COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ISKCON-LONDON ISKCON-LONDON
SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2021 2021 SPECIAL SPECIAL EDITION: EDITION: A A TRIBUTE TRIBUTE TO TO JAI JAI NITAI NITAI DASA DASA AND AND BHAVA BHAVA BHAKTI BHAKTI DEVI DEVI DASI DASI Appreciations by Community Members A Trip Down Memory Lane Celebration of Milestones Achieved GBC Appreciation
Interview Srila Prabhupada on Temple Presidents
INTRODUCTION On the 1st August 2021, ISKCON-London Temple President Jai Nitai dasa stepped down as Temple President after 14 years in this role. He has served with great dedication and achieved an immense amount in these years, transforming ISKCON-London into a wonderful growing community with inspired devotees who are eager to serve Their Lordships, Srila Prabhupada’s mission and Lord Caitanya’s wish to spread Krishna consciousness far and wide. His wife Bhava Bhakti devi dasi has also similarly served for many years in various roles such as Charity Secretary, Member of the Management Board, South Regional Secretary, Temple Administrator, and Spiritual Mentorship System Coordinator. She will also be stepping down from her managerial and temple administrator roles. This special edition Community Newsletter is a tribute to both Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi (a surprise to them, as they have no idea about this tribute!). It’s a celebration of all their many years of dedicated service and devotion, a look at some of their wonderful achievements and the inspiration they have given to so many devotees. Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi have served tirelessly in so many roles and responsibilities at ISKCON-London and to acknowledge all of them is impossible. This tribute is a small glimpse into their achievements, many of which we will not even be aware of, as they have been serving at ISKCONLondon for so long! We sincerely apologise if anything has been missed but hope this tribute is a fitting one. We would like to thank Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi for being such kind-hearted devotees and for giving their all in the many services they have rendered. We pray that Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara always keep them sheltered at Their Lotus Feet. The Community Newsletter Team
TABLE OF CONTENTS 06.
JAI NITAI DASA’S JOURNEY IN KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
07.
INTERVIEW WITH JAI NITAI DASA
09.
GBC APPRECIATION
10.
A LOOK BACK AT 14 YEARS OF SERVICE
15.
APPRECIATIONS FOR JAI NITAI DASA
24.
APPRECIATIONS FOR BHAVA BHAKTI DEVI DASI
Editors: Devaki devi dasi, Padmanabha Nityananda dasa Designer: Krishna Lila dasa Proof-reader: Darryl Biggs Photographers: Bhakta Sunny, David Crick, Harsh Sharma, Pitambhara Govinda dasa Thank you to everyone who contributed content. For any comments or queries on this publication, please email newsletter@iskcon.london
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“As President, now you will be forced to advance in Krishna Consciousness because you must always set the highest example yourself, and I think that this is Krishna’s special favouring you. Try to always see the highest purity is maintained in all respects, become yourself very convinced of this Krishna philosophy, be always preaching and trying to understand some basic points from different angle of vision, keep the devotees in your temple always satisfied and jolly, and that will be your success.”
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“Always there will be obstacles placed in our path by the demons and atheists, but if we can remain pure, nothing will be able to stop this great transcendental movement from spreading God consciousness all over the world. So as president, you must make sure that all the students are regularly chanting 16 rounds, taking bath, attending mangal aratrik, reading our books, and following the regulative principles. If everyone keeps strictly these principles then success is assured.”
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Srila Prabhupada, Letter, 5th May 1972, Honolulu
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Srila Prabhupada, Letter, 4th February 1972, Bombay
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“We must always remember that the leader in charge of a temple must learn to successfully deal with the other persons there... The leader of the temple must try always to be sober and tolerant and at the same time manage everything nicely. Please continue to try and cultivate this talent and I know you will be given all intelligence to do this.”
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Srila Prabhupada, Letter, 26th November 1968, Los Angeles
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“Please be very sober in your dealings with these temple presidents, they are undoubtedly rendering a valuable service and are worthy of respect and encouragement.” Srila Prabhupada, Letter, 18th May 1976, Melbourne
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“As you are temple president, that is a great responsibility. So you must try to execute it with great care. The main thing is that you must set nice example for the others by following very rigidly the regulative principles, such as chanting 16 rounds on the beads, reading the books, getting up to attend mangala aratrika, etc. In this way everyone shall be encouraged.”
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Srila Prabhupada, Letter, 31st January 1973, Calcutta
JAI NITAI DASA’S JOURNEY IN KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Jai Nitai dasa first came to ISKCON-London in 1998 when he attended the annual London Rathayatra festival which was celebrated at Battersea Park. It was his first introduction to ISKCON in the UK. Who would have thought that this young American man would later become ISKCONLondon’s longest serving Temple President? Previously in America, when he was a teenager, Jai Nitai dasa had received one of Srila Prabhupada’s books at a concert while speaking to a book distributor and it was when he saw the picture of the changing bodies and the transmigration of the soul, that something rang like a bell in his heart and in his mind. He told the devotee that ‘that is the truth’ and he grabbed the book out of his hand, and after some haggling, he eventually bought the book. Later he continued to meet devotees in America and receive more and more of Srila Prabhupada’s books. He would often look at the Krishna Book cover and wonder ‘who is this person on the cover?’ Later Jai Nitai dasa moved to England and continued to meet devotees on the streets and he started to attend the ISKCONLondon temple programmes. He then joined the ashram at ISKCON-London and lived the life of a brahmacari (dedicated monk) studying, preaching and being trained in Krishna consciousness. On July 13th 2003 he was initiated by His Holiness Radhanath Swami receiving first and second initiation and was also made Vice Temple President of ISKCON-London, all in one day! He was made the official Temple President on August 1st 2007 by the then Temple President Mahadyuti dasa. It has now been 14 years since he became the Temple President.
