Our Founders

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896–1977) was a renowned spiritual teacher and founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Dedicated to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna as presented in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, he traveled worldwide in his later years, inspiring millions through his books, lectures, and personal example. His mission emphasized devotion (bhakti) to God through chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, living a life of simplicity and purity, and sharing spiritual knowledge for the upliftment of all humanity.

Bhakti Charu Swami (1945-2020) was a beloved spiritual leader, teacher, and disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, renowned for his wisdom, humility, and deep devotion to Krishna. A prominent figure within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), he dedicated his life to spreading Srila Prabhupada’s teachings through lectures, books, film, and service projects worldwide. In 2018, he founded the Veda Foundation Cow Sanctuary in Florida as a living expression of Vedic values—promoting simple living, compassion for all beings, and the protection of cows as central to a spiritual and sustainable way of life.