UNESCO Includes 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada in its Celebration list for year 2024 – 25

UNESCO adopts 150th appearance of Srila Prabhupada

UNESCO Includes 150th Birth Anniversary of
Srila Prabhupada in its Celebration list for year 2024-25

UNESCO’s recent biennial meeting saw the recognition of 53 significant historical events, including the 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, proposed by ISKCON and supported by the Government of India, Russia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Vietnam, and Thailand. This recognition marks a groundbreaking moment as it’s the first time a Vaishnava leader has been honored by the UN.

150th Logo of Srila Prabhupda
150th Logo of Srila Prabhupada

The acceptance of this proposal showcases the cultural and historical significance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada’s legacy, celebrated on 29 February 2024. Vishal Sharma Ji, India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, played a crucial role in advocating for this recognition, underscoring the collaborative efforts involved in this achievement.

This decision underscores UNESCO’s commitment to honoring and preserving diverse cultural and religious legacies globally. It also highlights the importance of recognizing key figures and events that have made significant contributions to humanity’s heritage. The acceptance of this proposal serves as a symbol of cross-cultural cooperation and acknowledgment of the richness of religious and philosophical traditions across the world.

Overall, this recognition serves to further the understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages while fostering international cooperation and respect for differing beliefs and traditions.

Link of UNESCO – https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000385627

A Letter by Yudhistir Govinda Das

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), one of the specialized agencies of the UN with a membership of 192 countries and several dozens of associate partners, recently had its biennial (one in two years) full body meeting at its headquarters in Paris, France which included Member States and Associate Members, together with observers for non-Member States, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and Foundations

In the three-week meeting, several important decisions were taken for the years 2024 and 2025. One of them pertained to the recognition of key historical events. The anniversaries connected to 53 important historical figures and events were recognized by UNESCO and they resolved to associate themselves with it.

These include the birth anniversary of the famous German philosopher Immanuel Kant, the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Novodevichy Convent (a world heritage site in Moscow), the 900th birth-anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani (founder of the Nakhchivan school of architecture) among others.

The major highlight was the acceptance of the proposal made by ISKCON via the Government of India to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada which falls on 29 February 2024. This proposal was seconded by Russia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Vietnam, and Thailand in their Executive Meeting earlier this year and adopted by the entire body in Paris last month.

This is perhaps the first time that a Vaishnava leader has been recognized by the UN. ISKCON Communications hopes this will be one more addition to the ever-expanding garland of glories of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur and Srila Prabhupada. The major credit goes to India’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, Vishal Sharma Ji, who played an important role in making this happen.

A copy of the UNESCO resolution is attached along with this email. I am sharing the relevant portions at the end of this email as well.

Thank you.

Your servant,
Yudhistir Govinda Das

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