The ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission’s Executive Committee released an announcement earlier revealing the tragic news of His Holiness age Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj’s passing
The announcement of the committee reads, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, one of the senior disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-Acharya of ISKCON.”
Who is Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj as ISKCON GBC passed away, death reason, biography, age and education
Guru Maharaj Left us😞🙏🏻This pain shall never go away🙏🏻#GOPALKRISHNAGOSWAMIMAHARAJ
HIS HOLINESS GOPAL KRISHNA GOSWAMI MAHARAJ KI JAY🙏🏻@GKGmedia @iskcondelhi@ISKCONKathwada@ISKCON_Dwarka pic.twitter.com/dy6QUXCiN8— Chandni marwadi (@Chandni_Sargara) May 5, 2024
It further added, “He departed this world on Sunday at 9:20 am IST, surrounded by devoted followers chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.” He is said to have died due to age related ailements.
PM Modi Express Condolences
After learning the disheartening news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the passing of ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner (GBC) Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja.
He noted that Maharaj’s teachings centered on devotion, kindness, and service to others. The Prime Minister remarked on Maharaj’s significant role in expanding ISKCON’s community service, particularly in education, healthcare, and assisting the needy.
PM Modi took to X/Twitter and expressed, “Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was a revered spiritual icon, globally respected for his unwavering devotion to Bhagwan Shri Krishna and his tireless service through ISKCON.”
About Gopal Krishna Goswami
For the unfamiliar, born on Annada Ekadashi, August 14, 1944, in New Delhi, Maharaj’s birth name was retained after his Harinama initiation by Srila Prabhupada.
He pursued his education at the University of Delhi and later furthered his studies abroad, earning a scholarship to study Business Management at the Sorbonne in Paris and later obtaining an MBA from McGill University in Montreal.
Age 79 Maharaj’s journey to spirituality began early in life, as he explored various paths and attended spiritual discourses.
When he met Srila Prabhupada, he understood the unique bond between a guru and a disciple, which deepened as Srila Prabhupada guided him through letters and direct mentorship.
Maharaj was appointed as the General Body Commissioner (GBC) of India by Srila Prabhupada in 1975 and was entrusted with the responsibility of expanding book distribution in India.
He fulfilled this role with dedication and faith, transforming India into a major center for ISKCON’s book distribution. Maharaj was a foundational figure within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), dedicating his life to the mission of his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
His journey In ISKCON began even before he met Srila Prabhupada in Montreal in 1968 when he was tasked with preparing Srila Prabhupada’s rooms for his arrival. This early service set the tone for a lifetime of dedication to keeping Srila Prabhupada’s legacy alive.
Earlier, the health care team of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami penned a statement revealing that “Maharaj will travel to Delhi, and then to Sri Vrindavan Dhama. Further details will follow. We request devotees not to rush to Dehradun at this time.”
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