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Interview with Jai Nitai dasa The Community Newsletter team caught up with Jai Nitai dasa to have a chat and find out why he’s decided to step down as Temple President and what his plans are for the future. Community Newsletter team: Hare Krishna! Thank you for speaking to us and we are really sad to hear that you will be stepping down from the service as Temple President. Over the last 14 years you have achieved so much and helped to grow the community here! You have inspired and engaged so many people in the service of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. What has kept you inspired and motivated all these years? Jai Nitai dasa: Srila Prabhupada, my Guru Maharaja, Their Lordships, the amazing community of devotees here at ISKCON-London and the fact that I sincerely love trying to give my all to repay in some way Srila Prabhupada for all that he has done. ISKCON-London is situated in such a place that it gives us the greatest opportunity for frontline first-hand contact with brand-new people to bring them to Krishna consciousness and this is super inspiring. Q) We have seen ISKCON-London grow and really flourish under your wonderful leadership, so many people will be wondering why are you stepping down now? A) To be honest there just comes a time when you know it’s time to move on. The Temple President service is exceptionally rewarding but it’s also a 24 hours service which is a great honour but there comes a time when the next generation also deserves their chance at purification and service. My realisation is that when you know that it’s that time, it is better to start to look how to move forward and move on rather than try to hold onto something till the very end. I feel Krishna’s inspiration from within for me to move forward, my Guru Maharaja’s confirmation and encouragement to move forward and a person in the form of Dayal Mora Prabhu willing to take up the service arriving on the scene – all of these things seem to make it a perfect clear time for passing the baton onto the next generation. Q) ISKCON-London is particularly well known for a number of reasons, such as having a very blissful atmosphere around serving Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, a strong sankirtan mood, daily harinama down Oxford Street and amazing maha prasadam! How have you kept this mood alive at ISKCON-London? (what’s the secret?) 7
A) I think the secret is Srila Prabhupada and doing what Srila Prabhupada wants us to do. There is a beautiful quote from Mother Yamuna where she explains that after the installation of Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, Srila Prabhupada said to her just as he left London, “If you practice what I have taught you and follow the instructions of how I have taught you to worship the Deity and if you read the books that we have printed, it is sufficient for you to go back to Godhead. You need not learn anything new. Simply practice what I have taught you and your life will be perfect.” From this and other statements from Srila Prabhupada about the tendency to always try to do something new, I feel that the secret is really that Srila Prabhupada gave us three main activities for outreach: books, prasadam and the holy name. He also gave us the most beautiful Deities and the seven purposes of ISKCON. So we just need to keep following Srila Prabhupada’s formula. We need to absorb ourselves in hearing and chanting and also stay in the fire of the sankirtana yagna, and on top of that I would say is really the secret success in London – is that somehow I have been blessed to be surrounded by an amazing team of devotees. That was really the success, it had very little to do with me, just Krishna sent such an inspirational group of devotees to make wonderful things happen.
Q) Wow, thank you for sharing that with us. What have been the greatest challenges for you during your time as Temple President? A) This is pretty simple because there are always lots of challenges but only by the mercy of challenges do we grow, so challenges are actually a wonderful opportunity. I will say the main three challenges are: devotee relationships specifically when there are issues between devotees or breakdowns in relationships between devotees. That’s really tough. Secondly, keeping super strong sadhana has been a challenge. I would say my sadhana has been good but it hasn’t been awesome. And thirdly dealing with a neglectful or a disrespectful mentality in devotees. Those were the three main challenges I faced. Q) We have seen the community really flourish and benefit from the spiritual mentorship system started by yourself and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. What was the inspiration behind this? A) Our Guru Maharaja is the inspiration behind the mentorship system and he has a wonderful and amazing mood of devotee care. Before my role as Temple President, it wasn’t easy for a community member to really feel cared for and looked after or to move forward towards initiation. It was actually quite difficult at ISKCON-London and I think the introduction of the mentorship system has actually helped many devotees ever since the mentorship system was started. Q) What advice would you like to give to the next Temple President? A) Pretty simple, don’t try to be all things to all people but sincerely give yourself and your best to everyone and Krishna. Q) You mentioned you are going to continue serving at ISKCON-London which is wonderful news! What services are you going to be involved with and why these particular ones? A) We’ve been playing the role of parents to the community now for many years and it’s time for us to become grandparents. So just like a grandparent likes to spoil the grandchild and not deal with all the ins and outs of managing the children anymore, so we also want to become grandparents and our Guru Maharaja wants us to learn to love and care for the devotees. So in this way we’re going to try to simply give time, love and care to devotees. Thank you for speaking to us and we wish you both the very best for the future! 8
