The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) stands out as a colorful knot in the busy tapestry of spiritual expressions. It is like weaving a story of dedication, joy, and enduring knowledge. ISKCON was established in 1966 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Since then, it has become a worldwide sensation, capturing hearts with its seamless fusion of traditional spirituality with contemporary relevance.
The history of ISKCON evolves against the backdrop of the 1960s counterculture, reflecting the changing times globally at that time. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a brilliant spiritual guide, set out for the US from India with a deep desire to spread the Bhagavad Gita‘s timeless teachings. He sowed the seeds of what would grow into a global spiritual movement in the center of New York City.
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Through its temples, cultural institutions, and outreach initiatives, ISKCON has a global effect on millions of people. The organization’s dedication to social welfare, environmental awareness, and interfaith interaction demonstrates its applicability in tackling modern problems.
However, while many respect its dedication to historical knowledge and cultural diversity, others condemn it for claimed ideological rigidity, financial irregularities, and societal friction. In a similar stance, BJP leader Maneka Gandhi recently criticized ISKCON. She alleged that the spiritual organization supplies cows to slaughterhouses.
Maneka Gandhi leveled serious allegations of ISKCON
Maneka Gandhi, a former union minister and well-known animal rights advocate, has criticized the policies of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Gandhi claims in a widely shared video that ISKCON, which runs gaushalas (cow sanctuaries) and receives government aid, participates in shady practices.
In the video, she said,
ISKCON is the biggest cheat in the country. It maintains gaushalas and get benefits from the government, including vast lands.
Citing her visit to ISKCON’s Anantpur Gaushala in Andhra Pradesh, Gandhi states that during her inspection, she discovered no dry cows—those that have not been milked for some time. She claims that the lack of dry cows and calves is a sign that all cows are being sold, which goes against the organization’s public image and spiritual principles. She continues by alleging that ISKCON is selling its animals to butchers.
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Maneka Gandhi said,
ISKCON is selling all its cows to the butchers. No one else does this as much they do. And they go on and sing ‘Hare Ram Hare Krishna’ on the roads. Then they say their entire life is dependent on milk. Probably, no one has sold as many cattle to the butchers as they did.
BJP leader and Union minister Maneka Gandhi exposing the ISKON temple and their activities related to Cows. pic.twitter.com/lalLaZ9Rfr
— Venisha G Kiba (@KibaVenisha) September 26, 2023
Now, ISKCON has responded to Maneka Gandhi’s remarks
Yudhistir Govinda Das, the national spokesperson for ISKCON, immediately denied these allegations. He said that ISKCON is dedicated to the lifetime care and preservation of cows, both in India and throughout the world.
The national spokesperson of ISKCON refutes the claim that ISKCON sells its cattle to butchers. He stresses that their priority is to provide for these animals all of their lives. ISKCON emphasized in a statement its groundbreaking work in cow protection, particularly in areas where beef is a staple diet.
Have a look at ISKCON’s full statement
Response to the unsubstantiated and false statements of Smt Maneka Gandhi.
ISKCON has been at the forefront of cow and bull protection and care not just in India but globally.
The cows and bulls are served for their life not sold to butchers as alleged. pic.twitter.com/GRLAe5B2n6
— Yudhistir Govinda Das (@yudhistirGD) September 26, 2023
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