Finances for the Institute

Srila Prabhupada started planning, and he asked me how much money I will need. I told Srila Prabhupada that I had no experience; I had no idea how much I will need. But, Tamal Krsna Maharaja is experienced in finance, and he may have some idea. I turned to Tamal Krsna Maharaja and asked for his opinion and he said that perhaps $10,000 per month was required. Srila Prabhupada immediately said, "$10,000 or more, whatever he needs must be made available through the BBT." He at once drafted a letter addressed to Rameshwar Maharaja who was then Chairman of BBT trustees saying,

"… Now we are forming scientists party and we shall try with their help to establish Krishna consciousness as the genuine scientific movement of the world exposing the so-called scientists as nothing but speculators. He [Svarūpa Damodara] has drawn up a budget of immediate needs, a copy of which is enclosed and I immediately sanction this amount. Whatever expenditure he requires supply him immediately from the BBT. I am prepared to give $10,000 or more monthly if required to finance this most important preaching program. So whatever money Svarūpa Damodara needs must be supplied monthly and he will send you accounts. … Svarūpa Damodara has requested that Dravida das may come and help him with editing work. The scientists are publishing some booklets … If possible please arrange for Dravida das to join them." [Letter to Rameswar Swami, April 2, 1977]