His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Āchārya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and one of the most influential spiritual teachers of the modern era. He is revered worldwide for his extraordinary role in bringing the ancient wisdom of Krishna consciousness and Gaudiya Vaishnavism to people of all backgrounds across the globe.

Srila Prabhupada was born as Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, into a devout Vaishnava family. From an early age, he displayed deep spiritual inclination and devotion to Lord Krishna, guided especially by his father, who encouraged him in devotional practices such as worship and kirtan.

In 1922, Abhay Charan De met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, a prominent Vaishnava scholar and preacher. This meeting became the turning point of his life. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura instructed him to spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the message of the Bhagavad-gita in the English language throughout the world. Srila Prabhupada accepted this instruction as his life’s mission.

After years of preparation, writing, and deep spiritual practice, Srila Prabhupada formally accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) in 1959, dedicating himself completely to preaching Krishna consciousness. During this period, he began translating and writing detailed commentaries on sacred scriptures, including the Srimad Bhagavatam, which would later become foundational texts of the ISKCON movement.