By News Desk
Mumbai: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has proposed establishing a center in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, a Mumbai-based newspaper Free Press Journal reported.
The announcement was made during the inaugural ceremony of the Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohanji Temple in Kharghar area of Navi Mumbai, attended by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on January 15.
ISKCON Trustee and President Sura Das formally made the appeal for land allocation, expressing gratitude for the Prime Minister’s presence. “This project has been on my mind for years. I had even discussed it earlier with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, given that plots have been allocated to other religious organisations,” he stated.
Highlighting ISKCON’s global presence in countries like Russia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, Sura Das questioned the absence of a center in JK. He underscored Srinagar’s global appeal as a tourist destination and emphasised that an ISKCON center there would provide sanctified food, resting facilities, and spiritual guidance. “This initiative aims to serve humanity, transcending caste and creed, embodying our Dharma of universal love,” he added.
Currently, ISKCON operates over 125 centers across India. The envisioned temple in Srinagar would blend traditional local architecture with a simple yet culturally enriching environment, unlike the grand facilities at Kharghar. The project requires approximately 4 acres of land. “Although the Prime Minister suggested Jammu as a potential site, my preference is Srinagar, as the land requirement here is significantly smaller,” FPJ quoted Sura Das as saying.
A formal request has been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Das remains hopeful that government support will help realise the vision.
This story was originally published in freepresskashmir.news.
