The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) ranks among the most consequential spiritual movements of the modern age. It combines philosophical discipline with global reach and pursues its devotional mission with unmistakable conviction. Founded in New York City in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON reanimates the ancient Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and recasts it as a living, global practice centered on devotion to Lord Krishna.
At its foundation, ISKCON seeks to translate spiritual wisdom into lived experience. It advances this aim through rigorous study of seminal texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, through the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and through a disciplined culture that prizes intellectual clarity, ethical purity, and selfless service. Anchored by its clearly defined Seven Purposes, ISKCON unites theology with daily practice, ensuring that belief consistently informs behaviour.
Over time, this principled approach has scaled with coherence and credibility. Today, ISKCON sustains a global ecosystem of temples, educational institutions, cultural centers, and humanitarian initiatives. Collectively, these efforts demonstrate that devotion, when thoughtfully structured, can achieve both moral integrity and tangible social impact.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Mohan Rupa Das, President, ISKCON, at the Makar Sankranti Puja Mahotsav held at the distinguished Kalyanam Mandapam, IIT Delhi discusses how Krishna Consciousness can address division and conflict in contemporary society, articulates a resonant message for today’s youth, explores the complementary roles of spirituality and science in building a progressive civilization, and explains why texts such as the Bhagavad Gita remain essential to understanding life’s deeper purpose. What follows are the key insights from this compelling exchange.
Q: What role can Krishna Consciousness play in addressing division and conflict in contemporary society?
A: The essence of Krishna Bhavana Bhavit or Krishna Bhavana Amrit lies in a simple but transformative truth: it anchors human consciousness in God. Once life reconnects with the divine, sorrow loses its footing. By contrast, alienation from God remains the root cause of suffering in the world.
Therefore, the closer one moves toward Krishna, the more decisively one’s problems dissolve. The Mahabharata illustrates this principle with unmistakable clarity. Arjuna chose Krishna as his companion and, as a result, attained victory. Duryodhana, however, rejected Krishna and embraced self-reliance alone, and that choice led inexorably to his defeat.
The lesson is direct and enduring: alignment with Krishna elevates destiny, while separation from Him ensures decline.
Q: Given the growing distance of today’s youth from Krishna Consciousness, how can its principles be communicated in relevant, credible ways to inspire engagement and demonstrate its importance for personal and social well-being?
A: When a culture weakens, society inevitably drifts off course. Cultural decline does not occur in isolation; it reflects a failure to transmit values. Parents bear this responsibility first. Teachers share it equally. When both neglect their duty to instil sound principles, the consequences surface quickly and visibly.
We witness this failure in how many young people mark milestones such as the New Year. Celebration replaces reflection. Alcohol replaces purpose. Time and money disappear in hotels and excess, squandered without thought for growth or direction. This is not freedom; it is misdirection.
By contrast, when character stands firm and values remain intact, individuals move in the right direction. They contribute meaningfully to the nation. They strengthen their families. Most importantly, they elevate themselves. A society improves only when its individuals do.
The essential question, therefore, is not what the country, society, or family can do for the individual. It is what the individual, grounded in values and character, chooses to do for all three.
Q: How would you address individuals who place exclusive trust in science and are sceptical of spirituality, and what message might help bridge understanding between scientific reasoning and spiritual inquiry?
A: We do not oppose science. On the contrary, science serves a vital and constructive role. However, its purpose must remain aligned with truth. Science should illuminate the existence of God, not attempt to negate it.
Accordingly, scientists carry a profound responsibility. Their task is not merely to analyse matter or measure phenomena, but to apply scientific inquiry in a way that affirms higher reality. When science acknowledges and substantiates the existence of God, it fulfils its highest calling.
Once this alignment is achieved, conflict dissolves. Reason and faith converge. Progress gains direction. Only then does science truly serve humanity rather than unsettle it.
Q: How do you interpret claims by some scientists and theologians that quantum science’s complexity and order suggest a creator or universal consciousness?
A: When scientists demonstrate that the existence of God finds expression within quantum science, indeed, within the principles of quantum mechanics, it represents a profoundly positive development. Such insights signal not conflict but convergence. They show that advanced scientific inquiry can illuminate, rather than obscure, the presence of a higher reality.
Q: What overarching message would you like to share with readers around the world to guide their personal, ethical, and spiritual lives?
A: If one values reading and intellectual growth, then one must also engage with texts such as the Bhagavad Gita. Such works confront the most essential questions of human existence: What is the purpose of life? Why have we entered this world? Why do we suffer? And where do we go after this life ends? Understanding these questions is not optional; it is fundamental.
Consequently, choosing the right direction in life requires choosing the right company. Sound association shapes thought. Thought shapes action. And when guidance flows from the right sources, clarity replaces confusion and purpose replaces drift.
