The Late Morning Program with Namarasa

In this special conversation, Namarasa speaks with H.G. Mukunda Datta prabhu, who has served as the head pujari of ISKCON Vrindavan for over 30 years. He shares intimate stories and insights from a lifetime of serving Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram and the Deities of Vrindavan, offering a rare glimpse into the world of Deity worship, seva, and life in the holy dhama.

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//Instagram: @namarasapodcast
//Email: namejuice@gmail.com
//Website: www.namarasa.show

What happens when a childhood memory of a sankirtan story stays with you for decades—and eventually becomes a film?

In this episode of the Namarasa Podcast, I sit down with Gita Dasi, writer, director, and producer of the devotional short film Best Friend.

Gita first heard the story that inspired Best Friend as a young girl growing up in Lithuania. Years later, during the isolation of the pandemic, that forgotten memory resurfaced. What began as a creative outlet eventually became a four-year filmmaking journey filled with obstacles, unexpected help, and what Gita describes as Krishna’s arrangement.

With virtually no budget, no professional filmmaking experience, and a small volunteer team, Gita somehow brought the project to completion. Along the way, five editors left the project, production repeatedly stalled, and there were moments when she wondered whether the film would ever be finished.

But Best Friend became much more than a film.

In our conversation, Gita shares:

• The childhood memory that inspired Best Friend
• How the idea resurfaced during the pandemic
• The incredible challenges of making the film with very limited resources
• Why five different editors eventually left the project
• How she learned to let go of being the “doer” and allow Krishna to arrange things
• Why she wanted to portray devotees and Krishna consciousness authentically and respectfully
• What happened when non-devotee actors and crew members encountered Krishna consciousness for the first time
• The role of Bhakti Marga Swami in the film
• How filmmaking became a form of outreach and “soft preaching”
• Her vision for bringing Best Friend to audiences around the world
• And why Gita considers the film a small offering toward Srila Prabhupada’s mission

Best Friend is ultimately a story about faith, friendship, sankirtan, and Krishna's protection in difficult circumstances.

WATCH / LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST FRIEND

🎬 Best Friend on IMDb:
IMDb — Best Friend

📖 Read the full story behind the film on ISKCON News:
ISKCON News — A Forgotten Sankirtan Story Becomes a Powerful Short Film

📸 Follow Best Friend on Instagram:
@best_friend_film on Instagram

📘 Follow Best Friend on Facebook:
Best Friend on Facebook

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▶ CONTACT:
//Instagram: @namarasapodcast
//Email: namejuice@gmail.com
//Website: www.namarasa.show

In this episode of the Namarasa Podcast, we journey into the sacred land of Vrindavan with beloved devotee and storyteller H.G. Deena Bandhu Das (ACBSP).

Deena Bandhu prabhu shares stories, experiences, and realizations from his decades of life in Vrindavan—and what it means to truly experience the Holy Dhama through the eyes of bhakti.

🎙️ Featuring: Deena Bandhu Das
📺 YouTube: @DeenaBandhuDas
📘 Facebook: / deenabandhu.acbsp

🙏 If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share!

Hare Krishna!
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▶ WATCH ON FACEBOOK: / thelatemorningprogramwithnamarasa

▶ WATCH ON YOUTUBE: / @namarasapodcast

▶ LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: / the-late-morning-program-with

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▶ CONTACT:
//Instagram: @namarasapodcast
//Email: namejuice@gmail.com
//Website: www.namarasa.show

In this episode of the Namarasa Podcast, I'm joined by H.H. Bhaktivinoda Swami for a wide-ranging conversation on devotional life, ISKCON, sādhana, spiritual growth, and what it takes to remain steady in Kṛṣṇa consciousness over the long term.

Drawing on decades of devotional service, Bhaktivinoda Swami shares practical wisdom on developing a strong spiritual foundation, maintaining enthusiasm, balancing service with personal practice, and navigating the realities of devotional life.

Whether you're just beginning your journey or have been practicing for many years, this conversation is filled with thoughtful insights for anyone seeking to deepen their Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

In this episode we discuss:
• Developing a consistent sādhana
• Cultivating lasting spiritual growth
• ISKCON and devotional culture
• Balancing service and personal practice
• Lessons from decades of devotional life

Connect with H.H. Bhaktivinoda Swami:
🌐 https://bhaktivinodaswami.com
YT: ‪@Bhaktivinodaswami‬

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▶ WATCH ON FACEBOOK: / thelatemorningprogramwithnamarasa

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▶ LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: / the-late-morning-program-with

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▶ CONTACT:
//Instagram: @namarasapodcast
//Email: namejuice@gmail.com
//Website: www.namarasa.show

In this episode of the Namarasa Podcast, Hari Parshad Das and I explore the relationship between institutionalism and individualism in Krishna consciousness. We discuss the purpose of spiritual institutions, the importance of personal realization, the strengths and weaknesses of organized religion, and how to maintain fidelity to guru, sadhu, and śāstra while navigating institutional structures. Whether you're deeply involved in an institution or practicing more independently, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives on finding a healthy balance.

If you enjoyed this discussion, be sure to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments.

Check out his Youtube Channel: ‪@hpdrgg‬

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▶ LOVE THE PODCAST? -- DONATE HERE: https://fundrazr.com/c2GpR0?ref=ab_aA...

▶ WATCH ON FACEBOOK: / thelatemorningprogramwithnamarasa

▶ WATCH ON YOUTUBE: / @namarasapodcast

▶ LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD: / the-late-morning-program-with

▶ LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

▶ CONTACT:
//Instagram: @namarasapodcast
//Email: namejuice@gmail.com
//Website: www.namarasa.show