ISKCON Can Help Make Skill Development People-Centric, Says Maharashtra Governor

C.P. Radhakrishnan Lauds ISKCON’s Ethical Work, Suggests Partnership With Government Programs

MUMBAI, July 18, 2025 — Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan has emphasized that government-led skill development schemes should not remain limited to technical training, but evolve into holistic, personality-building and society-focused programs. He suggested that collaborations with value-driven institutions like ISKCON can help in achieving this transformation.

The Governor made this statement during his visit to the ISKCON temple at Girgaon Chowpatty, where he also inaugurated the newly established Govindas Sattvik Restaurant. Present at the event were Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, ISKCON President Gauranga Das, NSE MD & CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan, and several senior dignitaries.

Radhakrishnan recalled his spiritual journey and appreciation for Indian culture. “Since meeting ISKCON in 2000, I embraced vegetarianism. Our nation’s spiritual traditions are unique and non-aggressive,” he said.

He praised ISKCON’s global impact — 1,300 temples, 110 restaurants, and 65 farming communities worldwide — and specifically highlighted its massive Food for Life initiative, which has served over 3.8 billion free meals globally. “Their partnership in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has ensured nutritious food for more than 4 million children,” he noted, while also appreciating central government schemes like Eat Right India, Poshan Abhiyan, and the millet-focused Shri Ann campaign.

Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said ISKCON was not just a religious site but a moral compass. Gauranga Das briefed the Governor on ISKCON’s skill development initiatives and their collaboration with NSDC on Sattvik culinary training.