Overview
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed devotees at ISKCON’s headquarters in Mayapur, West Bengal, on February 18 during the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur.
- He told the gathering he was attending as a devotee of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu rather than in his official capacity and said he conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings.
- Shah praised ISKCON for spreading Sanatan Dharma globally and highlighted its humanitarian work, citing food relief, healthcare, education and youth engagement through festivals.
- Reports described the brief visit as devotional with no political events on the itinerary, though BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari accompanied him as per the party schedule.
- He paid tribute at A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s statue, took part in temple rituals, noted the Gita’s global reach and lauded the Matua community’s social upliftment before returning to New Delhi the same day.