Srutidharma Das
5th July 1958 – 10th March 2020
Srutidharma Das gave his life selflessly and wholeheartedly in the service of Srila Prabhupada and Radha Gokulananda. For forty years he was a major pillar of the activities and achievements of Bhaktivedanta Manor, a genuinely warm and affectionate brother and spiritual teacher to thousands, and a sadhu who united all in service to Krishna, the Lord of his life.
About
Srutidharma Das, the beloved son of Raojibhai and Dhanlaxmi Patel, and younger brother to Mukesh, was born in Jinja, Uganda in 1958. As a twelve-year-old boy he made the journey to London with his family and grew up in Wembley.
Around the same time, the early devotees of Krishna came from America and eventually started a temple at 7, Bury Place near the British Museum. It was there, at age 19, that the young Shailesh Patel met Srila Prabhupada and became very impressed with his words and mission.
After graduating in biochemistry, Srutidharma was engaged in heart research. Some months later, he took part in the Mahabharata Youth Club, an initiative for the young people of Harrow, Wembley and Southall started by Akhandadhi Das of Bhaktivedanta Manor. Along with two friends he became an enthusiastic member of the youth club, taking part in energetic kirtans and plays. After Akhandadhi Das persuaded them to join the temple in 1980, the three friends became the first of many young devotees to become sadhus from the local community, much to the surprise of their families. The two friends eventually became Pranabandhu Das and HH Atmanivedana Swami.
Srutidharma quickly became an indispensable member of the outreach team and visited thousands of families in London over the next decade. He was known for his ability to present Krishna in an attractive manner and always had the right story or scripture verse for any occasion. He sang, acted in dramas, gave speeches to crowds great and small, conducted samskaras, and raised funds. No task was too big and no service too menial for him, and he turned his hand to a remarkable variety of initiatives and projects with enthusiasm and determination. In doing all this, he was always a charming gentleman to those he met, and a genuine sadhu. His skills and affectionate dealings with others impressed a generation of worshippers at the Manor, and when Srutidharma asked them to help Srila Prabhupada’s mission they would often accept the invitation, becoming donors, life members, ‘sevaks’ and patrons.
When Bhaktivedanta Manor was beset on all sides with challenges to its very existence, Srutidharma proved indispensable to the campaign to keep the temple open. Whether through a sponsored walk in 1989, fund-raising dinners, meeting members of Parliament and Hindu leaders, Srutidharma coordinated the campaign through various community networks. He spent months at the end of 1993 and early 1994 touring the country to request all Hindu groups to unite to demonstrate their concern and to fight the proposed temple closure. Eventually, his energetic campaigning and urgent request that each town send a coach or two to London brought 36,000 people onto the streets before the Houses of Parliament.
After the grand victory in 1996, Srutidharma and Pranabandhu jointly formed the Bhaktivedanta Manor Foundation (BMF). Two years later, in the Spring of 1998, Srutidharma was married to Sri Radhika Dasi. They shortly became the proud parents of a son, Nitai.
As a priest, chaplain to the Mayor of Harrow, interfaith leader and religious minister, Srutidharma was also involved in publishing. He became the head of publications and conceived, designed and edited a series of publications for the Manor, including paperback books, magazines, guides, leaflets, calendars, websites, and the famous Janmashtami Souvenir Book.
Srutidharma Das formally became the president of Bhaktivedanta Manor on the 18th of July 2010. Over the last ten years, and until only months before his passing, he continually expanded his range of relationships to include chaplaincy, visits to schools and businesses, sankirtan street processions, visiting members of Parliament, conducting corporate events, informal house gatherings and larger spiritual retreats. He was interviewed by newspapers, radio and television. He offered kind hospitality to visiting leaders of all religious groups and encouraged the congregation and volunteers in their spiritual lives. He met many dignitaries including chief rabbis, archbishops, two Prime Ministers, members of the royal family and Her Majesty the Queen.
Srutidharma Das gave his life selflessly and wholeheartedly in the service of Srila Prabhupada and Radha Gokulananda. For forty years he was a major pillar of the activities and achievements of Bhaktivedanta Manor, a genuinely warm and affectionate brother and spiritual teacher to thousands, and a sadhu who united all in service to Krishna, the Lord of his life.
By: Kripamoya Das
Gallery
Srutidharma Prabhu meets dignitaries
Srutidharma prabhu was my guru, my guide, my mentor, my therapist, and my boss.
