In Gandhinagar, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel released the Gujarati biography “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada”, based on the inspiring life of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

The book highlights how Srila Prabhupada carried Indian spirituality and Vedic wisdom to the global stage and spread the message of Lord Krishna across continents.

Tribute to a Spiritual Guide

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said Srila Prabhupada’s journey was full of struggles, yet his unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna led him to extraordinary success. He added that when a person feels defeated by hardships, the message of the Bhagavad Gita shows the true path forward.

He emphasised that patience, inner peace and faith are essential for life. By following the ideals of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, the path to Moksha (salvation) becomes attainable.

Honour on 150th Birth Anniversary

The Chief Minister noted that on the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured him by releasing a commemorative coin and postal stamp.

He appreciated the author, Dr Usha Upadhyay, for presenting Srila Prabhupada’s life story in Gujarati and making his profound thoughts accessible to the people of Gujarat.

Inspiring Global Spiritual Journey

Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Mentor and Vice Chairman of the Global Hare Krishna Movement, shared inspiring details about Srila Prabhupada’s life:

• At the age of 70, he sailed to America with just 40 rupees.
• He suffered two heart attacks during the sea voyage.
• Despite hardships, he spread the Hare Krishna mantra worldwide.
• More than 108 Krishna temples have been established globally due to his efforts.

Role of The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The event also highlighted the service initiatives of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

• In 2007, when Narendra Modi was Gujarat’s Chief Minister, he invited ISKCON to serve in the state.
• He inaugurated the first Akshaya Patra kitchen in Gandhinagar.
• Today, the Foundation provides nutritious meals to 5 lakh children daily in Gujarat.
• Nationwide, it serves 23.5 lakh children every day.

Speakers noted that Srila Prabhupada not only spread spiritual wisdom but also demonstrated compassion by serving humanity through food distribution.

MCQs: Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada Book Release

Q1. The Gujarati biography “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada” was released by which Chief Minister?
(a) Yogi Adityanath
(b) Bhupendra Patel
(c) Mohan Yadav
(d) Pramod Sawant
(e) Himanta Biswa Sarma

Ans: (b)
Sol: The book was released by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar.

Q2. Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada is based on the life of which spiritual leader?
(a) Swami Vivekananda
(b) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
(c) A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
(d) Dayananda Saraswati
(e) Sri Aurobindo

Ans: (c)
Sol: The book is based on the life of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.

Q3. Srila Prabhupada was the founder of which organisation?
(a) Ramakrishna Mission
(b) Arya Samaj
(c) Art of Living Foundation
(d) International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
(e) Chinmaya Mission

Ans: (d)
Sol: Srila Prabhupada founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

Q4. At what age did Srila Prabhupada travel to America to spread the Hare Krishna movement?
(a) 60 years
(b) 65 years
(c) 68 years
(d) 70 years
(e) 75 years

Ans: (d)
Sol: He sailed to America at the age of 70 with just 40 rupees.

Q5. During his sea voyage to America, Srila Prabhupada suffered how many heart attacks?
(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four
(e) None

Ans: (b)
Sol: He suffered two heart attacks during the difficult sea journey.

Q6. On the 150th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, which Prime Minister released a commemorative coin and postal stamp in his honour?
(a) Manmohan Singh
(b) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(c) Narendra Modi
(d) P. V. Narasimha Rao
(e) Rajiv Gandhi

Ans: (c)
Sol: Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a commemorative coin and postal stamp in his honour.

Q7. The biography “Vishwaguru Srila Prabhupada” has been authored by whom?
(a) Chanchalapathi Dasa
(b) Usha Upadhyay
(c) Bhagyesh Jha
(d) Pradyuman Vaja
(e) MK Das

Ans: (b)
Sol: The book has been authored by Dr Usha Upadhyay.

Q8. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently provides nutritious meals daily to approximately how many children across India?
(a) 5 lakh
(b) 10 lakh
(c) 15 lakh
(d) 20 lakh
(e) 23.5 lakh

Ans: (e)
Sol: The Foundation serves about 23.5 lakh children daily across India.

Q9. The first Akshaya Patra kitchen in Gujarat was inaugurated in which city?
(a) Ahmedabad
(b) Surat
(c) Vadodara
(d) Rajkot
(e) Gandhinagar

Ans: (e)
Sol: The first kitchen in Gujarat was inaugurated in Gandhinagar.

Q10. The teachings of which Hindu scripture were highlighted during the book release event?
(a) Ramayana
(b) Mahabharata
(c) Upanishads
(d) Bhagavad Gita
(e) Vedas

Ans: (d)
Sol: The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita was highlighted in the speech.