Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my respectful obeisances at the dust of your feet.  As always, the annual call to write an offering to you awakens a deeper desire to fulfill your desires.  You wrote to me once, asking that I read your books and explain them in my own words.  You challenged us in your Los Angeles garden by saying, “What is the use of your being American devotees if you do not do something wonderful to spread Krishna consciousness?”

Your pure desire, which you so often fervently declared, is that America take Krishna consciousness seriously.  It was not your desire that ISKCON and its devotees be a laughing stock in America or in any other country.  You have given us a perfect philosophy with a perfect practice.  Now it is our sacred task to present this Krishna consciousness in an appropriate way that earns the respect of intelligent, reasonable people in America and throughout the world.  We beg you to make us your pure instruments as we proceed in this most important mission.

Your servant,
Hridayananda das Goswami
September 1, 2002