Projects » Klerksdorp – Food for the Soul

Feeding Hearts and Souls: ISKCON Klerksdorp’s Growing Outreach

“We want to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs, feels welcome here. The temple is not just a place for Hindus alone—it’s a sanctuary for anyone seeking connection, nourishment, and spiritual growth.”

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A Promising Start

Article by Atma Tattva,

In October 2023, the establishment of ISKCON Klerksdorp in the North West province of South Africa marked a significant milestone for the movement. Formerly managed by the Klerksdorp Hindu Samaj, the temple transitioned into ISKCON’s care, heralding a new chapter of spiritual service in the region. Less than a year later, the temple’s leadership initiated a feeding program that has already begun to touch hundreds of lives across the community.

The program, which started in 2024, focuses on distributing prasadam, sanctified vegetarian food, as a means of nourishing not just the body but also the spirit. Led by temple management team member and resident preacher Narottama Das, the effort builds on ISKCON’s tradition of using prasadam distribution to foster connection and inspire spiritual inquiry.

“We launched the program because we saw a clear need in the community,” Narottama explained. “There are families facing food insecurity, but this is also a way to connect people to Krishna consciousness. When we distribute prasadam, we’re not just giving food—we’re extending Krishna’s mercy and Srila Prabhupada’s blessings.”

A Promising Start
The program quickly gained momentum, achieving major milestones in its first year. On Christmas Day 2024, the temple served hundreds of meals to locals, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere that welcomed people from all walks of life. Just a week later, a similar event on New Year’s Day received an equally enthusiastic response, solidifying the feeding program as a cornerstone of ISKCON Klerksdorp’s community outreach.

“Both events were remarkable,” said Narottama. “People came not just for the food but for the sense of community and peace they experienced at the temple. It was heartwarming to see children smiling, families sitting together, and people expressing genuine gratitude.”

Building on this success, the program now regularly serves close to 350 elderly individuals, providing not just meals but also a sense of care and connection. To further support the community’s well-being, the temple has established a relationship with nurses from the local clinic. These healthcare professionals visit occasionally to conduct basic medical tests and offer advice to older adults, ensuring a holistic approach to their welfare.

Currently, the program is powered by a dedicated team of eight volunteers who assist with everything from cooking and serving to organizing the logistics of meal distribution. Their tireless efforts and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining the program’s quality and reach.

Learn more

To learn more about this inspiring initiative feeding program, readers can follow Narottama on Facebook. There, he regularly shares updates, stories, and footage from the program, offering a glimpse into its profound impact on the local community.

Also read the full article on ISKCON News, written by Atma Tattva

If you like to support the ISKCON Klerksdorp project use the donate form.

“When we serve prasadam, we’re not just filling stomachs—we’re filling hearts.”