“On the inaugural day of the international conference, 17th November, there will be a 'peace marathon run.' Participants will run from four corners of Manipur to converge in the Bir Tikendrajit Park, the most prominent central park in the heart of Imphal City.”

— BS DAMODARA SWAMI
      GBC for Manipur, India

Invitation to All Devotees
By Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

CHAKRA (Manipur, India) - October 16th 2000:

My Dear Vaishnavas,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga! All glories to Sri Sri Radha-Krishnachandra!

It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the programs are now finalized for the Grand Inauguration of the Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra Mani Mandir, the Centerpiece of the University of Bhagavata Culture (See Website).

The event will begin on the auspicious full moon day at the end of Kartika, Saturday, November 11th 2000.

His Highness Sri Gajapati Maharaja, the King of Puri, descendent of King Prataparudra, will be attending the function and he will bring three brahmanas to conduct a special installation ceremony for the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Srimati Subhadra Maharani. One hundred and eight brahmanas will recite Srimad-Bhagavatam for world peace in a “Visva Shanti Bhagavata Yajna” while performing eight different fire sacrifices. Two hundred and sixteen children will perform a Maha Rasa Lila dance.

The Prime Minister of India has been requested to be the Chief Guest of this grand function. Many dignitaries, national and international will also be present. National and international cultural groups such as Ramayana artists from Bali, Indonesia will also be participating.

The festivities will continue with daily programs for twenty-two days from 11th November until 2nd December.

Details and updates will regularly be posted on our website.

One of the main highlights will be a three day international conference on the “Culture of Peace,” confirmed from Friday 17th November through Sunday 19th November. Scientists and religionists from all over the world plan to attend. The United Religions Initiative, the All-India Peace and Solidarity Organization, the Manipur State Council, and the Indian Doctors jointly organize the conference for Peace and Development Manipur. It is in collaboration with UNESCO and NGOs of Manipur.

On the inaugural day of the international conference, 17th November, there will be a “peace marathon run.” Participants will run from four corners of Manipur to converge in the Bir Tikendrajit Park, the most prominent central park in the heart of Imphal City.

Simultaneously there will be a Manipuri cultural peace march (Maha-Nagar Sankirtana), where thousands of devotees of different faiths will sing and dance in glorification of the Almighty through the city streets accompanied by one hundred eight drummers, all dressed in brightly colored costumes.

Both the marathon runners and the peace marchers will converge in the park for an ecstatic grand finale with the signing of the United Religions Initiative Charter.

Many chief dignitaries of Manipur such as the Governor, and the Ministers of the Government of Manipur, plan to sign the charter.

We will be greatly honored if devotees around the world accept our humble invitation to this Grand Inaugural Function and bless us by your kind presence so that we may continue to serve Srila Prabhupada always.

It would be best if you could make it to Imphal, Manipur around the 8th or 9th November.

You will find some useful travel information at http://welcome.to/Manimandir.

Please remember that as of 1st Oct 2000, a special Manipur Visa (costing US$30) is required for foreigners - you should send two copies of your photo and a Xerox copy of your Passport to Sriman Ajit Das by 23rd Oct 2000, c/o The Bhaktivedanta Institute, 4th Floor, Manasi Manjil Building, RC8 Raghunathpur, VIP Road, Calcutta - 700059, India. This is very important. For any clarifications or travel/hotel assistance, please call Sriman Vrajendra Kumar Das at +91-33-5509018 or email bsds@cal.vsnl.net.in with a copy to w_amarjit@hotmail.com.

I look forward to receiving all of you in Imphal, Manipur. Hare Krishna!

Yours in service of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada,
Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

Rector, University of Bhagavata Culture Int'l Director, Bhaktivedanta Institute GBC ISKCON Manipur

© CHAKRA 25-October-2000

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