The Hindu Council UK is shocked and saddened that “The Bhagavad Gita as it is” (written by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), is facing a legal ban across Russia and being included in the Justice Ministry’s list of banned extremist literature.
The Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) is renowned as one of the holiest Hindu scriptures for Hindus all over the World and is a unique book for all ages. It is a book that comes under the category of Prasthanatraya, the authoritative books of the Hindu religion. The Bhagavad Gita is the Immortal Song of the Soul, which bespeaks the glory of life. The instructions that are inculcated by Lord Krishna are for the whole world. The Bhagavad Gita is a celestial song to humanity for their daily conduct in life, spiritual uplift and self-realisation.
“Bhagavad Gita as it is” is translated in more than 80 languages. Over 100 million copies of this book has been distributed to date all over the world! Millions of people in the world today consider it as the main book in their life.
The Hindu Council UK demands that the religious freedom of Hindus living in Russia should not be compromised and urges the courts to stop the banning of our sacred and holy scripture! – These absurd allegations that it preached hatred of other religious beliefs offend the religious sentiments of all the followers of Hinduism and bring disgrace to the country of Russia.
Anil Bhanot OBE said that “Mahatma Gandhi used to say that whenever he was despondent in his fight against injustices he used to turn to the Bhagavad Gita and whichever page he opened it gave him solace and courage to continue his non-violent struggle. It is a shame that a country like Russia today lives the dark days of suppression of the freedoms that the Bhagavad Gita stands for, as the supreme and eternal song celestial.”
Umesh Chander Sharma
Chairman
Hindu Council UK