Dear Jayapataka Swami Maharaja,

Please accept my humble pranamas.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and to your merciful self!

On this occasion of the celebration of Vyasa-puja in your honor, I wish to share with you my happy memory of the Bangladesh preaching tour in 1987, which I was fortunate to accompany you on. I recall how in one village -- the first stop on the tour -- you had not yet arrived, having been delayed in Kolkatta. Finally around midnight or 1:00 a.m. you arrived, and the program, with several thousand attendees, came alive with your presence, continuing through the wee hours of the morning as you nicely preached in your fluent Bengali.

The next day we were all about to depart for the next scheduled destination, but the leaders of the first village all assembled to confront you: since you had come late the night before, they felt that you should stay another night, not having completely fulfilled the promise of doing a full program. They were quite vehement in their demand, creating a somewhat tense situation. It was amazing to see how you managed to pacify them, remaining 'cool as a cucumber' as you reassured them that although it was not possible to remain another day (since the next village had already made arrangements), you would surely spend more time with them the next time around.

As ever, despite all odds, you continue to astonish me with your ever-fresh energy to bring the message and glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu not only so far and wide, but also deep into the hearts of all whom you meet, touching and changing so many hearts and lives. May we all continue to be blessed for many years to come by your blissful presence, encouraging everyone, counting myself very much included, to carry on with full enthusiasm and determination in the service of the Vaishnavas, Srila Prabhupada, and Sri Sri Radha-Madhava!

Begging to remain,
Your servant
Krishna Kshetra Das.
Oxford – UK.