On 28 June 2023, the staff of the Mission headed by the Consul General visited the Govardhan EcoVillage in Palghar, Maharashtra for a unique retreat combining spiritual practices, sustainable living, and eco-tourism.
Spread across 100 acres of area, the Govardhan Eco village is owned and managed by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The project is aimed to promote sustainability, rural development and Eco-tourism. ISKCON has established 398 temples and 175 centers worldwide which serve free food daily. The society is majorly funded by donation from Indian and international business magnates.
This visit has been a way of further strengthening the Mission’s relations with ISKCON, which began in May 2022 at ISKCON, Juhu, Mumbai when the Consulate General offered 5kgs of Ceylon Cinnamon to the temple as part of the launch of ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ in Mumbai.
As part of farmer’s empowerment in Sri Lanka, the Mission in association with ‘Haribol’, a international brand defacto owned and operated by ISKCON all over the world, has already finalized a plan to launch ‘Ceylon Spices’ in India at ‘Nature’s Basket’ supermarket chain. Nature’s Basket is a high-end supermarket chain owned by Godrej with branches all over India.
All the members of the Mission were given an introductory tour of the entire property that included the Govardhan School of Ayurveda, Govardhan School of Sustainability, Govardhan School of Yoga and a Goshala. Further, the staff participated in a yoga session organized by the Govardhan School of Yoga followed by an interactive session on ‘Indian Philosophy and Culture’ where a couple of ISKCON monks as well as the CG addressed the attendees.
As a token of appreciation and excellent relations with ISKCON, the Consul General gifted Sri Lankan Handicrafts and Ceylon tea to the senior management of the Eco Village.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Mumbai
12 July 2023
