The book ‘Sing, Dance and Pray: The Inspirational Story of Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON’ was launched at the Kumaon Literary Festival (KLF) today in Goa. This book is written by the award-winning author and biographer, Dr. Hindol Sengupta, and published by Penguin Random House India. Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, launched the book at KLF.
Speaking about the book during the launch Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister said “Congratulations to Hindol and ISKCON that ‘Sing Dance and Pray’ has finally happened. This book will trigger an interest in the phenomenon that is Srila Prabhupada.’’
This book is meant for the contemporary audience to provide an insight into the life of Srila Prabhupada and the journey of ISKCON. Dr. Sengupta has presented the exemplary character of Srila Prabhupada by describing different circumstances in his life. The biography reflects Srila Prabhupada’s revolutionary implantation of the timeless spiritual culture of ancient India to 20th century America. He founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), known as the ‘Hare Krishna Movement’, and saw it grow into a worldwide confederation of more than 100 temples, ashrams and cultural centers. He emerged as a major figure of Western counterculture, initiating thousands of young Americans. Srila Prabhupada’s story is bound to put the reader on a path of self-realization.
The Wilbur Award winner, Dr. Hindol Sengupta said “I am thrilled that the first launch event of my 10th book on Srila Prabhupada called Sing, Dance and Pray is happening at the Kumaon literary festival in Goa. It is the perfect location to talk about a book that has changed my life in more ways than I can explain. I have always loved Goa for its promise of freedom and that spirit of freedom, that commitment of freedom lies at the heart of Srila Prabhupada’s message. Prabhupada teaches us that only the love of God can set us free. When we learn to love Krishna, we find absolute and complete freedom.”
Following the launch of the book, a panel discussion was organized where Dr. Hindol Sengupta, Author, Dr. Bibek Debroy, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Senior Vice-President of ISKCON, Bangalore, Vice-Chairman of the Akshaya Patra Foundation and Milee Aishwarya, Publisher, Penguin Random House India exchanged their thoughts on the various aspects of the book. The panel discussion enlivened the audience and made them curious about the exemplary figure that Srila Prabhupada was.
Highlighting the relevance of this book to the contemporary reader, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, said “Srila Prabhupada made many sacrifices to spread the knowledge of Krishna and bring peace, happiness and harmony. Only a few people within the ISKCON community had access to his inspirational life until now. Through this well-researched book written by Dr. Hindol Sengupta, contemporary society will get to know about Srila Prabhupada and his mission to make the whole world happy in Krishna Consciousness.”
The book has garnered fulsome and unanimous praise from all corners of the world, from erudite international scholars like Francis X. Clooney (Parkman Professor of Divinity, Harvard University), and Dr. John Stratton Hawley (Claire Tow Professor of Religion, Columbia University) to distinguished leaders like Shashi Tharoor (Politician, Author, and former International Diplomat), and Karan Singh (Politician and Philosopher).
‘Sing, Dance and Pray’ is available for order on Amazon – https://www.amazon.in/Sing-