Latest news with #HareKrishna
India Today
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
'Hare Krishna' chants outside KFC as ISKCON devotees protest YouTuber's video
A video of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) devotees chanting the 'Hare Krishna' mantra outside a KFC outlet has gone viral. This came after a British YouTuber, known as Cenzo, shared a clip of himself eating chicken from a KFC bucket inside Govinda's - ISKCON's popular vegetarian restaurant in London - sparking video, originally posted by Manjari Gopika - an ISCKON devotee based in London - on Instagram, has garnered over millions of views online. advertisement"In this Age of Kali, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the Holy Name of the Lord. There is no other way. No other way. No other way," she said in the caption of her video, adding, "This shows that regardless of background, caste, or past habits, including meat-eating, everyone can take shelter of the Holy Name." Take a look at the post here: Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by (@ viral clip, widely condemned, showed Cenzo deliberately eating chicken inside the restaurant and taunting Govinda's staff, despite being informed that the place follows strict vegetarian and religious dietary practices. The act, recorded as part of a prank video, drew backlash for its disregard toward Hindu sentiments and spiritual response, ISKCON devotees were seen chanting outside a KFC outlet in a peaceful demonstration, even inviting staff to join step was praised online as a 'cool and dignified' response. 'What a wonderful way to protest. Though KFC didn't do anything, the message was delivered loud and clear,' a user commented.'They come to our restaurants to harass us, and we come to uplift their consciousness. Hare Krishna,' an ISKCON follower said on X while sharing the the comments here:Facing severe backlash, Cenzo reportedly issued an apology after removing the video. 'If I had known that the restaurant was linked to the temple, I would have never filmed that prank. I stepped over the line by eating chicken in a vegan restaurant associated with the Hindu community. My actions were ill-timed and irresponsible,' he the apology video here: The incident sparked debates around cultural sensitivity, the ethics of prank content, and the responsibility that comes with a digital platform in multicultural spaces.- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Book excerpt: 'Sing, Dance, and Lead' by Hindol Sengupta
Book excerpt: 'Sing, Dance, and Lead' by Hindol Sengupta Prof. Dr. Hindol Sengupta is a celebrated historian, journalist, and author of 12 acclaimed books. A World Economic Forum young global leader, Dr. Sengupta, combines deep expertise in history, international relations, and economics. His work explores India's rise in the world and how it weaves together culture, politics, and spirituality with rare insight. In his latest book titled 'Sing, Dance, and Lead', Dr. Sengupta very carefully navigates and bridges the gap between the modern, ambitious society and age-old spiritual wisdom. He delivers a thought-provoking reflection on how spiritual values can and should shape modern leadership and decision-making. Dr. Sengupta urges his readers through this book to look at their personal and professional lives as offerings to the divine, drawing his inspiration from Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, well known as the Hare Krishna movement, which became a respected global organization. This book will clear your mind, widen your horizons, and enable you to view leadership not merely as a role but as a responsibility rooted in service and empathy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How to Trade ETH/USD Without Holding Ether IC Markets Learn More Undo What makes 'Sing, Dance, and Lead' stand out is its insistence that embracing spiritual truth does not mean it will hinder our greatest ambitions but will enhance them. Dr. Sengupta's expertise in history, faith, and economics offers a fresh perspective on how individuals can thrive even without losing their faith in the supreme power above. Here's an excerpt from the book 'Sing, Dance, and Lead' by Prof. Dr. Hindol Sengupta, published with permission from Penguin Random House. Excerpts from the book 'Sing, Dance and Lead' Chapter - Hurry, Hari Bol! Book Author - Prof (Dr.) Hindol Sengupta We often view our lives less as experiences to cherish and more as careers to pursue, a ladder to climb. The role of this book is to help turn our gaze towards eternal things and to encourage every reader to think that there are greater elevations that await them. Like how the early disciples of Srila Prabhupada promised 'the high of Krishna' to the hippies of the flower power generation to wean them away from intoxicants and towards bhakti, this book urges an understanding of peace and the purpose of God realisation. It was written to break the illusion that any talk of incorporating spirituality into what we think of as our work life is esoteric, whimsical or even impractical. With each step and chapter, this book shows that there are deeper dimensions to many of the key principles that govern institutions, their building and management, and notions of success. It seeks to highlight that embracing the higher spiritual truth takes us closer to our greatest possible achievements and dreams, and not away from them. This is because anything that is done as an offering to the Divine taps into a higher purpose and calling. The success of such a task touched by grace could attain immeasurable heights. Simply put, God can take our plans to destinations and heights that we cannot imagine, and therefore offering our endeavours as service to Him is a resonant teaching of Srila Prabhupada. One of the ways we could create space for this recognition is to schedule reflective time—time spent chanting, offering obeisance to a Deity at home, or during a visit to a shrine or temple that appeals to us. It is important to note that perhaps, we live in the first period of history where we have, in many ways, cut away all space and time for anything spiritual or meditative. In earlier generations, people usually had space and time for a temple visit, a fast associated with some ritual or an altar at home. There was a palpable sense of understanding the role of God in our lives—an act that taught us humility and a deeper realization of our position vis-a-vis the Divine. The primary tool that this book offers is the understanding that leadership is a by-product of empathy and a definite sense of self-effacement. True leaders seldom put their needs above those of the organization or people who work under their instructions. Leadership, therefore, is about cultivating a rooted conviction of service, the ability to see goals and aspirations beyond limited personal milestones and work for targets that might subsume or negate personal achievement markers. Leadership is also about understanding and explaining the idea of purpose and a fundamental sense of honesty—what needs to be done must be done with the greatest integrity. The common understanding is that certain kind of ethical and moral frameworks given to us from the world of spirituality could be critical in the way we build institutions, including those related to business. Sociologist Max Weber spoke of the 'protestant work ethic' and how its virtues, such as, hard work, honesty, relentless focus and undistracted belief helped capitalism flourish. But Srila Prabhupada's teaching goes much deeper. He is not encouraging us to seek the Divine because of mere material benefits or financial success. According to Prabhupada, that would be limited and futile. He is instead urging us to have a much deeper comprehension of what life truly is and who grants us the grace to lead a fruitful life. Prabhupada teaches that the answer lies in our own understanding that the best kind of performance in any activity, not just a job, is when that activity is conducted and presented as an offering to the highest level possible—a tribute to the Divine.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
