Mahaprasad Govinda Dasa presents the Amharic Sri Isopanisad to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his state visit to Ethiopia,
During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Ethiopia on December 16-17, 2025, Mahaprasad Govinda had the opportunity to present BBT Africa’s new Amharic edition of Sri Īśopaniṣad, along with a translated Introduction to the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, to Prime Minister Modi. According to Mahaprasad Govinda, the gift was received warmly. Modi’s visit, the first state visit of its kind in recent years, highlighted the strengthening ties between India and Ethiopia.
The newly translated Amharic edition of Srila Prabhupada’s Sri Īśopaniṣad, produced by BBT Africa and translated by Mahaprasad Govinda Dasa, is now being distributed to Ethiopian nationals. This release follows an intensive translation and publication effort to make Srila Prabhupada’s writings accessible in Ethiopia’s working language.
Mahaprasad Govinda Dasa with embassy dignitaries at the diplomatic engagement.
Mahaprasad Govinda Dasa is fourth from the left, alongside embassy dignitaries and invited guests.
The Amharic-language Introduction to the Bhagavad-gita.
Newly published Amharic Sri Isopanisad.
Mahaprasad Govinda communicated to ISKCON News that Prime Minister Modi was “delighted” to receive the books. The Ethiopian Prime Minister greeted the devotee representatives with a warm handshake and smile. The presentation is being viewed by local devotees and BBT Africa as a practical step that may facilitate the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books within Ethiopia and as a goodwill gesture that could support broader cultural and educational exchanges. These developments align with years of ISKCON outreach in Ethiopia, including previous festivals and book distribution campaigns.
Mahaprasad Govinda has previously translated several of Srila Prabhupada’s works into Amharic and led publishing campaigns to make introductory and devotional titles available to local readers. His ongoing work in Ethiopia includes community outreach and organizing the first Ratha-yatra celebrations in Addis Ababa early this year, efforts that ISKCON in Africa has highlighted as foundational for future preaching and cultural engagement on the ground. The new Amharic Sri Īśopaniṣad is the latest addition to that program.
ISKCON devotees in Ethiopia and supporters throughout Africa welcomed this news. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Mahaprasad Govinda expressed humble thanks and prayers that the publication will assist in distribution and inspire interest in Vedic literature among Ethiopian nationals. He concluded his message with gratitude and the customary “All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.”
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