The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Vedic Cultural Centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) today (February 24, 2013) at Pune.

Speaking on the occasion, the President deeply appreciated the contribution made by ISKCON and called upon the center to dedicate itself to the cause of humanity by spreading the message of peace, harmony, love and compassion. He described the progress and growth of ISKCON as a movement of high velocity and representative of the saying that nothing can prevent an idea whose time has come. He said that Indian culture has never spread through conquest or deprivation. Centuries ago the Indian saints called for happiness for everyone.

The President said the founder of ISKCON, Swami Prabhupada galvanized the whole world in short spam of time and established over 600 temples. He also pointed out that ISKCON provides food to over ten million children everyday. He quoted Gandhiji and said, "If one man gains spiritually, the whole world gains with him" and called upon ISKCON to continue its commendable work of spreading the message of love and compassion.