Hare Khrishma promotes multi ethnic

Source : Kutlwano

Author : Idah Basimane

Location : Gaborone

Event : Interview

In a bid to foster cultural diversity and societal harmony, the Hare Krishna organisation emphasises the importance of unity rooted in the belief that God is one.
Established in America by Bhaktivedanta Swami in July 1966, the organisation is dedicated to promoting the idea that all souls are part of the divine, transcending ethnicity and culture.
Krishna, a central deity in Hinduism, embodies compassion, wisdom, love, and righteousness. While Hinduism worships numerous gods, ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness)  also known as Hare Krishna  focuses specifically on Krishna as the Supreme Being, emphasizing devotional practices to cultivate spiritual awareness.
The movement’s presence in Botswana began in 1996, nearly three decades after its founding in the United States, aiming to unite diverse communities through the knowledge of Krishna.
Today, ISKCON operates over 162 centers worldwide, with a mission to educate and elevate humanity through spiritual practices that promote peace and understanding.
According to Devaki Nandan Das Zonal, ISKCON Botswana’s supervisor, the organisation distinguishes itself from Hinduism and other faiths by emphasising the spiritual essence of the soul, which belongs to God.
 “We do not call ourselves Hindus, Muslims, or Christians because faith can change, but the soul is always part of God,” he explained.
He also highlighted that the organisation was formed partly in response to global issues such as violence, catastrophes, and social conflicts like gender-based violence (GBV).
“Our true place is the kingdom of God. We are here to be conscious of God, not just our bodies,” he added.
Devaki Nandan Das emphasised that society often seeks divine intervention only in times of need. He urged people to approach God unconditionally, with genuine service rather than only when in distress.
Highlighting the organisation’s core message, he pointed out that violence and discrimination, such as racial conflicts are unnecessary, as all humans are created equal by divine design.
“Food has the power to bring people together,” he noted.
The organisation advocates for vegetarianism to oppose violence toward animals, requiring members to adhere to vows that include abstaining from meat, fish, eggs, alcohol, illicit sex, and gambling before becoming full members.
During a recent food festival, ISKCON leaders showcased “blessed food,” believed to purify consciousness, as explained by Atual Krishna Das, President of ISKCON Noida in India.
Festival attendees expressed their admiration for the event’s cultural diversity.
Zimbabwean participant Tanaka Sadza, aged 23, described the festival as “refreshing,” noting how it fosters cultural exploration.
Kenyan Onolina Kirangu shared that the aroma of yoga, mantras, and salads motivated her to participate and highlighted the festival’s emphasis on community living beyond mere food.
Ugandan medical Doctor Benson Uguto observed that such events promote cultural unity through shared love and passion for food.