wari oa wert Aaa Prime Minister MESSAGE It is heartening to note that the Intemational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is celebrating the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festival on August 19, 2022, worldwide. These celebrations have many facets for us, as individuals and as a society. As individuals, it is a time of blissful spiritual experiences and getting closer to Shri Krishna. It is also a time to think deeply about the countless good qualities of the Lord and work on inculcating them in us. As each individual becomes a better person, there is a multiplier effect on society. After all, Shri Krishna said in the Gita: It means whatever great people do, whatever standards great people set, society follows. Community celebrations of Janmashtami, especially after the disruption of the pandemic, are a harbinger of optimism and a time to focus on the human values that unite us. ISKCON’s festivities have in them a unique aspect — they bring together a joyful community of devotees who rise above differences and celebrate togethemess. Deep devotion to Shri Krishna has also inspired many social causes and humanitarian initiatives. This spirit of bringing together Jana Seva and Janardan Seva has been an enduring legacy of Srila Prabhupada Ji and a hallmark of ISKCON’s work. 1 wish that the Shri Krishna Janmashtami festivities worldwide are celebrated with great fervour and energise devotees to become a positive force in the society. a= ai (Narendra Modi New Delhi TAT 17, aH Aa 1944 08" August, 2022