Book Distribution from Chowpatti
In the past we have seen how devotees have achieved spectacular success by distributing books in local trains of Mumbai. We have heard some daring accounts of intrepid distributors, braving all odds by shouting, enacting skits and giving fired up lectures in this crazy place. However, a lesser known fact is that there are many others who keep a very low profile, move about quietly in the trains and distribute books, and have the same effect as their adventurous counterparts. One such devotee whom you could easily miss out in a crowd is H.G. Krishna Kshetra Prabhu. Unassuming and soft spoken, his demeanor might mislead one to think that he is passive. Few would imagine this elderly senior person to be a prolific book distributor, but that's exactly what he is. Traveling from Mira Road to temple in trains, he sits on an available seat and, removing all the books from his shoulder bag, hands them out to anyone in sight, straight away. To a reluctant passenger, H.G.Krishna Kshetra Prabhu reasons patiently the benefit of reading the book.
Since there is anyway some time for the station to arrive and nothing worthwhile to do, he argues, one could simply read them and that too free of cost!!! 45 minutes later, as the now absorbed passengers realize that their station has neared and as they rise to leave, they have practically read half the book. Since they are now hooked, they are unable to return it and instead prefer paying up. Oblivious to the noisy and distributing surroundings, they get off the train, still reading and relishing Srila Prabhupada's immortal words. A few book distributors sometimes doubt are all those who take Srila Prabhupada's books, actually reading them? H.G.Krishna Kshetra Prabhu however harbors no such apprehensions because each book he sells, is only after the recipient is fully convinced, satisfied and happy to receive the same. He says, " This is most pleasing to the heart as you see a person express genuine gratitude for receiving this rare gift of Srila Prabhupada's boundless mercy. He has a modest target of two books everyday. When he misses out some days ( because of Pune yatra, for instance), he enthusiastically covers up the next time he is traveling out. Recently, when he went for Pune yatra, the bus broke down. Not the one to let the opportunity go, he immediately began preaching as the driver worked on repairs, and very soon distributed 12 books. A few days later, coming to the temple from home, he repeated and this time, did 25 books.
Each devotee, in his own unique way can please Srila Prabhupada by either doing great things or doing small things but in a great way. If one simply nurses a sincere desire to serve Krishna, Krishna gives the required intelligence to most effectively distribute books, through innovative ideas and thereby assist in the mission of Sri Guru and Gauranga Srila Prabhupada Transcendental Book Distribution ki Jai!!!!!
