Mr. Chandra Shekar Gosh offering the actual cheque to Vrajavilas Das, Mayapur Co-director, in the presence of Śrila Prabhupāda and Harilila Das, Hospital Director.
In a significant milestone for the Sri Mayapur Community Hospital project, Mr. Chandrashekar Ghosh, Founder of Bandhan Group, Kolkata, recently made a generous contribution of ₹12 crores (approximately USD 1.35 million) towards completing the hospital building. The ceremonial presentation of the donation took place on October 19, coinciding with the auspicious month of Kartik. The event was organized under the meticulous supervision of Krishna Vijay Das, General Manager, and Prema Avatar Das, Hospital Project Manager, ably guided by Vrajavilas Das, Mayapur Co-director. Mr. Ghosh was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Nilima Ghosh, his family members, Mr. Swapan and Mrs. Geetha Ghosh, and his nephew, Rudraman Ghosh. Mr. Pritish Shah of Bandhan Group also graced the occasion. The donation was the culmination of a relationship carefully nurtured by Krishna Vijay Das, who had been in dialogue with the Ghosh family and facilitated their engagement with the project.
A Spiritually Uplifting Visit
The Ghosh family arrived in Mayapur the previous day and were warmly received by Vrajavilas Das, who guided them through the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) project. The visitors were deeply moved by the grandeur and spiritual atmosphere of the site. Later that evening, they participated in the Sandhya Arati and Damodar Lamp Offering ceremony. Mr. Gosh remarked that he was amazed by the continuous stream of people coming and happily offering lamps to their Lordship, as well as the enthusiastic kirtan and the energetic dancing of devotees.
“The whole experience is so divine; everyone feels so happy, forgetting the stress of daily life,” remarked Mr. Ghosh, appreciating the devotional spirit and energy of the devotees. The evening concluded with a sumptuous prasadam meal served with love by the devotees.
Ceremonial Offering and Blessings
The following morning began early with Mangala Arati and Go Puja, after which the guests visited the hospital site. They were welcomed by Krishna Caitanya Das and a team of brahmanas with traditional Purna Kumbha rituals, followed by a Yajna performed to invoke auspiciousness. Devotees led a melodious Harinam Sankirtan throughout the ceremony.
At the appointed auspicious time, Mr. and Mrs. Ghosh ceremonially presented the Mahadanam cheque to Srila Prabhupada’s murti, seeking his blessings. The offering was accepted on behalf of Srila Prabhupada by Vrajavilas Das, co-director of the Mayapur project.
Acknowledgements and Felicitations
Following the donation, Harilila Das, Hospital Director, welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for their contribution. Jayapataka Swami joined virtually from Chennai to offer blessings in Bengali, appreciating the family’s devotion and service.
Vrajavilas Das honored the donors with a special, mega-edition of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is and a chadar from Tirupati Balaji Temple. Hrdaya Caitanya Das, GBC and Co-Director of Mayapur, highlighted the hospital project’s importance as an act of Vaishnava seva, serving the health needs of devotees and residents of the dham. He presented the guests with a scale model of the TOVP as a token of appreciation.
Words of Inspiration
In his address during the ceremony, Mr. Chandrashekar Ghosh said, “The whole of ISKCON Mayapur is like a big spiritual hospital where people can come and cure themselves of all the sufferings to experience divine happiness.” He further remarked, “Our contribution is an extension of our services to the poor and underprivileged population of this region, reflecting our commitment to improve lives. His words deeply resonated with the assembled devotees and guests, underscoring the harmony between material welfare and spiritual upliftment.
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of Krishna Vijay Das for his key role in facilitating the donation and of Prema Avatar Gauranga Das, the hospital project manager.
In his closing remarks, Harilila Das thanked the Ghosh family for their heartfelt generosity and acknowledged the efforts of the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff in advancing the project. The event concluded with a graceful Odissi dance performance by one of the hospital’s nurses, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the ceremony.
Contributions to the Sri Mayapur Community Hospital project are open to well-wishers worldwide. Donations from India, the USA, Canada, and the UK qualify for tax exemptions in their respective countries.
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