GBC APPRECIATION I first met Jai Nitai Prabhu as Bhakta James on an Emirates flight from India to Dubai, I think that was in the year 2000, so a year or so after he joined ISKCON. I remember being struck on that flight how confident and Krishna conscious he was, not least as he was singing, along with Mahadyuti Prabhu (now Maharaja), the guru-vastakam prayers. This was on a jammed packed flight, so all those within earshot were being benefitted by such a blessed event! Jai Nitai’s spiritual journey of course well pre-dated his joining ISKCON, as he was just 15 or 16 when he received his first book, Easy Journey to Other Planets, arguably the best book title since the invention of the printing press. Then the power of Srila Prabhupada’s words got to work, so it was only a matter of time before Jai Nitai was taking full shelter of both Srila Prabhupada’s and Lord Krishna’s lotus feet. In 2007 he became the temple president of one of the most prominent, important and wonderful temples on this entire planet, ISKCON Soho Street, London. As well as overseeing all aspects of this glorious jewel in the crown of temples, (and we could talk about what that entails for the rest of this yuga and that still wouldn’t be enough time), he also counsels many devotees, conducts so many evening programs at the homes of congregational members, with some of those members now taking active responsibility for such things as temple festivals, including financing them, absolutely fantastic! In addition he is a great champion of book distribution both in word and 9
deed, leading by example. Then there is his university preaching and his regular classes and seminars travelling throughout the Southeast of England. All in all he really is an all action superhuman! The service of Temple President is arguably the most challenging service in ISKCON for many reasons. Our temples are also the very backbone of ISKCON, they are the central focus point for our community gatherings where we come to chant, dance, feast as well as pay our obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and Their Lordships and then appreciate and get absorbed in Their transcendental beauty. All such gatherings, festivals and events require great organisation and coordination and it is the temple president who is ultimately responsible to ensure the same. Not just that but many times the temple president is an active member of the team that does all the hands-on work. Thus it is not unusual to see, immediately after the morning program has been completed, for the temple president to don his overalls! Srila Prabhupada so much depended on and greatly respected his temple presidents for all their hard work, commitment and leadership. So for Jai Nitai to have served so impeccably in that role for 14 years is truly glorious and demands our greatest respect. However can I also offer the same appreciation to another person, without whom, Jai Nitai may not have survived, what to speak of thrived and proved to be such a wonderful success. That appreciation goes to his most loyal, dedicated and super
qualified wife, her grace Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. Eternal time always dictates movement and change, so while it is only natural that Jai Nitai and Bhava Bhakti move on, we will greatly miss them serving in the roles they have for the last 14 years. Nonetheless we wish them well in all their future pursuits and we humbly ask Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara to bless and protect all the great work they have done over the last many years. Lastly it just remains for me to say the biggest thank you at my disposal to these two very special souls THANK YOU! Your servant, Praghosa dasa GBC Secretary
A LOOK BACK AT 14 YEARS OF SERVICE BY JAI NITAI DASA AS TEMPLE PRESIDENT Jai Nitai dasa became the Temple President of ISKCON-London in 2007. We look back over the several wonderful milestones and achievements within his 14 years as Temple President.
2009
ISKCON-London celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Hare Krishna’s in London and the installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara in great style with a week of extraordinary festivities and beautiful darshans. The highlight for many was the presence of four of the original six pioneers of Krishna consciousness in the UK – Gurudas dasa, Shyamasundara dasa, Malati devi dasi and Yamuna devi dasi and hearing their wonderful pastimes and instructions they received from Srila Prabhupada in London in the late 1960s. 2009 also saw the launch of Radha Krishna Records – the Temple’s not-for-profit music label, and the Spiritual Mentorship System – a devotee care initiative – by Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi, being inspired by the Counsellor System at ISKCON Chowpatty, India. Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi have been active mentors since it was launched.
After more than 18 months 2010 of planning, in August 2010 a breath-taking new altar was finally unveiled and officially offered to Their Lordships Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara to commemorate Their 40th anniversary. The complexities of the job seemed at times insurmountable as the devotees faced untold challenges. The final revelation was an exquisitely crafted altar, infused with the devotional service of a dedicated team of devotees and designed to better glorify Their Lordships.
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2011
A new purpose-built double-glazed greenhouse was constructed for Tulasi Devi on the top floor of ISKCON-London, providing a wonderful atmosphere for Tulasi Devi to grow comfortably. The Krishna Community Shop was also redesigned with modern decor and renamed Radha’s Boutique.
Kirtan London was inaugurated 2012 and there were refurbishments done at Govinda’s
Restaurant and the men’s ashram. To celebrate the 2012 London Olympics, a special olympic bus harinama took place through the city centre.
2013
The opening of the new Bhakti Yoga Centre in Crawley was supported by Jai Nitai dasa. He also supported the Community Development Team with the organisation of several annual events that take place at an external venue – the Annual Volunteers Dinner, Patrons Boat Party, and the Anniversary Event.
ISKCON-London celebrated 2014 its 45th anniversary. Book distribution
increased, a new ISKCON-London website was created with up-to-date information on temple activities, and there was increased social media presence. Jai Nitai dasa was interviewed twice on BBC London 94.9FM promoting London Rathayatra and the 45th anniversary. A New Temple Committee was created to try to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a grand temple in central London. A new charity shop and preaching centre was opened in Rochester called ‘Closet Krishna’ supported by ISKCON-London.
