10/08/2026
I was delighted to be invited by the Bannanje Govindacharya Pratishtana to take part in the 90th birth anniversary celebrations of Shri Bannanje Govindacharya, organised under the chairmanship of Prof. Mallepuram G. Venkatesh and his beloved daughter, Smt. Veena Bannanje.
It was also my honour to be in the presence of several revered spiritual leaders, including HH Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji, Sri Puthige Matha, HH Sri Vidyavallabha Teertha Swamiji, Sri Kaniyooru Matha, HH Sri Charukeerthi Bhattaraka Pattacharya Panditacharyavarya Swamiji, Sri Digambara Jain Matha, HH Sri Adrushya Kadsiddheshwar Swamiji, Sri Kaneri Matha and HH Dr. Vidyavachaspati Vishwanath Bharati Sripadaru, Sri Barkooru Maha Samsthana. I was also happy to meet Dr. Gururaj Karajagi, Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh and other dignitaries on this memorable occasion.
Shri Bannanje Govindacharya Ji was a highly respected Vaishnava scholar whose profound knowledge and contributions to Sanatana Dharma are legendary. He had a very special connection with the ISKCON movement, going back many decades, beginning with his Sanskrit training to Pradyumna Dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
We remember his support for ISKCON Bangalore, particularly on the important matter of Srila Prabhupada’s preeminent position as the sole Diksha Guru in our institution. His philosophical insights on this matter were deeply valuable to us. We would like to express our deepest gratitude for his services to our movement and the affection he shared with us.
I believe that Shri Bannanje Govindacharya Ji is eternally under the shelter of Lord Sri Krishna. I pray to the Lord that his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Hare Krishna!