Devotees in Vancouver perform the story of Indra cursed to be a pig.

Radha Damodar Dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, has been a dedicated servant of ISKCON for over five decades. His journey within the Krishna Consciousness movement includes the significant effort of preserving 1,684 play scripts, which are not just text on a page but a living part of our cultural heritage. They have long been an essential tool for preaching as well as providing devotional entertainment within the community.

Radha Damodar’s involvement with ISKCON began in the early 1970s when he first encountered Srila Prabhupada and the teachings of Krishna Consciousness. “I was immediately drawn to the depth of the philosophy and the beauty of the culture,” he recalled. His early years were marked by a commitment to serving and spreading Krishna Consciousness, which led to his lifelong dedication to preserving the movement’s cultural expressions.

A key milestone in Radha Damodar’s journey was his participation in directing and performing devotional plays and puppet shows. These plays depicted the pastimes of Lord Krishna, Lord Caitanya, Lord Ramachandra, and the heroes of the Mahabharata and Vedic culture, serving as both a method of preaching and a form of entertainment. “We used to perform these plays every Sunday and at festivals. The devotees had Krsna Conscious fun, and the plays engaged the grateful guests and made the teachings of Krishna Consciousness dear to their hearts,” he said.

Over time, Radha Damodar noticed that the scripts for these plays needed to be recovered and remembered. Recognizing their cultural importance, he took on the responsibility of preserving as many as possible. “I feel it is important to preserve these works for current and future generations. I have developed long, short, and simplified versions for one to three actors,” he explained, “as well as many short, humorous plays based on Srila Prabhupada’s analogies, which we used to perform on street corners or at preaching engagements.” His efforts have resulted in 1,684 play scripts, ensuring the continuity of this artistic tradition within ISKCON.

Radha Damodar’s work has had a notable impact on the ISKCON community. The preserved scripts are now used in temples worldwide, allowing devotees to continue performing these plays. “It’s rewarding to see younger devotees engaging with these scripts and performing them,” he said. For him, these plays are a way to deepen one’s connection to Krishna and share the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad
Bhagavatam.

Looking ahead, Radha Damodar needs help digitizing the entire collection to make it accessible to devotees globally. “The goal is to preserve these works for the future and make them available to anyone interested,” he explained. He also encourages more devotees to participate in the arts, recognizing their value as tools for preaching and spiritual growth.

Radha Damodar’s efforts to preserve ISKCON’s cultural heritage help to ensure that the tradition of devotional drama continues. His dedication provides a valuable resource for future generations, contributing to the movement’s artistic and spiritual legacy. “It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way,” he reflected.

Radha Damodar is eager to share his contributions freely and support those who wish to use drama as a medium for spreading Krishna Consciousness. If you are interested in exploring these plays, collaborating on future projects, or learning more about his work, please email Radha Damodar Dasa here or here.