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2015
This was the best year for sankirtana at ISKCON-London since 2005 and from January to November, ISKCON-London was the number one temple in Europe in terms of sankirtan and number two ‘medium’ temple globally. Four open-topped buses were hired for a maha bus harinama, spreading the holy names around central London. ISKCON-London celebrated it’s 46th Annivesary at the Logan Hall which included Jai Nitai dasa taking part in the drama.
2016
The ‘Beautifying Krishna’s Temple’ refurbishment project was an offering to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON. This was one of the largest refurbishment projects ever undertaken at ISKCONLondon. This project involved closing the temple for five weeks in order to practically renovate all floors of the entire building including the kitchen, Govinda’s Restaurant, Temple Room, Pujari department, the men’s and ladies ashram, and even the roof!
There were also over 50 events that took place to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON, which included a large ‘Kirtan on the Thames’ boat party and the first ever London Mellows, ISKCON-London’s first annual kirtan weekend attended by kirtaneers from across the UK.
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BEFORE
AFTER
There was a complete 2017 overhaul of the exterior of the temple building, repairs to huge cracks, installation of a new front lighting system and new marble cladding on the ground floor. The opening of a new centre called Atma Lounge in Folkestone was supported by ISKCON-London. ISKCON-London was also the number one centre for book distribution in Europe in 2017 distributing over 94,000 books.
2018 Jai Nitai dasa worked closely with
the Communications team on updating the ISKCON-London website which was refreshed with a new design, making it easier to navigate on portable devices. He also worked closely with a mobile app developer to develop ‘My Temple Connect London’, an ISKCON-London app allowing people to take darshan, view class schedules, events, courses etc. and make donations. ISKCONLondon also celebrated another successful Patrons Dinner boat ride. Govinda’s Restaurant had a record number of sales in 2018 and an 11.4% increase in revenue since the previous year. With the rise of veganism in the capital, Govinda’s Restaurant was listed as one of the best vegan food places by the London Evening Standard. For another year, ISKCON-London was the number one centre in Europe in 2018 for book distribution, distributing over 81,000 books. 13
2019
ISKCON-London celebrated its 50th golden anniversary in grand style with a nine-day festival, including breath-taking themed darshans, special guest speakers, sumptuous feasts, and a grand theatre performance titled ‘Krishna Spectacular’ at the Apollo. The festivities were joined by several Srila Prabhupada disciples and three of the original six UK pioneers of Krishna consciousness. In this year, ISKCON-London also started the Krishna Cows project with the aim to fully provide Their Lordships with milk from protected cows, Food for Life organised a special ‘Walk Against Hunger’ initiative to raise £60,000 for a new electric food distribution van, the Spiritual Mentorship System celebrated its tenth anniversary, and a new Krishna Club for children was launched.
2020
This was an unprecedented year, with the global COVID-19 pandemic and a UK lockdown which meant the temple was closed to the public soon after Gaura Purnima. Jai Nitai dasa created a COVID-19 committee and worked with the relevant temple departments to cautiously open the temple for darshan, services and other activities as and when Government guidelines allowed, with the community’s safety a top priority. He also inspired departments to ensure the community were being looked after with various online initiatives at a time when the temple was closed, and book distribution continued successfully with Sankirtan Calling Parties and postal delivery of books. Jai Nitai dasa continued to lead during the 2021 pandemic, gradually opening up more and more temple activities as lockdown measures were relaxed.
In June, Jai Nitai dasa announced that he would be resigning as Temple President on 1st August 2021 after 14 years in the role. Men’s ashram leader, Dayal Mora dasa would be the incoming Temple President.
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APPRECIATIONS FOR JAI NITAI DASA “My best wishes to Jai Nitai and Bhava Bhakti Prabhus as they take this significant step into other important services for Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and my heartfelt thanks to both of them for the commendable and exemplary service they’ve done at ISKCONLondon for so many years. Thank you both very much! And my full support and encouragement to Dayal Mora Prabhu as he steps into his new responsibilities. Thank you for shouldering such an important and demanding service for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada.” Visakha dasi, Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple President
“So grateful to Jai Nitai Prabhu for the incredible service he has done. Always gently encouraging me to take steps forward and magnifying whatever little service I’ve done, and I know countless others will say the same thing. We’re indebted to this wonderful soul. I have experienced him to be a natural leader because he genuinely cares for the wellbeing of others. Managing a temple for 14 years I can only imagine to be an extraordinarily difficult and thankless task, yet he has performed it with so much heart and devotion that those who took shelter there felt seamless protection, support and stability. He took on a great burden so that others may have peace of mind in their practice of Bhakti.” Bala Nimai dasa, Former Ashram Resident
“Twenty years ago, we saw a young Jai Nitai dasa and Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. One very sociable and other very quiet. Both were fixed in their service to Radha-Londonisvara. During the time of Mahadyuti Prabhu, the temple was struggling financially and with resources. Jai Nitai Prabhu made the temple financially stable. That is a great achievement. Behind every successful man there is a woman. Bhava Bhakti Mataji’s backing to Jai Nitai Prabhu is total.” Bhagavatanand dasa and Vrajkishori devi dasi, Community Members
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“Jai Nitai Prabhu has been the only Temple President I’ve known since I started coming to the temple 13 years ago and who so mercifully engaged me and so many others in Their Lordships’ service. Although it is sad that he is leaving this role, it is also a celebration of 14 years (not to forget his years of service beforehand also) of dedicated intense leadership and managerial responsibility in a very active city temple and unwavering service to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara and Srila Prabhupada which could only be achieved by someone who has been specially empowered by Their Lordships. So many devotees made and cared for, so many successful projects achieved and inspired devotees to take on, and so much preaching and community development. Jai Nitai Prabhu has also always shown great resilience through any challenges, never giving up the desire to serve the community. Thank you to Bhava Bhakti for everything she has done in her leadership role also, taking care of more things than we know of and she has been serving in this way so humbly for years, so this will no doubt be a big gap to fill. I’m sure Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara will continue to shower Their unlimited mercy on them both. And it’s great to know that they will still be serving as part of the community and continuing to provide their care and guidance.” Devaki devi dasi, Volunteers Coordinator
“ ‘I just felt the hairs on my arm stand up’...This is a refrain that Jai Nitai Prabhu would use when a brainstorming idea just hit the right mark, and then you’d know for sure you wanted this to happen for Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. In all the projects I served with him, he was always encouraging, bringing people together, challenging us to rise to the occasion, but always in a sweet way. He is the epitome of servant leadership and dreaming big but also delivering on those dreams.” Kapila Monet, Radha Krishna Records Manager
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“I am certain I speak for all members of our North Kent Sanga community when I say how grateful we are for having Jai Nitai and Bhava Bhakti’s inspiring association. We are grateful for their tireless enthusiasm which has inspired so many devotees all over Kent and the South East Of England. On a personal note I am grateful for their kindness and guidance I have received to be able to meet and take initiation from my Guru Maharaja.” Mukunda Kishore dasa, North Kent Sanga
“Of the many wonderful qualities that I appreciate in Jai Nitai Prabhu is his full-hearted dedication, determination and sincerity in his service as Temple President. He gave his whole being to this service – mind, body and words. He held nothing back. His life was his service and his service is his life. Many wonderful transformations happened in his time as Temple President and members of our congregation felt welcomed and appreciated in coming forward to offer service.” Murli Manohara dasa, Head Pujari at ISKCON-London
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“One night while driving back to the temple with Jai Nitai Prabhu from a programme, I remember we spoke about steadiness in devotional service. He gave an example of Sivarama Swami, saying that by sticking to the service in one place for many years, Maharaja has transcended the modes of material nature. He said that with such deep emotion in his voice. I remember I was very moved by it. It dawned on me that now I’m witnessing a real spiritual success story unfold right in front of my eyes. It was not the success of a character from the pages of an ancient text filled with hyperboles and poetic embellishments, but a success of a devotee whom I had a chance to serve with and observe daily. I have witnessed their intense yet steady commitment to the service of their spiritual master. And there is no doubt that all these years of your dedicated seva brought that auspiciousness to not only your life but also the lives of so many people around you.” Nama Sankirtan dasa, Former Sankirtana Leader
“I always remember when I joined Jai Nitai Prabhu’s mentorship group, he made me feel so welcomed and part of the group. He really looked after me and encouraged me in so many ways, in book distribution, pujari service and sadhana improvement. I am forever grateful to him for everything he has done for me. The last few years have been a great inspiration and learning curve for me, serving with him in LCVS. He is full of ideas and encouragement, the sky is the limit! Thank you.” Padmanabha Nityananda dasa, London College of Vedic Studies Coordinator and Former Mentee
