Ukraine Sankirtana Wins the War
This year the Prabhupada December Marathon in Ukraine was quite unusual with people really damaged by the news of the war on the eastern side of the country. There were various series of drafts of many thousands to the army, there was mourning for war victims and acts of terrorism. It was doubly unusual, because due to the war the whole country suffered from heavy depression with the local currency rate falling against dollar from 8 to 22. People complained about the lack of money and unemployment. Besides that, due to the political situation, sankirtan devotees lost Crimea and East of Ukraine as a ksetra for book distribution.
Still, when I saw the world sankirtan scores for the marathon I could not beleive my eyes. Ukraine was No. 5 in the world with 52,897 book points! We never expected that.
In my attempts to find material proof for the success I tried to examine, and I found some arguments like 565 devotees participating in the marathon, but this so-called argument in itself also contradicts logic. How is it possible that so many devotees took part in the marathon in a country where so many devotees are displaced, had to flee from dangerous areas, have had their homes destroyed, lives disturbed? They lost jobs and businesses, and many lost pensions. Ultimately it became clear that Srila Prabhupada's and Lord Caitanya's causless mercy has to be counted as the most powerful argument and cause in evaluating results.
As our saying goes, there are no atheists in trenches. People around (and we ourselves) are becoming more receptive and serious in situations like war. What would we do, where would we find a shelter in a world which is always burning in a war of passion and ignorance if not Srila Prabhupada and his always relevant books?
Using this opportunity, we want to express our deep grattitude to the international community of ISKCON for prayers, support and encouragement in this mission.
Your servant,
Acyuta Priya Dasa
