ISKCON conference links spiritual values to South Africa’s sustainability agenda
Seen with students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, from left is Angel Nthoi, next to him is Manukhaya Nthoi, Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj from the School of Commerce UKZN Westville (in the middle) and Dr Smita Ramson from Varsity College Westville on the far right.
Image: Supplied
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) recently held its inaugural conference on sustainability to mark the 50th anniversary of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s arrival in South Africa in 1975.
The founder’s historic visit set in motion a trajectory that has seen ISKCON become an established presence in South African civic life, contributing to social cohesion across a cosmopolitan membership and advancing initiatives in food security, education, and culture.
The conference, held under the theme Creating a Unified Foundation for Sustainable Development in South Africa, paid tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s 1975 address to students at the then University of Durban-Westville (UDW), now known as the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal (UKZN).
Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj, chairperson of the Sustainability Conference held by The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) with the organiser of the conference Dr Smita Ramson.
Image: Supplied
Dr Andrisha Beharry-Ramraj, senior lecturer at UKZN’s School of Commerce and chairperson of the conference, described the gathering as “both an academic and spiritual celebration.”
“Srila Prabhupada’s vision was one of compassion, service and sustainable living. His teachings are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reminding us that true progress is measured not just by economic growth, but by the well-being of people and the planet,” said Beharry-Ramraj.
The conference, which focused on sustainable development and social transformation, reflected a shared commitment to impactful community engagement and academic excellence.
Over fifty years, ISKCON has grown into a force for social transformation in South Africa. Its flagship Food for Life programme continues to deliver thousands of free meals weekly to vulnerable communities.
The movement has also been active in youth empowerment, cultural exchange, and ethical leadership training, aligning its community work with the United Nation’s global sustainability aspirations.
Dr Ramson, lecturer at Varsity College and organiser of the conference, said the event was “a fitting tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s lasting impact on education and ethics, highlighting ISKCON’s contributions to ethical development, cultural integration, and sustainable development.”
He said, “Given that South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in November 2025, the conference demonstrated how timeless spiritual values offer practical solutions to modern social and environmental challenges, promotes ethical education, and continue to inspire the next generation to lead compassion, integrity, and purpose.”
Local and international scholars examined ethics, technology, governance, and environmental sustainability through the intersecting lenses of spirituality and education. A key presentation was the Bhaktivedanta Swami Lecture, delivered by philosopher and writer Atma Tattva Das (Angell M. Nthoi), on Vedic Dharma for Peace and Conflict Resolution: Resonance for Africa’s Sustainable Transformation.
“This 50-year celebration is not only about looking back,” said Dr Beharry-Ramraj. “It’s about reaffirming the timeless relevance of Prabhupada’s teachings, that sustainability begins with inner transformation and compassion in action.”