GBC AGM HIGHLIGHTS REPORT
15 February 2025
Day 2
The meeting began with Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja prayers, followed by a reading by Bhakti Caitanya Swami from a letter by Srila Prabhupada to Rupanuga Dasa on 3 May, 1972.
The following key topics were discussed:
1. Constitution
The Constitution Committee presented Draft V of the Constitution to the GBC, with Devakinandan Dasa (ISKCON General Counsel) representing the Committee. He emphasized the importance and benefits of having a formal Constitution for ISKCON.
The ISKCON Constitution provides a unified framework for governing the diverse membership and activities of ISKCON, ensuring the consistent application of rules. It clarifies the rights, obligations, and authority of ISKCON’s constituents while defining the foundational principles upon which its laws are based. It also outlines ISKCON’s core tenets and governance principles, offering both members and the public clear guidance.
The text of the seven appendices of the Constitution consists of 11,220 words, of which 7,922 words (70.6%) are directly derived from the words of Srila Prabhupada. This makes the Constitution Prabhupadatmaka — it is not merely a document that acknowledges Srila Prabhupada as the center of ISKCON but demonstrates this by ensuring that his spoken word (vani) permeates the entire document.
The Committee actively sought feedback from the GBC body, SABHA, Deputies, and other ISKCON leaders, working diligently to incorporate their comments and refine the Constitution.
The Constitution can be amended by a ⅔ vote of the GBC, and remains a 'living document'—flexible and subject to updates as needed. At this stage, ratification of the Constitution was crucial to progress with this evolving document.
There were several comments from GBC members on the draft constitution that need further amendments to the draft. The ratification could not be concluded and the Committee has requested additional time during the ongoing meetings for further deliberation on this by GBC members.
2. Proposals Review
Members in attendance engaged in detailed discussion for each of the following proposal and cast their straw votes:
a. GBC Retirement Age
b. Strengthening the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust
c. Process in Management Change
There was straw voting on the proposals. The proposals will be amended based on the inputs of GBC members and presented for final vote.
3. GBC Nomination Committee
Radha Krishna Dasa, Chair of the Nomination Committee, presented an overview of the GBC Nomination Process, which consists of six key phases:
a. Identification of Applicants - Identify the applicant and appoint appraisers
b. Application Process - Fill application form and collect relevant data
c. Assessment – This includes structured interviews, candidate ratings, and identification of training needs
d. Mentoring – Involves training, service mentoring, and zone analysis.
e. Appraisal - Review of the competencies
f. Appointment – Final appointment made through GBC voting
Throughout each phase, the Nomination Committee evaluates candidates' qualifications. The process also includes the reinstatement of positions such as Assistant GBC and Acting GBC. There are six nominations currently under review, and the GBC will finalize and approve them accordingly.
As part of GBC appointments, Krishna Premarupa Dasa was appointed as Assistant GBC for Germanic Speaking Area. Mathuresh Dasa was appointed as Assistant GBC for Andean Area.
- Issued by ISKCON Communications