Dear Petitioners,
Important developments have occurred since the last update. The most significant of which, is that YOUR VOICES MATTERS & MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Due to the public pressure and exposure caused by this petition, the International GBC (Governing Body Commission of ISKCON) asked Dhanurdhar Swami to rescind his request to be reinstated into ISKCON, stating that due to developments (meaning our activism) this is not the best time to consider it.
Many have shared the news of Dhanurdhar’s rescinded request on social media as a victory. However, my Gurukula brothers have been fighting for over 30 years to have the GBC do the right thing and not allow persons with a history of severe child maltreatment to be allowed to serve in positions of leadership, trust, authority, guru, sannyasi or preacher in ISKCON. This is also our home, and we don’t want such persons representing our society. They/we have had to remain continuously vigilant about this, as the GBC may approve his reinstatement when we are not paying attention, or public pressure has quieted.
At the time of the Child Protection rulings and restrictions against Dhanurdhar in 2007, the International GBC actually issued a letter of apology to him! They have never made a definitive statement to demonstrate their stand and commitment against Dhanurdhar’s extensive horrific, documented child abuse. It is progress to see the recent statement against Dhanurdhar’s reinstatement from the North American GBC.
Child Protection rulings and restrictions from 2007 clearly state that he should not hold any positions of authority, leadership, speaking, initiating or being in proximity of children or those he has harmed. The restrictions do allow him to enter the temple itself for the purpose of Darshan with the Deities.
At the time of Dhanurdar’s resignation from ISKCON in 2006 (as he anticipated the official ruling against him), he wrote, “I plan to live a simple, repentant life, where I hope my presence will not disturb others”.
However, Dhanurdhar continues to use MVT (Mayapur Vrindavan Trust) Vrindavan facilities for the primary purpose of leading groups, cultivate followers and disciples, lead discourse and kirtan; using the property to garner credibility, retreat income, and the appearance of being an ISKCON sannyasi. MVT Guesthouse and Restaurant is open to the public, including children; it is not a place of worship. His presence is definitely disturbing.
International GBC and ISKCON leadership is currently meeting in Mayapur, and the MVT Trustees will meet soon after to discuss these matters. Our petition has made this an important agenda item that will no longer be silenced.
We are asking for 4 specific actions:
1) A definitive public statement upholding all previous Child Protection rulings and policy preventing a known child abuser to be a guru in ISKCON, with no invitation to reapply for such standing at a later date.
2) A full property ban at ISKCON Vrindavan, as this is the very scene of Dhanurdhar's crimes, and an international pilgrimage location that we want to keep safe and free of such a reputation.
3) Compliance of all previous Child Protection rulings and policy at MVT Vrindavan, and further restrictions held in place at ISKCON Vrindavan, the scene of his crimes.
4) A definitive public statement from the MVT Trustees, assuring our international community, his Gurukula victims, and members of the general public that they will not unexpectedly cross paths with Dhanurdhar in their facilities.
It is likely that we may not have fulfillment of these points for another few weeks, as this discussion moves through their systems of organizational government. However, I continue to encourage you to remain informed, continue to sign and share this petition to maintain public pressure and awareness to see this matter come to responsible and righteous conclusion.
In service,
Krishna Devata devi dasi