I am surprised at how much I traveled in the year 2025—Chennai, Goa, Kolkata, Vrindavan, Jagannath Puri, Russia (Moscow), America (New Vrindavan), Switzerland, and Mumbai—by leaving behind my beloved Sri Mayapur Dham, where I reside.
Each journey brought its own gifts—meeting new people, visiting temples I had never seen before, and learning to take better care of my well-being.
Whatever challenges arose along the way ultimately turned into success, because I continued to share sublime knowledge through my book, A Heart Full of Gratitude, and through the most cherished books of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
When I reflect on this journey, gratitude fills my heart even more than the miles I traveled.
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On the way to Chennai, kindness beside me
In January 2025, I spent nearly three weeks in Chennai—a time I remember fondly.
For someone’s YouTube channel, aimed at enhancing online engagement and spiritual outreach, I prepared the following …..
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As I share my thoughts with you, I am in Sri Mayapur Dham—the sacred birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the most merciful incarnation of Lord Sri Krishna.
My official name is Silvia Kaderli, and my initiated name is Guru-seva Devi Dasi.
I am originally from Switzerland, but since 1994, I have been blessed to live in Mayapur, West Bengal, India, near the holy river Ganges—At the World Headquarters of ISKCON—Chandrodaya Mandir.
The name ‘Chaitanya’ Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’, fills my heart with fond memories, especially of the ISKCON temple in Chennai, where I spent some time in the month of January. When planning my trip to South India, I learned that Lord Chaitanya Himself visited Chennai during His South India tour over 500 years ago. This made my visit to the temple an absolute must.
How wonderful that the road to the temple is named after the revered founder-acharya of ISKCON!
“A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami”. Aside from road signs, it is also written on a wall, “A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Road” along with Tamil.
To witness that—made me very happy!
During my stay, I became deeply attached to the astonishing, beautiful temple and its gorgeous deities. The people of Chennai are truly blessed to have such a temple in their midst. If you haven’t visited it yet, I encourage you to do so—it will surely fill your heart with joy.
I was also fortunate to attend the delightful Kirtan Mela, ‘Madhura Mahotsava,’ while I was there. My granddaughter, Madhurika, had the honor of leading a kirtan, and she sang beautifully, chanting the Hare Krishna maha mantra and the bhajan ‘Emona Durmati’ by Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
Try to attend this inspiring festival. Start planning.
Wherever I go, I carry my book “A Heart Full of Gratitude” with me. It’s my life story. One morning, when I woke up, my heart was filled with gratitude for the good fortune of being able to practice Bhakti Yoga—the path that brings so much joy and meaning to life. This experience gave birth to the title of my book. By the Lord’s mercy, the book has been cherished by readers both young and old. It also makes a wonderful gift, especially for teens.
I hope we will meet wherever—to dance and chant together for the pleasure of the Lord!
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How deeply I relished the sweet, heartfelt exchanges with my new, caring friends in Chennai, by the grace of the Lord.
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Finally, what happened is—I missed my flight from Chennai to Goa because I mistook the departure time for the check-in time.
This is the lady who helped me get a new ticket.
This is the gentleman who was seated beside me on that (rearranged) flight.
Despite any circumstances, when we continue sharing Krishna consciousness, everything falls into place, especially when we understand who is ultimately in control. With that awareness, we remain undisturbed and taste the sweetness of transcendental bliss. Strange to say, but it is true, it was one of my highlights missing that flight! Because Krishna chooses these two particular souls to get some mercy—My luck was to be used as His instrument—despite I missed out on the direct flight, etc.
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To Goa I went for the first time in my life and stayed for 10 days. I had also sent a box of my books ahead of time. It turned out to be another great success. Many Europeans, as well as people from all over the world, either live there or visit for vacations.
A lady from the neighborhood, after purchasing my book, desired to have a Center here in South Goa to come together for chanting—she thought many people would be waiting for such gatherings. Anyways, nearly 50 books went out, the rest I gave to the ISKCON temple in Goa North for distribution, and there I was blessed with sweet devotee association and Prasadam.
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At the end of March, I spent a few days in Kolkata; simply stepping out of the hotel, the opportunity to distribute was right there. One day, I took a taxi to Ultadanga, visited Bhaktivinode Asan, and walked from there to the Scottish Church, where Srila Prabhupada once studied. Along that road, English-speaking people were rare, yet from time to time, I found opportunities to share my book. I carried Hare Krishna mantra cards in Bengali, always able to offer something. My heart felt deeply content walking the paths Srila Prabhupada must have taken. The old buildings and simple lifestyle made the experience truly special.
In the city, I met a homeless family. The boy told me he could read English, so I gave him a copy of my book. I also met many kind and thoughtful students and occasionally visited shops and a bank. This time, I experienced Kolkata in a completely different light—not just as a busy, noisy city, but as a place where you meet many kind-hearted people. I’m really starting to like it.