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“I first met Jai Nitai some time around summer 1999. He made me a devotee. He is the one who more than anyone else, put in the time, the energy, the hours, the hard work, the investment and the sacrifice into me becoming a bhakti yogi. I first met him at the lunch programme in the temple in Soho Street. I was systematically trying different yoga, meditation and pranayama techniques from a book I had and was looking at different things...I was hoping I’d get to speak to someone official as I was like ‘OK, how do I give this bhakti yoga thing a go?’ I can’t remember what he said. I just remember feeling like ‘Cool, I finally met a normal guy, normal age, closer to my own, with a similar kinda personality.’ Some time later, he asked me if I wanted to join the temple ashram. I took a week to think about it. I thought ‘Why not, if I don’t like it after a couple of weeks I can always leave’. 11 and a half years later, he trained me up on how to present Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, and how to practice japa meditation (we’d get up at 3am together, sit next to each other every single morning and he was literally there with me, for every mantra I chanted, literally!). He’d coach me every day. Thank you so much Jai Nitai. Thank you for taking the time to try and help me. And for being there for me still, so many years later. Looking forward to the future, feeling very grateful for the past.” Radha Londonishvara dasa, Former Ashram Resident
“Leadership can be a thankless task but Jai Nitai Prabhu has performed his responsibility with grace and a smile, always. He’s helped many people from so many different backgrounds, and I’ve personally seen over a number of years the tremendous sacrifice and austerity he’s taken on to help those in need. Thank you for all that you have done, we remember fondly the many accomplishments that have been possible under your care and love.” Shyam Govinda dasa, ISKCON Crawley
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“Thank you very much to both of you Jai Nitai prabhu and Bhava Bhakti mataji for being such a good example of what steadiness and dedication means. You are always ready to do the needful in the mood of service. I also deeply appreciated all the times that you Jai Nitai prabhu came to distribute books at the table during the marathon and I felt very supported. And also how you Bhava Bhakti mataji took all your sanga out and tried new fun ways to engage devotees in book distribution. You are both truly admirable. Thank you” Syama Kisora dasa, Sankirtan Co-Leader
“Under Jai Nitai Prabhu’s time as Temple President, Govinda’s Restaurant has grown much bigger than ever in its history and also it has won multiple awards. When I look back over 15 years, I can see so many developments: we never used to have many big festivals like now, a big active community serving, financially we have come to a good state etc. All of this under his management.” Thirupati Gauranga dasa, Govinda’s Restaurant Manager
“I first met Jai Nitai Prabhu when he was Bhakta James. He had come to the BBT Warehouse to pick up books for the temple. The thought never crossed my mind that this enthusiastic young man would become the longest standing Temple President in the history of the London temple. Jai Nitai Prabhu and his wife Bhava Bhakti devi dasi (as a highly successful husband and wife team) have made a significant contribution to the preaching in London over the last 14 years. Out of many achievements, the ones which stand out for me are maintaining and increasing financial stability, refurbishment and additions to the temple and restaurant, maintaining and increasing book distribution, ensuring the care of the Deities, grand celebrations of the 40th and 50th anniversaries of the temple and the introduction of a care system for training devotees. I wish them all success for the future.” Titiksu dasa, Rathayatra Coordinator and UK BBT Sales Manager
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“You have supported and continue to support the Brighton Yatra with your many years of managerial experience and kind friendship. As your services move from temple management to other services, we wish you our sincerest best wishes. We hope to continue to serve together in the future side by side, unity in service.” ISKCON Brighton
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Jai Nitai Prabhu for the many years of help and support he has given to our community while serving as ISKCON-London Temple President…We have initiated some incredible projects with his encouragement, guidance and love. As we show our appreciation to Jai Nitai Prabhu for the 14 years in which he was dedicated to his responsibility, we also send our best wishes to the incoming Temple President, Dayal Mora Prabhu, we look forward to serving with you. ISKCON Crawley
“Jai Nitai Prabhu is a very honest, witty, broadminded and straightforward person without duplicity, and a devotee who is genuinely para-dukha-dukhi. He doesn’t mince words but at the same time is cordial, gentle and respectful. He treats even a new devotee with great respect. This is something I have deeply valued in him. Even though extremely pressed for time and at great cost of his own health, Jai Nitai Prabhu has gone out of his way to care for the community members like a father, brother and a friend. I am deeply indebted and grateful to him.” Vamsi Dhari dasa, Community Member
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“I’d like to express my gratitude toward Jai Nitai Prabhu and Bhava Bhakti Mataji, for all the services you performed, you are performing and those that you will perform. You are such an inspiration for the mission of Srila Prabhupada. I’ve learned a lot by listening to you and seeing you and these impressions have helped me to grow in spiritual practice.” Ananta Kripa dasa, Sankirtan Co-Leader
“I would like to thank you Jai Nitai prabhu and Bhava Bhakti mataji for everything you have done for me since I first arrived to ISKCON London in 2010. I remembered being very impressed to hear your class Jai Nitai Prabhu when I came for the first time to the Sunday feast. Such a nice atmosphere it was. Over the years I grew up confidently in my Krishna consciousness life mainly due to the mentorship, continuous encouragement and support I received from both of you. You are caring and loving. This I will never forget.” Rupanuga Bhakti dasa, Temple Commander
“Leading the community by example, Jai Nitai Prabhu and Bhava Bhakti Mataji are the living proof that it is possible to stay anywhere in this world (even in Central London!) while keeping a Krishna conscious life-style and mindset. Thank you for inspiring me, and so many others, with your joyful and selfless service and real dedication. Thank you also for always being friendly and encouraging to me. Please always consider me available to help and serve you in any way.” Shyam Govinda dasa, Outreach Coordinator
