Meet our special guests and mentors from
around the world!
Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami, born in New York in 1965, joined the Hare Krishna movement in Ireland in 1991 after beginning to chant the Hare Krishna Mantra while performing in the Broadway musical "Hair."
Raised in an affluent family valuing education and the arts, he learned sixteen instruments by the time he entered Berklee College of Music in 1982, graduating in 1987 with a degree in Recording Engineering and Production.
Celebrating 30 years in ISKCON, he has held various roles, including ISKCON General Body Commission Deputy and Secretary of the ISKCON Kirtan Ministry, coordinated the Annual International World Holy Name Festival, and facilitated the expansion of the ISKCON Kolkata ashram.
A founding member of the Bhaktivedanta Band, he has performed globally and is now based in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, overseeing the construction of a new recording studio for ISKCON.
Her Grace Krishnarupa Mataji, a respected ISKCON devotee and Australia’s Vaishnavi Minister, connected with India’s spiritual traditions at 13. She joined Melbourne’s temple in 1972, meeting ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada during the installation of Sri Sri Radha Ballabha. Initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1974, she attended ISKCON’s first Gaura Purnima festival and served in Mayapur during ISKCON’s early years.
In Sydney, she contributed to ISKCON’s publishing, editing devotional books and key magazines like the Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha 40th and ISKCON 50th Anniversary editions. Since 2013, near New Govardhana, she has focused on empowering Vaishnavis. Appointed Women’s Minister in 2016, she developed workshops, promoted women’s representation, and addressed sensitive community issues.
Her dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission and her efforts to support devotees continue to inspire the Vaishnava community.
His Grace Gokuleshwar Prabhu is a senior ISKCON leader and Vice President of ISKCON Juhu. Before embracing monkhood, he graduated from IIT Mumbai and has since dedicated his life to spreading Krishna consciousness globally. He is known for his scholarly lectures and practical application of spiritual teachings. He has made significant contributions to youth preaching by inspiring and guiding young devotees through dynamic classes, mentorship, and outreach programs, emphasising practical spirituality and devotion in everyday life. His dedication has helped cultivate a new generation of passionate, committed practitioners in the ISKCON community.
Pavan Nitai Candra Prabhu was born in Mumbai, India and later moved to Adelaide, Australia with his family during his youth. At the age of 16, he fully dedicated his life to serving Lord Krishna by joining the temple community. His deep devotion and commitment has led him to serve in various capacities within ISKCON, including his significant role in Aindra Prabhu's 24 hour kirtan mandali in Vrindavan.
Pavan Nitai Prabhu is widely recognised for his ecstatic kirtans and deeply realised classes, which inspire devotees to cultivate a deeper connection with Krishna. His passion for preaching Krishna consciousness and his selfless service to his Guru Maharaj have earned him the love and respect of devotees worldwide. Known for his friendly, loving, and nurturing nature, he plays a pivotal role in guiding and uplifting the youth in their spiritual journey. His personal example of humility, devotion, and dedication continues to inspire countless individuals on the path of Bhakti.
HG Vrndavana Prabhu was born into an ISKCON devotee family in the USA and has thus been active in the movement for 38 years. He accepted initiation at the age of 14 from HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja, and resided in Shri Vrindavan Dham for 18 years where he had previously served as Head of 24 Hour Kirtan Department and Pujari.
He was a very close associate of HG Aindra Prabhu and served as his lead mridanga player for almost a decade. He serves as a teacher and mentor to many kirtaniyas in the movement, and travels to different parts of the world doing Kirtan and lecturing on Hari Katha. He also provides mridanga training online.
Among the first batch of GBC College students in North America, he currently serves as President of ISKCON of Inland Empire, a growing Yatra in California, USA which he has recently established.