We seek to explain the chronology of events just prior to the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada and the ongoing struggle for truth by the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore to establish his transcendental will.

Srila Prabhupada clearly outlined the system of initiation or diksha in an institutional directive dated July 9th, 1977. He sent a definitive written order to all the ISKCON temple presidents and senior leaders of the movement for performing the initiation and giving diksha in ISKCON after his disappearance. He had listed eleven senior disciples to act as ritviks or representatives of the Acharya for the purpose of initiating new devotees. But after his disappearance, they disregarded his instructions and declared themselves as successor acharyas and gurus.

This disobedient act was opposed by many sincere ISKCON devotees worldwide, but they were suppressed, threatened and forced to leave ISKCON temples by these self-proclaimed acharyas and gurus. They even resorted to criminal paths at times. Over the years, many of these 'gurus in ISKCON' - not appointed by Srila Prabhupada - have deviated from the spiritual path, fallen from their position and become victims to the lowest of human weaknesses. This left their innocent disciples confused, helpless, disillusioned and angry.

In 1999, the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore led by Madhu Pandit Dasa questioned this faulty guru system in ISKCON, that has perpetrated fraud and deceit among the innocent devotees of ISKCON all over the world for over four decades. And we have been going through intensely tormenting and testing times since then. The self-proclaimed gurus who control ISKCON Mumbai have made several unsuccessful attempts to destroy the services, reputation and spirit of ISKCON Bangalore devotees.

In connection with the dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON-Mumbai, the honourable Supreme Court of India had expressed its hope that this issue can be amicably settled through talks. During the mediation, the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore agreed to every demand of ISKCON Mumbai and, in return, requested them that the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore group should be allowed to practice the system of initiation outlined by the institutional directive issued by Srila Prabhupada on July 9, 1977. This simple demand was rejected by the Bureau (Governing Body) of ISKCON-Mumbai and International GBC, proving their ill intentions.