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“Thank you Jai Nitai Prabhu for your dedicated services for so many years to Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara and Their community. Thank you for your inspiration and your expert guidance in all my services. I always feel incomplete without your guidance and support in all my services. I only give 50% but you make my services complete whether it’s a feedback about festival invites or to organise the volunteers dinner and other events. It’s always a been a great pleasure serving Their Lordships in your wonderful association. The community really appreciates your care and your leadership skills.” Doyal Caitanya dasa, Festivals Coordinator
“Thank you Jai Nitai Prabhu for engaging, guiding and supporting me in my humble attempt to serve Their Lordships and the Vaishnavas. You have overlooked so many of my mistakes and always encouraged me to serve better, believing in my abilities more than I do. Words can’t describe how indebted I am to have had your association and to be able to serve under you. Many wonderful devotees made, inspiring projects and milestones events for the Temple under your leadership and supervision. Despite your many responsibilities and busy schedule you always managed to find time for us, giving us your love and care and showing us that Vaishnava care is our first responsibility. You show us through your example what servant leadership means.” Natasha Memon, Commnications Secretary
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APPRECIATIONS FOR BHAVA BHAKTI DEVI DASI
“I also offer the same appreciation to another person, without whom, Jai Nitai may not have survived, what to speak of thrived and proved to be such a wonderful success. That appreciation goes to his most loyal, dedicated and super qualified wife, Her Grace Bhava Bhakti devi dasi. Eternal time always dictates movement and change, so while it is only natural that Jai Nitai and Bhava Bhakti move on, we will greatly miss them serving in these roles. Nonetheless, we wish them well in all their future pursuits.” Praghosa dasa, UK Governing Body Commissioner
“Bhava Bhakti has so many wonderful qualities, such as her creativity, uplifting nature and innovative thinking to engage all her mentees to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books during the Christmas marathon. Whether she is dressed in a Christmas tree costume or “haggling” (for the mentees’ entertainment) at the Christmas car boot sale to distribute books, she always imbibes the mood of Srila Prabhupada’s urgency and compassion to give Krishna consciousness to everyone. One of my fondest memories was organising a Zumba event where everyone who attended would receive books. Due to obstacles, I was very nervous that there would not be a lot of attendees, however Bhava Bhakti had faith and kept supporting and encouraging me to keep pushing myself and continue. The Zumba event was a success where many of Prabhupada’s books were distributed to the fortunate souls who joined. Bhava Bhakti is a true leader, kind and has a big heart. I am very grateful to have her association.” Amanda, Mentee
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“Thank you for always inspiring me to chant and serve, for reminding me that this is a journey, for encouraging me and believing in me, and for taking me under your wing.” Amee, Mentee
“Bhava Bhakti has been serving at ISKCON-London I believe pretty much since she joined. And although I’m sure that’ll continue because of her deep love for Their Most Beautiful Lordships Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, she will be missed in the administration and leadership services she has been doing so committedly, diligently and humbly over the years. She also has a wonderful mood of devotee care, and one of the services she has really successfully established here is the mentorship system. Because of her and Jai Nitai Prabhu’s efforts in establishing mentorship services with the inspiration of their beloved spiritual master, Radhanath Swami, so many have received shelter and care, taken up the process of initiation, and entered a lifetime of dedication and service to Their Lordships and Srila Prabhupada. For this we are so grateful. So thank you dear Bhava Bhakti and wishing you all the best for the future.” Devaki devi dasi, Volunteers Coordinator and Mentee
“Bhava Bhakti devi dasi – sooo much I can say, she is Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual warrior, very fixed and focused on his mission. Her love for him is sharing Krsna consciousness in a fun-loving way. Most of you that know her are always reminded of bananas, penguins and super Santa, her mentee group distributing books in pubs and clubs in London around Christmas time, short skits and her Bhakti Vision vlog. May Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara always shower you with Their blessings.” Jaga Mohini devi dasi, Former TLC Member and Mentee
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“There are very special and rare Vaishnavas in ISKCON, whose hearts just beat for Guru, Srila Prabhupada and for the service of other devotees in a very unique and uplifting way. Bhava Bhakti Mataji is definitely one of those shining devotees. She is an extraordinary example as a mentor, pujari, a wonderful cook, talented in dressing the Deities (I love her turbans!), organised administrator and a powerful preacher. Thank you Bhava Bhakti Mataji for being a supportive mentor, loving mother and well-wishing friend.” Jhulan Lila devi dasi, Ladies Ashram Leader and Mentee
“My humble obeisances to Jai Nitai Prabhu and Bhava Bhakti. They have inspired so many young devotees in their journey, they are both so enthusiastic to serve others always, and with the mood in which they serve, you can feel how much love they have for Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. They are so encouraging and very grateful to others. They both, despite their hectic schedule, still always have time to give to others. It is such an amazing quality putting others first and they are very grateful for any little we do. Bhava Bhakti always cracks me up with a good laugh to cheer me up – this is a sign of someone who is content in her devotional life, always happy and giving others opportunity to serve.” Kalakanthi Radhika dasi, Former Mentee
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“One of the things which has been a common theme from all mentee meetings after many years now is the laughter, somehow or another Bhava Bhakti and the rest of the amazing ladies always create a wonderful environment, especially during this lockdown period the online meetings were so enlivening, nourishing and uplifting. Both Bhava Bhakti and Jai Nitai Prabhu have been so encouraging and supportive. I’m so very grateful knowing I have had a strong spiritual safety net in them. Any questions, queries, ideas have always been heard and appreciated by them. ‘Thank you’ isn’t the right words to express my gratitude, I hope in this new phase I can be of service to Bhava Bhakti and Jai Nitai Prabhu.” Maharani Radhika devi dasi, Mentee
