Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, Congresswoman, and Democratic Presidential Candidate visited, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Boston temple on Sunday March 24, 2019 at 7:00pm amid hundreds of devotees and Sunday school children.

The Sunday program of the ISKCON temple started at 5:00pm with a lecture on the significance of birth of Chaitanya Prabhuji and Sankirtan movement. This was followed by Arati at 6:00pm and singing Sankirtan by Radha Mataji. Sunday school children presented a cultural program on the birth and childhood pastime activities of Chaitanya Prabhuji very elegantly and excellently, which was enjoyed very much by all the devotees. Radha Mataji, the Master of Ceremony thanked all the children and the teachers namely Krishna Mataji, Neema Mataji, and Democracy Mataji for their time and dedication in putting this play together and presenting it very nicely in front of the devotees.

Smt. Tulsi Gabbard came in at 7:30pm with Vrindavan Bellord (sister), Abraham Williams (husband), AJ White (camera assistant), and Shri Sunil Khemaney who made her visit to the temple possible. Vanamali Prabhuji, the president, PyariMohan Prabhuji, the secretary of the temple, and his wife Jeevan Mataji welcomed them warmly by offering them the fresh flower garlands and chanting of Shree Krishna slogans.

Radha Mataji in her introductory note said that Smt. Tulsi Gabbard is an American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Hawaii's 2nd congressional district since 2013. Following her election in 2012, she became the first Samoan American and the first Hindu member of the United States Congress and the member of Democratic Party. She further stated that Smt. Tulsi Gabbard describes herself as a “Vaishnava Hindu” and a true devotee of Lord Krishna. In 2013, she was the first Congresswoman to swear in using the Bhagavad-Gita.

Smt. Tulsi in her brief addressing note said that the teachings of Bhagavad-Gita have inspired her to strive to be a servant-leader, dedicating her life in the service of others and to the country. For her, Gita has been a tremendous source of inner peace and strength through many tough challenges in her life, including being in the midst of death and turmoil while serving the country in the Middle East. She also enjoys sending out her annual Janmashtami and Diwali greetings to every Hindu with a note about the importance of spiritual values in our lives.  Smt. Tulsi not only actively participated in the singing program but also, she sang several Krishna Bhajans with all the devotes with utmost devotion and religious fervor. Radha Mataji thanked Smt. Tulsi and her team for visiting to the historic place-ISKCON Boston and Vanamali Prabhuji presented the picture of Lord Krishna and Radha Ma with the temple team made sweet boxes as a token of appreciation.

At 8:30pm, temple served very delicious Prasadam to all the devotees with great love and friendliness. Dedicated volunteers placed tables and helped the elderly and children with Prasadam plates.

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