The ISKCON History Archive Project, led by Lokarama Das, is an initiative endeavoring to collect memories and build an archive about ISKCON’s history following Srila Prabhupada’s departure in 1977, which has remained largely undocumented.

While the early years of the movement, under Srila Prabhupada’s leadership, have been well-documented by multiple books, including the multi-volume Prabhupada Lilamrita, the decades that followed were not, explained Lokarama. His mission is to capture the voices, experiences, and sacrifices of the countless devotees who carried the torch of Krishna consciousness in those crucial years.

In January 2024, Lokarama launched the ISKCON History Archive Project in Mayapur, where he lives with his family and serves as an editor for the BBT Sanskrit Translation Department. “It’s a good place for this kind of project because there are a lot of devotees here, and it’s easier to meet devotees and get connected with others all over the world.”

The project’s core idea is to conduct interviews with devotees who actively served ISKCON in the late 1970s through the 1990s. These oral histories are being compiled in audio, video, and written formats, ensuring the preservation of the facts and the heartfelt devotion behind them. “The goal is to interview as many devotees as possible and create an online archive so that these interviews will be available to the public,” Lokarama shared. “And then eventually try to write a book or a series of books on the history of ISKCON after 1977.” The stories range from major preaching efforts and temple acquisitions to deeply personal journeys filled with both challenges and triumphs.

The response from the devotee community has been overwhelmingly positive. During the recent ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS) in Mayapur, many expressed support and eagerness to help. “Many were inspired to go back to their yatra and do more interviews with local devotees,” he said. “Kalakantha Prabhu from Gainesville at the Krishna House project said he was planning to interview a few of his godbrothers and godsisters in the area.” These initial responses are the seedlings of what Lokarama hopes will grow into a global grassroots movement.

Despite his dedication, Lokarama is quick to acknowledge the limits of what one person can do. Balancing his BBT service, family responsibilities, and this archive project is no easy task. “Mostly it’s the time factor that’s limiting me,” he admitted. But he sees the project as inherently collaborative. “I just don’t see this as my project. I’m doing it as a service, and anyone who wants to participate can join and have equal ownership.” 

He envisions teams of volunteers handling interviews, transcriptions, scheduling, editing, and outreach. “Maybe somebody likes to do interviews, but they don’t feel comfortable contacting devotees. Maybe somebody is happy to contact and schedule interviews, but doesn’t want to conduct them. So, we could split up the work like that and make a whole production team.”

He also recognizes that the sensitive nature of ISKCON’s post-1977 history presents unique challenges. Different devotees remember the same events in vastly different ways. “There are a lot of sensitive topics and areas in ISKCON history that people have different opinions about, especially how they should be presented to the public.” 

But Lokarama approaches this with care and devotion. He emphasizes the importance of recording the stories of those who still hold deep faith in Srila Prabhupada and his mission, saying their voices can offer positive insights and balanced perspectives.

Currently, all interviews are being hosted on his personal website, but Lokarama hopes that eventually the GBC or temple authorities might support the creation of an official ISKCON Oral History Archive. “If we made a GBC proposal so that the GBC puts its approval on this project, that could help to publicize it, and we could have a centralized location where all this is available.” Such support would also help local temples feel more comfortable participating and submitting their own interviews to the project.

Until then, the project moves forward in the spirit of service. Lokarama remains undeterred, grounded in his faith. “If it’s something Krishna wants to happen, then He’ll make it happen. And I’m just trying to be His instrument. We just want to preserve devotees’ stories and find a way to help perpetuate the legacy of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples.” 

For more information, you can visit the वेबसाइट or email Lokarama यहाँ. To watch his presentation on how devotees can participate and conduct their own interviews, click here.