“I would like to thank you for always being you. Your spirit to serve devotees and Srila Prabhupada is very visible in your talk, views, emotions and actions. It’s never easy to glorify devotees as their qualities are unlimited. Today I find that no words can express my gratitude and respect for you. You taught me how to dedicate our life to Krishna, how to distribute books, how to be consistent in our services, how to serve and look after our mentees, how to cook and present the food, how to always stay blissful, and most importantly how to make Krishna’s turban. Your spirit to bring new ideas to serve Srila Prabhupada’s mission is wonderful. Life moves on and we meet many people in our life. There are only a few who leave a memory and a connection in our heart. You are one of those. Thank you. I’m grateful to Krishna that I met you in this lifetime. I wish you the very best for the future. May Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara continue to shower Their blessings upon you. And may your love for Krishna grow exponentially.” Satyabhama devi dasi, Former Mentee
“By some great fortune, Bhava Bhakti took me under her wing and accepted me into her mentee group. Her mentee meetings have literally changed my life and I don’t think I would survive on this path without her. She is always understanding and her association is always nourishing and uplifting. I thank you and Jai Nitai for taking so much personal care of me, for guiding me, for keeping me on this path and for putting your faith in me.” Sophie, Mentee
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“Bhava Bhakti and Jai Nitai Prabhu have been my number one couple that I look up to and take inspiration from. It’s been amazing seeing their dedication to serving Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara and ISKCON-London all these years. Bhava Bhakti has been a great mentor and amazing role model. She is a great listener and always pays attention to everyone’s minute needs, especially when it comes to diet and making prasadam! She has time for everyone and always gives great advice. Almost a bit like Super Woman! And she makes Krsna consciousness fun! She also encourages and inspires us to join the December book marathon, which has always been fun and brings everyone together – it always feels part of a big family. Jai Nitai Prabhu is a great leader and always ready to help the community, especially when it comes to preaching. He has been very inspiring and encouraging when we’ve attended the ISKCON-London Sankirtan Calling Parties together. I absolutely enjoy seeing Bhava Bhakti’s and Jai Nitai Prabhu’s dressing of the Deities, especially Bhava Bhakti’s relationship with the Deities. We have learnt a lot from both Jai Nitai Prabhu and Bhava Bhakti and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them both for their ongoing encouragement. I have been very fortunate to have their association and I wish them both the very best in this next step of their lives.” Varsha, Mentee
“Bhava Bhakti has been an amazing, inspiring role model, along with Jai Nitai Prabhu – there are not enough words to describe their wonderful, dedicated service to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara and ISKCON-London, but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for everything they’ve done and will continue doing for the community. I’ve found Bhava Bhakti to be such an intelligent, caring, attentive and really great fun mentor! She’s always joyful, always making everyone around her happy and joyful too. And she’s got a great sense of humour, which is a bonus! She makes Krsna consciousness fun and gives profound wisdom at the same time. I always leave mentee meetings feeling inspired, happy and fired up. I’ve also noticed she’s always dedicatedly engaged in service to Their Lordships – there’s never a moment when she’s not serving Krishna and that’s very admirable. Thank you always for your ongoing support dear Bhava Bhakti. Wishing you all the best on this new part of your journey and forever grateful for your association. Vrishnee, Mentee
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“We feel so fortunate to have Jai Nitai prabhu and Bhava Bhakti Mataji as our friends and mentors. Your guiding words are always thought out so we can be uplifted in our spiritual lives according to our nature’s. You know when to be strict and when to be chilled. That is what is so special about you both. Always caring about everyone’s individual needs. We feel you are making your spiritual master so happy with the amount of care you show those under your guidance and the humility that you perform your services with, always leaves us amazed. You are a great couple to look up to and aspire to be like. May Lord Krishna and Guru always keep you blessed.” Acyuta Charan dasa, Krishna Kaanta devi dasi, Radha Priya and Krishna Priya, Mentees
“Thank you Bhava Bhakti Mataji for being my guide in my early days here. I will always remember you welcoming me and making me feel a part of this family. You do so much behind the scenes, most of which is not know to many. You are truly inspiring. All glories to you both. May our dear Lordships always keep you in Their loving care and shelter. Wishing you all the best in your next phase.” Natasha Memon, Commnications Secretary
“I still remember Bhava Bhakti mataji when I started coming to the temple you always used to inspire me to sing Gaura Arati. You are always smiling and approachable to everyone. You are expert in managerial skills. Thank you for all your hard work with the Mentorship System. Praying at the lotus feet of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara that may They continue to shower upon you Their best blessings and may we continue to receive your association for many years to come.” Doyal Caitanya dasa, Festivals Coordinator
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DAILY SCHEDULE ARATI TIMES 04:30 05:00 07:00 08:00 12:30 16:15 19:00 21:00
Mangal Arati Tulasi Arati Deity Greetings Dhoopa Arati Raj Bhoga Arati Dhoopa Arati Sundara Arati Sayana Arati
These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of Their Lordships.
ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL
DARSHAN TIMES
CLASS TIMES
04:30 to 05:00 07:00 to 07:30 08:00 to 11:45 12:30 to 13:00 16:15 to 18:30 19:00 to 19:30 21:00 to 21:30
07:30 Srimad-Bhagavatam / Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta 13:00 Introductory Talk* 18:00 Bhagavad-Gita* *Excluding Sunday’s
LUNCH PROGRAMME 13:00 to 14:00 Introductory talk and lunch.
These are times when the curtains are open and Their Lordships can be seen.
SUNDAY FEAST PROGRAMME 15:30 to 19:30 Includes arati, introductory talk and feast.
+44 (0)20 7437 3662
@iskconlondon
info@iskcon.london
/iskconlondon
www.iskcon.london
/iskconlondon
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Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS FOUNDER-ACHARYA: HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA