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16 JUNE 03, 2022

Bollywood Legend Hema Malini Supports ISKCON Naperville

Hema Malini being guided through the new temple by Premananda Devi Dasi. Photo by Tarin Butterfield Hema Malini addressing the crowd after she unveiled the signage. Photo by Tarin Butterfield

Acyuta-Bhava Dasa & Tarin Butterfield

Chicago, IL
ay 15th, 2022 marked an
important time in history
Mfor ISKCON Naperville;
a special fundraising dinner for the
construction of the new temple, ISK-
CON Radha Shyamasundar. With
any big endeavor, comes a big price.
However, nothing is too big nor too
intimidating for the devotees of ISK-
CON Naperville.
The fundraising event was held
at Ashyana Banquet Hall. The large Hema Malini with ISKCON communications director Anuttama Dasa Chicago’s Award-winning Veena artiste
banquet room was filled with prom-
ise and excitement, as all who attend- ment. She explained, “I was offered
ed were eager for the completion some other places, but I refused. I said
of this important project. Temple I am not interested in being a politi-
President Premananda Devi Dasi cian or Member of Parliament from
addressed the crowd of over 500 by anywhere. If it is given to me, Matu-
reminding them what brought them ra, then I am interested because it is
all together: “Why build this temple? Krishna’s place and I am connected to
When Srila Prabhupada founded this Krishna. I want to serve there, not as a
institution, he listed seven purposes politician, but you have to be politically
of ISKCON”. She then reiterated connected so you are able to do a lot
Srila Prabhupada’s fifth stated pur- of work with the help of our govern-
pose: “To erect for the members, and ment.” In addition, she has also been
for society at large, a holy place of helping clean up the Ganga and Yamu- People listening to Hema Malini at the event. Photo by Suresh Bodiwala
transcendental pastimes, dedicated na rivers apart from supporting many
to the personality of Krishna.” more important projects in the region. have been working tirelessly to sup- and most importantly, Sri Sri Radha
What made this year’s fundrais- Also in attendance was ISKCON port Prabhupada’s mission. “The Shyamasundara. This temple will not
ing event exceedingly more memo- communications director Anuttama world is looking for that type of lead- only be a place of worship, but a pillar
rable, was the attendance of famed Dasa and his wife, Rukmini Devi ership. By building the temple that for the community and people of all
Member of Indian Parliament and Dasi. Their presence was a gift and in- you’re all contributing to, it actually faiths. With the help of generous do-
esteemed Bollywood actress, Hema spirational to many. Anuttama Dasa becomes a place where we can come nors and hardworking devotees, tem-
Malini. She began her career as a stated to the audience: “...This is the together and we can show our appre- ple construction is scheduled to con-
bharatanatyam dancer. Hema Malini purpose of this ISKCON society; to ciation for Krishna; for all our gifts. clude in the upcoming winter. Hema
was able to land her first film role as a help us. How do I get the envy out of We also can come together and say, Malini expressed her great fortune to
dancer in 1963 and starred in over 200 my heart? How do I get the anger out ‘Lord, I want to be a force for good have been present at the unveiling of
movies throughout her career. of my heart? How do I get the greed in the world,’” said Annutama Dasa. the temple signage by stating, “It was
She became a devotee of Krishna out of my heart? So that I can become The three-story temple will in- so wonderful to be there, it just felt
after she was introduced to the holy a force for change, for the better – and clude a commercial kitchen, snack like I’m still in Vrindavan because of
place of Vrindavan, where she would how can we do that as a community?” bar, classrooms, a playground, yoga the same atmosphere.”
later serve as a Member of Parlia- ISKCON Naperville devotees studio, multipurpose hall, gift shop – --Asian Media USA

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