A. C. Bhaktivedanta

Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was an Indian spiritual teacher who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement. Born in Calcutta in 1896, he followed the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition and was initiated by Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, who instructed him to spread Krishna consciousness in English. In 1965, at the age of 69, Prabhupada traveled to New York City with little more than his books and a spiritual mission. Despite initial hardships, he gained followers and established ISKCON in 1966. He taught that the Absolute Truth is ultimately personal, a concept that contrasted with the impersonalism prevalent in Western interpretations of Hinduism at the time. Prabhupada translated and commented on major Vedic texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Chaitanya Charitamrita, making them accessible in English and other languages. His teachings emphasized devotional service (bhakti), chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and adhering to regulative principles. While ISKCON faced criticism and was labeled a cult in its early years, scholars and courts have recognized it as an authentic branch of Hinduism. Prabhupada's legacy includes the global spread of Krishna consciousness, the translation of significant spiritual literature, and the establishment of numerous temples and cultural centers worldwide. He passed away in Vrindavan, India, in 1977.