Petition Update: Child Protection protects Srila Prabhupada's Legacy
Petition Update: Protecting Srila Prabhupada’s Legacy means Protecting Children
The Mayapur Vrindavan Trust trustees will be meeting this week, and discussing, among other things, the matter of Dhanurdhar’s long-term activities at the Vrindavan MVT Guesthouse and Restaurant.
They have expressed that they are distinct and a separate organization from ISKCON. However, ISKCON is not simply a legal entity. We are an international community that cannot simply be defined and limited by property assets and boundaries, jurisdiction or legal institutions.
Just like we are not this body, but spirit soul; ISKCON is not simply the GBC, nor the legal entities and assets they manage. ISKCON is an international spiritual family of living beings. Society means people.
Let’s not get lost in legal loopholes and understand that when we visit at MVT Guesthouse and Restaurant, we are under the direct shelter of Srila Prabhupada. The legal entities Srila Prabhupada founded are there to support our communities of people; not to give us reason to disregard Child Protection values and rulings.
As a society, we cannot properly protect the children, if the history of the past is not responsibly put to rest; not simply silenced and allowed to fester.
Let the MVT be the sanctuary it is meant to be. MVT offers accommodation, residence and meals for devotees from around the world, international tourists, spiritual seekers and the public at large. Let it also be a place where Vrindavan Gurukula Veterans can return, if they choose to, without seeing their abuser, Dhanurdhar.
The generational pain he has inflicted impacts far more people than even just his hundreds of direct victims. His abuse has had a ripple affect, since those brothers are also sons, fathers and husbands. We all are all impacted! Many of us are aware of the extensive and permanent damage he has inflicted upon his victims, and our society as a whole.
Seeing him onsite, at MVT Restaurant and Guesthouse, and ISKCON Vrindavan, keeps these wounds open, and continues to impact thousands of people, as he continues to violate Child Protection rulings by his activities by leading yoga groups, speaking in programs in the residences, preaching, promoting and cultivating disciples: all actions specifically restricted by ISKCON law.
Dhanurdhar’s presence on those Vrindavan properties, the very scene of his crimes against the most vulnerable in our society, perpetuates a negative reputation that has been an open secret for over 35 years!
The only reversal of this damage can be done, by blocking this man from ISKCON Vrindavan and MVT Restaurant and Guesthouse. This is neither retribution nor any dispensation of justice. This action will simply allow us to heal and move on.
Please continue to sign, share and comment.
FYI, change.org may ask for donations. Donations go to the non-profit organization that supports this platform.
Thank you for your ongoing support for action the specific actions we have requested:
1) GBC International release an official statement responding to Dhanurdhar's application to be reinstated.
2) ISKCON Vrindavan issue a full property ban on Dhanurdhar, at the scene of his crimes.
3) MVT blocking Dhanurdhar from the public and residential facilities of MVT Guesthouse and Restaurant, upholding Child Protection rulings and values.
In service,
Krishna Devata devi dasi