A weekend of captivating performances awaits Durban this weekend
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, founder of the Hare Krishna movement, came to South Africa with a bold message: love of God transcends race, nationality, and social barriers. Make Me Dance This production is a spectacular tribute to A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the inspiring founder of the Hare Krishna movement. Experience a beautiful fusion of dance, poetry, music and storytelling that celebrates the message of love that knows no barriers. Where: The Playhouse Loft Theatre. When: Saturday at 12pm. Annie The KZN Young Performers Project will light up the stage with their musical production of "Annie". The much-loved Depression-era musical tells the story of Annie, played by Kaitlyn Rex, who is a little girl with big dreams, and her faithful companion, Sandy, a show-stealing golden retriever, Lucy. Directed by Daisy Spencer, the production will see Daniel Mayiza as the billionaire Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks, and his charming secretary, Grace Farrell, played by Chloe Marot. The cast comprises 120 performers, including a double cast of senior primary youngsters performing as orphans. Where: The Playhouse Opera Theatre. When: Currently on until Sunday. Show times differ, depending on the day. Upcoming show Esokuqala This play is set to make waves as it embarks on a three-stop tour across KwaZulu-Natal This production weaves together music, dance, and drama, telling the poignant story of a family of doctors caught in a spiritual conflict between traditional and contemporary belief systems. As they grapple with the ancestral powers that influence their newborn child, "Esokuqala" poses vital questions about spirituality in modern society. Featuring a 25-member cast of both established artists and emerging talent from the region, this performance promises to provoke thought and reflection on faith and family dynamics. Where: The Playhouse Drama Theatre. When: July 19 at 6pm.
Daily Mail
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Troubled Freddy Brazier heartbreakingly reveals he 'misses the bond' he had with brother Bobby amid fractious relationship with his dad Jeff
Freddy Brazier has admitted he 'misses the bond' he shared with older brother Bobby in a heartbreaking Instagram post on Monday. The Race Across The World star, 20, posted throwback videos as he reminisced about the good times he and Bobby, 22, shared during the coronavirus. One video Freddy posted saw the Brazier brothers bashing their heads against a pumpkin on a farm. He wrote: 'Only thing I miss about Covid is the amount of time I had with my brother to bond and make memories and have a laugh.' In another post, Freddy and Bobby larked around in the kitchen in a video while dad Jeff cooked dinner. Bobby, who has immersed himself in the movement at the Hare Krishna HQ, has been enjoying the religion's peaceful outlook at Soho's Hare Krishna HQ. The Mail revealed that Bobby has turned to the organisation – which follows a branch of the Hindu faith – after relations became strained between him and his father, TV presenter Jeff. So difficult did things become between the pair that Bobby moved out of Jeff's Essex home into his own Soho apartment, which is near to the Hare Krishna temple. Jeff, resident parental expert on ITV 's This Morning, had cheered on his son for all his worth every week at Strictly. He also told Strictly viewers how strong their relationship was. But in truth, communication between the two has been scant. Meanwhile Freddy's difficulties with his father were apparently heightened when he tried to deepen his relationship with his grandmother, Jade's mum Jackiey Budden. Freddy, who starred with his dad on BBC1 show Celebrity Race Across The World, currently lives with his grandmother, despite his father's objections. The 20-year-old also admitted to smoking cannabis with his grandmother. While Freddy's rebellion is public, noisy and erratic, Bobby's is the polar opposite – yet perhaps no less hurtful for his father. Friends revealed to the Mail that Bobby, although no wild child, has been just as happy to push away his relatives as Freddy. Those relatives include Jeff's wife Kate Dwyer – who both boys have had 'ups and downs' with, according to those who know the family. And while Bobby may not be trading insults with his dad publicly, like his younger brother, he is also seeking to distance himself from Jeff, who Freddy accused of being controlling. A source close to the family said: 'Bobby's always had a spiritual side, but this is intentional. It's clear he's trying to leave all the fighting and noise behind. 'Freddy's rebellion is loud – drugs, public slanging matches and legal battles about his nana – while Bobby's is quiet. But actually it's just as defiant. 'He's turning his back on the life his Dad created for them in Essex and following his own path.' Bobby's Hare Krishna practice appears to be no fad. A volunteer said: 'He's here every Saturday without fail, he joins our kitchen session, learns the prayers – this isn't a gimmick.' Freddy lost his mother Jade Goody when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer in 2009, and has since been raised by his dad Jeff. Jackiey and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years, and it was revealed earlier this year that the TV star is taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'. Mail On Sunday revealed that Freddy, who was restricted from seeing Jackiey by his dad after he filed court paperwork, spent time last month at her home in Bermondsey, after reuniting despite his father's efforts to keep his son away. Family friends say the duo remain 'extremely close,' explaining: 'Jeff was never going to keep Freddy away from his Nanny for very long – they've always had a strong bond Jeff may hate her for all sorts of reasons going back many years, but Freddy loves her very much... 'They had a great time together, playing with her dog and catching up at her flat – where he has often stayed over the years... 'Whatever Jeff hoped to achieve with his legal efforts, it hasn't worked.'
