an educational hub website consolidating all Krsna conscious children’s resources from ISKCON in one accessible platform.
6. Krsna Conscious Curriculum for Children (Ages 5-13):
– Create a comprehensive curriculum package to engage children in the age group of 5-13.
– Publish a series of 12 books based on major festivals, focusing on the basics of practicing Krsna consciousness.
– Develop themed summer-camp guides, including topics like Chaitanya-lila and Srila Prabhupada-lila.
7. Firm Establishment of Bhakti Kids Programs:
– Ensure the integration of Bhakti Kids programs, youth engagement initiatives, and family development in every ISKCON community.
⌗ Needs
Despite being active, the ministry doesn’t have enough means to fulfil the needs of many congregational members in our ISKCON. The ministry needs to expand its operations and for this, more financial support is needed.
We are humbly requesting the sum of US $15,000 to enhance the current projects we are working on.
G. MESSAGE FOR THE GBC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
It would be of great help if GBC members would endorse and promote Damodara Outreach program, Bhakti Steps, Bhakti Kids, etc in their respective areas, as that would encourage devotees to give it a try and realize its vast potential. It is a simple way of offering the first contact with Krsna consciousness in a very gentle and unobtrusive manner.
Our sole purpose is to benefit ISKCON congregations but due to lack of funds we find these projects get delayed in their completion. We humbly request an increased financial support for the coming year.