In many ways I always felt that Sruti Dharma prabhu and Bhaktivedanta Manor were non-different. That was because he was such an integral part of it. Now we are within these new walls of the Haveli and we should unite in his memory and bring to here what he brought to the Manor: A strong sense of community centred around Lord Krishna. My wife, who was one of his PAs, said she felt that the best way to observe the life of Sruti Dharma prabhu is to follow his example: Be humble and a friend to all. He was able… Read more »
A Spiritual Giant ——————————- Though small in stature, Srutidharma Das was a spiritual giant. He built communities, mentored hundreds of individuals, delivered inspired spiritual teachings, and, in the process, sacrificed all comfort without a second thought. He held back nothing, and it was my great fortune to witness this on a day-to-day basis for nearly two decades. He never changed – his dedication, devotion and unbreakable determination were entrenched within his entire being. Srutidharma lived with the vision of eternity. Though he never verbalised his full realisation to me, I observed how he exuded an aloofness from the world, realising… Read more »
My thoughts about my very dear friend Sruti (he told me that I could call him that), my friendship and love for him was very special. I first met him in 2008 when I was invited to one of the big festivals at the Manor, I was the Mayor of Hertsmere that year and from that day on I had a friendship that was most extraordinary in my life as felt that as soon as we met. He came to my house on three occasions with many other friends from the Manor and Radhanath Swami came to talk about the… Read more »
Srutidharma Prabhu spoke about Krishna consciousness in hundreds of places and he transformed the lives of thousands of people, including so many of us here today. He is and will remain one of the priceless gems of Bhaktivedanta Manor; his example of selfless and tireless service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission is our beacon, our guiding light. Krishna is very kind that He gave us Srutidharma Prabhu’s association. Krishna is also fully independent—He can do whatever He likes—and He has now chosen to break that association. We can take solace in knowing that Srutidharma Prabhu has moved on to a far… Read more »
I have known Sruti Dharma Prabhu since 1993. A great ambassador for ISKCON. A pillar for Bhaktivedanta Manor.
He has always lead by example, tirelessly serving the society and the devotees who are connected with Bhaktivedanta Manor.
An expert in devotion
A true leader and Prabhupada follower
Your servant
Deena Krishna Das
Photo archive of His Grace Srutidharma Prabhu:
https://davidc.zenfolio.com/sdp
Your servant,
David
Hare Krishna
Dear Sruti Dharma prabhu Please accept my obeisances. although i was hardly in the UK during your decades of service and rarely visited the Manor, whenver i did i was amazed how kind, how equipoised you would always be and how you would put time aside from you busy schdule. it is hard to express how much we will miss you. one late memory of being with you was just before your diagnosis on Lord Nityananda’s appearance day in Watford. we were dancing together in the streets, hands raised in surrender. i am sure you are now dancing with Lord… Read more »
Srutidharma Prabhu, is a year has passed by, since you left this world.. I have been thinking of you, that beautiful smile , . Always remember you and Pranabandhu Prabhus as young boys, preaching making life members, getting the BMF of the ground, with great enthusiasm, and sheer devotion,under the guidance of Akhandadhi Prabhu.. Then you and your friend and brother , Pranabandhu Prabhu took the baton on, there was no stopping you boys.. You did amazing preaching and making devotees and actually taking care of the community.. What i also saw was your sacrifices , you made. Your dedication… Read more »
Pamho agtsp
All glories to HG Srutidharma prabhu.
He was and is our family spiritual guide and friend for last 40yrs.always compassionate, smiling and encouraging us in our spiritual growth.had the good fortune of studying together for one whole month of kirtek in the very first year of VIHE courses in vrndavan dham , very supportive and close friend.
May Lord Krishna bless you with plenty of service at His lotus feet.
