oldchakra.com

The First Devotees in England
by Bhaktimarga Swami, New Remuna Dhama, Toronto

Dear Vyenkata Bhatta Prabhu,

Please accept my humble respects All glories to Srila Prabhupada,

Thank you for your well-composed and concise write-up on George Harrison’s great accomplishments. In fact I read it to our community in Toronto at a tribute we held in his honour.

There is one small concern I had regarding the history of devotees who first set out from North America to London where they met. You mentioned: "George’s path crossed with Gurudasa Prabhu, Syamasundara Prabhu, Mukunda Prabhu (now Maharaja), and the other young devotees sent by Srila Prabhupada."

To my knowledge, I understood that Srila Prabhupada sent three couples to the U.K. There was no mention of the female spiritual daughters of Srila Prabhupada in the explanation, namely Yamuna Devi, Malati Devi, and Janaki Devi Prabhus. This oversight might be perceived as disrespectful to the female members of our society when we are all attempting very hard to build that good old family spirit of the early days. It certainly struck me as discrediting the deserving.

Right now I’m looking at a picture of George, with kartals in hand, sitting next to Yamuna Devi, who is playing on harmonium. Please correct me if I am wrong about this information but such details appear to be important.

Again thank you for the article.

Your servant
Bhaktimarga Swami

© CHAKRA 7 December 2001