Arrival Talk – March 22, 1976, Calcutta

Try to preach this Krsna consciousness movement in India

Prabhupada: So I must first of all thank you for decorating Radha-Madhava so nicely. So we are coming from Mayapur, from the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is combination of Radha-Madhava. Sri-krsna-caitanya, radha-krsna nahe anya [Sri Guru-parampara 6]. So Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted that in every town, every village of this globe, this cult of Krsna consciousness should be preached. And it was given to the Indians: bharata bhūmite manusya-janma haila yara .

It was the duty of the Indians. But in one sense, Bharata-varsa means this planet. Formerly there was one flag, Bharata-varsa, and the capital was Hastinapura. Gradually the control of the Panḍavas declined. Up to Maharaja Pariksit, the whole world was Bharata-varsa. Now it has become a teeny land, peninsula. So in that sense, anyone who is..., who has taken birth on this planet, it is the duty of him to spread Krsna consciousness. So by the grace of Krsna, you European boys and girls, you have taken very seriously, and Krsna will be very much pleased upon you.

Unfortunately, Bharata-vasi is not interested. Here we see side by side the two wings of this house. The one room is interested in making money, and one room is interested in spreading Krsna consciousness. So this is the position. We are... Indians, we are neglecting this movement. That is not very good. Recently I had the chance to travel in the villages of Bengal. Oh, it is so pitiable, full of... They have given up this culture of Krsna consciousness. They have not profited. They have not profited. But unfortunately the leaders, they think that by development of industries they'll be able. No. That is not possible. Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-guna [SB 5.18.12].

If you become godless, then you have no good qualification. Everything is finished. Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad-guna manorathena asato dhavato bahiḥ. These rascals, godless people, they will simply manufacture plan, manorathena: by mental concoction, "Now this, we have made this plan. It will be very nice." But no. That is not possible.

Maya is so strong that it will break, dismantle, everything into pieces, your plan. So anyway, Calcutta is my birthplace, so you have kindly come here and conducting this temple. I am very much obliged to you. I cannot remain here; I have to go here and there. Try to raise the standard of Krsna consciousness, even there are so many inconveniences, I know. You are coming from a country where material conveniences are greater. But Caitanya Mahaprabhu has advised,

So some of you, you have come with your big, big buses and vans to preach in India. You take Caitanya Mahaprabhu's blessings and try to enlighten these people. The people are already... Bharata-vasi, the inhabitants of Bharata-varsa, naturally they are inclined. Just like in the villages, when we were passing, the boys and children, they were also dancing. That is natural. Some way or other, this India is in a very precarious condition. So you have come, taking so much trouble. And take little trouble. There is no trouble. By the grace of Krsna and Caitanya Mahaprabhu there will be no trouble. You'll be happy. Try to preach this Krsna consciousness movement in India at least for some time, and help them to rise to their standard of Krsna consciousness.

Thank you very much.

Devotees: Jaya! [end]