We are pleased to present the 19 March 2025 GBC Meeting Highlights Report. This report aims to provide a summary overview of the online GBC meeting, highlighting the key topics discussed.

The meeting commenced with an invocation of prayers and reading by Krishna PremaRupa Dasa from Srimad Bhagavatam, 7.15.42: Translation: The ten kinds of air acting within the body are compared to the spokes of the chariot’s wheels, and the top and bottom of the wheel itself are called religion and irreligion. The living entity in the bodily concept of life is the owner of the chariot. The Vedic mantra praṇava is the bow, the pure living entity himself is the arrow, and the target is the Supreme Being.

The following key topics were discussed:

1. Appointment of Zonal Supervisors
The appointment of Zonal Supervisors is a pending matter awaiting approval from the GBC AGM. The GBC approved the following leaders for the positions of Zonal Supervisors:
Yadunatha Dasa (BDDS), Nigeria, West Africa
Deva Deva Dasa (BCAIS), Durban, South Africa
Vraja Vilasini Devi Dasa (BCAIS), Cape Town, South Africa

2. Second Generation Gurus 
In 2024, the GBC reaffirmed Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to uphold the etiquette of not initiating in the presence of one’s diksha-guru, though historical precedents allow exceptions in special cases.
a. Revati Raman Dasa
Revati Raman Dasa, disciple of Jayapataka Swami, was approved as a diksha-guru to initiate primarily in Tirupati, India, where Jayapataka Swami will no longer be initiating.
b. Caitanya Avatari Dasa
Caitanya Avatari Dasa, disciple of Jayapataka Swami, was approved as a diksha-guru to initiate primarily in Bengaluru, India, where Jayapataka Swami will no longer initiate disciples.

3. Request for Reinstatement of Praghosa Dasa as GBC Member
The GBC EC has received sincere requests from devotees in Ireland, Scandinavia, and the UK for the reinstatement of Praghosa Dasa as a full GBC member. In a mood of service and cooperation, Praghosa Dasa has agreed to resume his duties as GBC Zonal Secretary for the three zones. The GBC has officially reinstated Praghosa Dasa as GBC Zonal Secretary for Ireland, Scandinavia, and the UK.

4. Pushpa Samadhi Resolution
As the departure of senior Vaishnavas in ISKCON becomes more prevalent, there is an increasing need for a clear statement regarding the establishment of pushpa samadhi to prevent conflicting final instructions.

The GBC has determined that effective 19 March 2025, no pushpa samadhis will be erected for any member of ISKCON in the future. Any senior Vaishnava whose followers choose to erect a samadhi may erect only one samadhi in total, subject to approval from the GBC Vaishnava Memorial Standing Committee. Additionally, every ISKCON guru is advised to include this instruction in their will.

To watch a video of the Report, click here.