The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was established in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada). ISKCON has since developed into a worldwide confederation of 10,000 temple devotees and 350,000 congregational devotees.
Better known as the Hare Krishna movement, ISKCON is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide.
The mission of this non-sectarian, monotheistic movement is to promote the well-being of society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to Bhagavad-Gita and other ancient scriptures.
ISKCON is unique in many ways. No other organization has done so much to introduce the timeless wisdom of the Vedas to the western world. At a time when a modern man is immersed in great difficulties – threat of nuclear war, breakdown of families, polluted environment, erosion of morality, frustration and inner emptiness – people are searching after alternative, more permanent solution to the problems of life. Increasingly eternal spiritual values which are the inherent features of a very human nature become more and more vital all over the world.
ISKCON is at the forefront of this spiritual revolution. In practically every country of the world, devotees of ISKCON work selflessly to teach the eternal message of the Vedas. The Society publishes the Vedic literatures, like Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavatam, in 64 languages, and, in just three decades, has distributed about 300 million books worldwide. Besides that, beautiful mandirs serve as oasis of spiritual solace have been established in most major cities of the planet.
Most of ISKCON centers operate a program for relief for the poor people under the title “Food for Life”. These programs have been highly commended by government officials throughout the world.
However the main feature that makes ISKCON so special is that it attracts dedicated volunteers from all creeds to give their full service to this vital mission reviving the greatest culture of the world.
