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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a Diamond Jubilee Gala in New York City on July 31, marking six decades since His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded the Society in the city in 1966.
Held at The Glasshouse overlooking the Hudson River, the gala brought together spiritual leaders, diplomats, government officials, scholars, philanthropists, business leaders, artists, and members of the international ISKCON community to commemorate the organization’s journey from a small storefront on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to a global movement with a presence in more than 100 countries, according to an ISKCON statement.
Acclaimed actress, parliamentarian, and lifelong Krishna devotee Hema Malini attended the event as the Guest of Honor. In her address, Malini reflected on Srila Prabhupada’s vision of sharing the teachings of Lord Krishna around the world and praised ISKCON’s role in “preserving and promoting India’s spiritual and cultural heritage” over the past six decades.
“Srila Prabhupada’s contribution was so extraordinary that he introduced the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma and the profound philosophy of Hinduism to the Western world in a way that was simple, practical, and universal,” said Malini.
The Consul General of India in New York, Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, congratulated ISKCON on its Diamond Jubilee and acknowledged the Society’s contributions to promoting India’s spiritual “traditions and strengthening cultural understanding” worldwide.
“In the last 60 years, ISKCON has made significant contributions to spiritual education, youth engagement, cultural outreach, and humanitarian services, including food distribution. And it has introduced millions in the world, across the world, including in India, to the timeless wisdom of India, including Bhagavad-gita, yoga, meditation, and the values of selfless service,” said Ambassador Pradhan.
According to ISKCON, the gala also highlighted the organization’s longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and community diversity, with remarks from faith leaders and dignitaries representing a range of religious and cultural backgrounds. Speakers included Reverend Nicolas Kasarian of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Minister Chris Smith, Faith Liaison for the New York City Mayor’s Office.
“Their presence underscored a message central to Srila Prabhupada’s original vision: that the pursuit of spiritual truth and service transcends any single community, culture, or creed, and is meant to be shared with all people, everywhere,” the statement said.
The program featured addresses by ISKCON leaders and distinguished guests, followed by cultural performances that included devotional music, classical dance, and multimedia presentations depicting the life and mission of Srila Prabhupada and the global growth of the Hare Krishna movement. Guests were also served a multi-course vegetarian and vegan dinner.
“The 60th Anniversary Gala was not simply a celebration of ISKCON’s past,” said Anuttama Dasa, ISKCON’s Global Minister of Communications. “It was a celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s extraordinary vision and of the countless devotees and well-wishers who have carried that vision forward through spiritual practice, compassionate service, education, and cultural outreach. As we enter our seventh decade, we remain committed to sharing timeless spiritual wisdom that brings hope, purpose, and unity to people everywhere.”
The New York celebration marks the beginning of a year-long observance of ISKCON’s Diamond Jubilee. Anniversary events will be held in London, Los Angeles, Toronto, Nairobi, Durban, Melbourne, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other cities where ISKCON communities continue to serve through “spiritual education, cultural programmes, food relief, environmental initiatives and community outreach.”
Founded in New York City in July 1966, ISKCON has grown into one of the world’s leading Vaishnava Hindu organizations.
“Today, the movement has nearly 1,000 temples and communities across six continents, has distributed more than 600 million books and magazines in over 85 languages, operates educational institutions and sustainable community projects, and supports one of the world’s largest vegetarian food relief programmes, serving more than one million school children every day in India,” the statement said. “For sixty years, ISKCON has worked to share the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita while promoting compassion, selfless service, education and spiritual well-being.”