Yrs servant
Svayamjyoti Krsna das and family
Sruti prabhu was a spiritual titan. A once in a generation devotee who served as the perfect role model for any aspiring servant of the Supreme Lord. In an age where millions across the world worship super heroes who save the world, the world had a genuine super hero right here at Bhaktivedanta Manor. A true hero in every sense of the world, Sruti prabhu was perfect in every way. The 8 years I was lucky enough to serve under him will carry me though the rest of my life. I hope I can serve under him again one day.… Read more »
I had very few interactions with him, but that’s all it took for Śrutidharma Prabhu to deeply touch my heart. Here are some words that I wrote about him in January 2019: “An example of an ideal Vaiṣṇava is former Temple President Śrutidharma Prabhu, who recently resigned from his position due to his ongoing battle with cancer. I barely had any contact with him before he was diagnosed with cancer in early 2018, but I’ve seen him a few times since then. Several months ago, I was leading kīrtana in the temple room and at one point, I happened to… Read more »
Hare Krishna Sruti Dharma prabhu You were always so humble and a true devotee for sure. We always came for darshan at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. Of all the visits my family and I will always remember this particular one! I remember your Big Hug and best wishes for my Birthday, it made me feel so special, I felt like I was on cloud nine. I pray that we remain in the services of Radha & Krishna in this life. We will never forget such a wonderful soul that touch us all. Haribol Ys Krishna Smaran Das & Anuradha Gopi Devi… Read more »
Hare Krishna. I was a new devotee and SrutiDharma Prabhu told me nicely not to shout at my mother. I was always grateful for this. Once, I was about to write an email to him and Radha ma (or a lady diety?) seemed to be above his head telling me not to write the email. I never understood why a person like me should be able to get such a divine Darshan. It is fully and totally SrutiDharma Das Prabhu’s greatness.
Shrutidharma Prabhuji was a Mentor,
Teacher, Friend to me & encompassed the following virtues packed beautifully all in one enlightened being:
Bhakti
Knowledge
Warmth
Happiness
Encouragement
Compassion
Empathy
Nonjudgmental
Saw the best in everyone
Articulate
Magnet of the people
Soul of the Manor
Dearly missed but alive in my heart always!!
Jai Shree Krishna.
We miss your presence as our Temple President
Hare Krsna Dear Srutidharma prabhuji…thank you for all that you have done for the manor, the community the stunning haveli and giving us so much, we truly miss your presence and I am grateful i had the opportunity to cook for you however there is a huge emptiness that remains at the manor now. We seek your blessings to progress spiritually and to help in carrying your instructions of selfless service and gratitude https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.1/svg/1f64f-1f3fe.svg
We miss you very much. Ys. Piyush, Chandrika Devyani and Shivam. Hare Krsna
Sruti Dharma Prabhu It is with great pride that I write this offering for Srutiprabhu. He took many forms: A Mentor, Guide, Friend, Uncle, Guru & Well-Wisher. He lovingly renamed me Ananda. In recent years – our bond became exceptionally close. When I was diagnosed with early stages of colon cancer in 2015, I found great solace in Bhaktivedanta Manor, and in Srutiprabhu who would help guide, nurture, love and mentor me to complete recovery. Srutiprabhu would come and visit me at the hospital, organise prayers for me at the temple, and encourage me to find comfort in God.… Read more »
Hari Bhol Jai Shri Krishna Srutidharma prabhu a person I knew for almost 30 years, was to me a calm being, never swaying in his aim of Sewa to Lord Krishna & indeed the people around him; selfless service. His talks were inspiring, even during his time of illness. The number of times I met him during this time showed determination, which many would find difficult. I recall a time when we met at Anilji Agarwal’s home, where despite his tiredness, he was determined. Thank you for allowing me to see the soul you were. Will be Deeply missed. Jai Shree… Read more »
Jai Shri Krishna Jai Swaminarayan
he was a friend a guide an inspirer for me
a wise soul that worked only for Bhagwan with no motives but to serve
he brought communities together and recognised commonality never differences
Lots of love and Dandavat Pranaam
Always sensitive to every ones situation, Sruti Dharama was a devotee who genuinely cared for others.
Hearing of his wonderful qualities during the remembrance program gave renewed direction to my own devotional practice.
In one sense I feel fortunate to have had the benefit of his his association and his example but also unfortunate not to have taken more.
Vaisnavas are extremely rare souls and Sruti was extremely rare amongst Vaisnavas.
We don’t know what we have got till it’s gone.
Dearest Srutidharma Prabhu, Please accept our most humble obeisances All glories to Srila Prabhupada All glories to Guru Maharaja What a loss:( We have known you since the beginning of our spiritual life. We knew you from the Mahabharata Youth Club in Southall. Those were the days. Every Friday evening where me and Nayanapriya would relish the class and kirtan while mum would cook. It was such bliss and nectarean. We loved Friday nights. Then you would come to do house programs. Mum and dad became life members ….. Our spiritual life was made. You shared books and knowledge and… Read more »