Comment

2004

April

2003

February
June

2002

December
March
February
January

2001

December
November
September
July
May
February
January

2000

   Official Statement from Bhaktivedanta Manor regarding Gauri Das

14 July 2008

Yesterday, on 13 July 2008, Gauri Das stepped down from his position as Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor after a decision by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Central Office of Child Protection.

The decision found Gauri Das responsible for "inappropriate and excessive corporal punishment" whilst a teacher at an ISKCON affiliated school in India during the 1990s. The decision means that Gauri Das will not be able to take any position of management in ISKCON for three years, although, he can continue to serve at the Temple.

While the decision finds Gauri Das responsible for excessive corporal punishment, it also goes on to give him credit for "many positive accomplishments" while he was at the school. The Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple also recognises and appreciates the dedicated service given by Gauri Das during his six-year tenure as Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple President from 2002 to 2008.

We regret that Gauri Das will not be able to continue as an officer of our temple, but we also recognize the important need of the CPO to acknowledge problems in the care of children in the past, and to address those issues.

We are pleased that Gauri Das has indicated that he would like to meet with the former students in the hope of further reconciliation.

Board of Council Members

Bhaktivedanta Manor