Winnipeg Free Press
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
City's first Krishna temple opens in Weston
For Greg Crowe, the opening of Winnipeg's first temple for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is like a homecoming. Raised in the Salvation Army, Crowe was christened at that denomination's Weston Community Church — now the new home for ISKCON in Winnipeg. 'It's like a coincidence, but I believe Krishna talks to me through coincidences,' said Crowe, a local high school band teacher who has been part of ISKCON, also known as the Hare Krishna movement, for about 20 years. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Dancers lead the chariot through the Maples during the chariot festival on July 5. The new temple, called Shri Hari Vaikuntha Dham, is 'like a dream come true' for him and the larger ISKCON community. 'I'm ecstatic about it,' he said. 'It will be so great to be all together in our own dedicated space.' Daniel Clark feels the same way. The local bookkeeper, who is a musician at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, has been attending ISKCON gatherings in local homes since 2009. 'There is a sense of energy in the community about the new temple,' said Clark, a musician who plays at the Unitarian church and who will also play at temple services. 'The idea brings out the best of emotions in me.' Crowe and Clark shared their thoughts about the new temple at the July 5 Ratha Yatra, or chariot festival, at the Maples Community Centre. The annual festival found about 1,000 devotees pulling a large chariot bearing local priests and images of the deities Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), Balabhadra and Subhadra through the neighbourhood. The procession was led by dancers, drummers and singers who chanted 'Hare Krishna' and the names of the deities. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS 'It will be so great to be all together in our own dedicated space,' Greg Crowe said. The festival, which also featured cultural displays, dance and food, was part of the launch of the new temple, which is located at 1390 Roy Ave. in the Weston neighbourhood. 'This is a historic moment for Manitoba,' said temple president Vishwambhara Kripa Das, noting that devotees in the city have dreamt for years of establishing a permanent spiritual centre in Winnipeg. The former Salvation Army church became available when it merged with the Weetamah Corps on Logan Ave. ISKCON's Winnipeg chapter bought the building for $850,000 in February. The new temple, which will be officially opened on August 16, will be a spiritual and cultural hub for the community, offering daily worship, youth education, food distribution, interfaith dialogue and wellness programs for all ages, Kripa Das said. It will also be a place to promote service to the community, he said, noting that Krishna consciousness is about more than chanting the name of deities. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Daniel Clark has been attending ISKCON gatherings in local homes since 2009. 'It's about living a life of purpose, service, kindness and compassion,' he said. 'We serve Krishna by serving others, and serving all of creation, every living thing.' That will include renovating the kitchen so it can be available to serve meals to the wider community, including during emergencies like the recent wildfire evacuations. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. For Jaya Kaushik, who came to Canada in 2019 as an international student, having their own temple means no longer needing to rent space for darshan — spending time in the presence of a deity to seek its blessing. Now Kaushik and others can worship whenever they want at the temple, where a priest is present every day. Vrinda Devi Dasi is ISKCON's supervisor for Canada. She is happy to see Winnipeg finally get its own temple. JOHN LONGHURST / FREE PRESS Drummers and a priest bring an image of a deity to the chariot at the July 5 festival. 'It's good to finally have that home,' she said. faith@ The Free Press is committed to covering faith in Manitoba. If you appreciate that coverage, help us do more! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more will allow us to deepen our reporting about faith in the province. Thanks! BECOME A FAITH JOURNALISM SUPPORTER John LonghurstFaith reporter John Longhurst has been writing for Winnipeg's faith pages since 2003. He also writes for Religion News Service in the U.S., and blogs about the media, marketing and communications at Making the News. Read full biography Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