Next, I traveled to Vrindavan for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Krishna Balarama Mandir. To my surprise, at the Kolkata airport, I saw His Grace Jananivas Prabhu and his assistant walking toward the check-in counters—also going to Vrindavan. They had come from the Kolkata temple, and Jananivas Prabhu was adorned with a maha garland from the deities of Sri Sri Radha Govinda. Seeing me, he instantly removed the garland and kindly offered it to me. I felt this as a beautiful sign of reciprocation from Sri Sri Radha Govinda—a confirmation of Their satisfaction with the little preaching I had done in Their city. The lady at the check-in counter asked if I came from ISKCON Mayapur—she was so happy and friendly, and I just gifted her my book in reciprocation. So far, I remember I distributed two more books at the airport—one at a shop.
In the airplane during the flight, I distributed three books. To each of my neighbors. And one to a gentleman sitting a few rows behind me. We had a short chat standing on the bus to the aircraft. At that moment, I asked for his seat number and told him that I would visit him at one point. So did I, and luckily, a seat was free in the same row, only the aisle was between us. I opened my book and showed him my changing of the body picture. He said that he is an atheist. I said no problem and just continued talking about different things for maybe nearly half an hour. When I said I would be very happy if he could take one with him, with moist eyes, he agreed and paid for it. It seems he changed on the spot from an atheist to a theist.
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In Vrindavan, as a gesture of heartfelt appreciation for their lifelong service, I gifted my book to almost every Srila Prabhupada disciple present at the festival. I quickly began receiving positive feedback—some devotees even offered donations. Dina Bandhu Prabhu’s wife, Akuti Devi Dasi, approached me and said with a smile, ‘Your book kept me up late last night—well done!’
Visnunam Prabhu, a dedicated disciple of His Holiness Gopala Krishna Maharaja, served as one of the administrators for the ’50th Anniversary Announcement’ chat. Getting to know about him—his extraordinary ability to carry out vast amounts of seva, always ready to assist others, and the way he embodied Vaishnava etiquette—left a deep impression on me.
He wrote: ……. “Thank you all very much. We are grateful to all of you for making this festival most memorable and blissful for all devotees of our community in Vrindavan. We beg forgiveness for our shortcomings in serving you. You all are very loving and inspiring for all of us.”
Dear Kusha Devi Dasi, also an administrator in chat, said: “ISKCON Vrindavan extends heartfelt gratitude to all who attended the 50th Anniversary celebration of Krishna Balaram Mandir’s grand opening. We hope you enjoyed the festivities and felt the joy of spiritual association. We look forward to welcoming you back soon to get your esteemed association. This way we may all share in Srila Prabhupada’s divine blessings, especially here in Vrindavan.”
I replied: “My family and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the ‘Vrindavan Vasis’ for enabling us to experience such a beautiful and unforgettable celebration. Even the finest evening milk from Goshala was thoughtfully delivered to our doorstep. With hearts full of gratitude and eyes brimming with tears, we bid farewell to Vrindavan, hoping to return someday.”
I do not go into more detail than saying—“Being in Vrindavan felt like a brief, contented, sweet dream—for all three of us.”
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After spending a week in Vrindavana, I was not yet ready to return home. From Delhi, I traveled on to Bhubaneswar and then spent a few days in Jagannath Puri.
At the Bhubaneswar airport, I approached a gentleman from Italy, a researcher, and asked if he could kindly help me book a taxi online. He did so, and while we were waiting, we had a friendly conversation. He snapped a photo of me, added the caption ‘I just meet people,’ and I absolutely treasure it. To my surprise, he didn’t believe in reincarnation. Unfortunately, I was out of books. I still hope to reconnect.
I must admit that I go to Jagannath Puri mainly to rejuvenate myself. Bathing in the sacred waters, walking barefoot along the beach, honoring Lord Jagannatha’s maha-prasadam, and catching up on my reading—all infuse me with new life and renewed inspiration.
Most of the time, I speak with people who are also staying at the Birla Guesthouse—either in the canteen or around the reception—when they ask me, “Where are you from?” and similar questions. Then I smile and say, “Well, I already have my story written down—here is my book!”
Because I had already sent a box of my books ahead to my longstanding Swiss friend, Stavavali Devi Dasi, in Puri, I thought I should try to distribute some more. Distributing books in Puri is not the easiest task, at least not for me. Still, one morning I decided to go to the train station for a couple of hours, thinking I would find a wider variety of people there.
I met many poor people, but I never hesitated to say, ‘Just give a donation from your heart.’ And to those who wanted a book but couldn’t afford it, I simply gifted it to them, saying: ‘After you read and like it, please pass it on to your friends, schoolmates, or family members. Share it for a week or so, so others also get a chance to read—that’s your homework!’ They agreed with excitement.”
Many people were sitting around on the ground, watching me, and some came up to me with questions. It was blissful and so encouraging to see how people showed their appreciation. I wish to go again.
A gentle breeze, uplifting association—Jaya Jagannatha!
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This journey is far from over. In my next article, “Looking Back to the Year 2025 – Part Two of Five,” I look forward to sharing my travels to Russia, America, and my birthplace, Switzerland. I warmly invite you to continue walking this path with me.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare!