At the age of 69, Srila Prabhupada made a bold decision—to travel to the United States and fulfill the instruction of his spiritual master to spread Krishna consciousness in the Western world. In August 1965, he boarded the cargo ship Jaladuta, carrying only a small suitcase, a few personal belongings, an umbrella, and several volumes of Srimad Bhagavatam that he had translated and printed in India.

The journey across the ocean was extremely difficult. During the voyage, he suffered two heart attacks. In his prayers written on the ship, he humbly asked Lord Krishna for strength to carry out the mission of spreading the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

After a long and uncertain journey, Srila Prabhupada arrived in New York City in September 1965. He had very little money, no institutional support, and no clear place to stay. Yet he carried with him deep faith in Krishna and complete determination to fulfill his spiritual master’s instruction.

Living very simply, he began teaching the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita, chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and sharing prasadam with anyone willing to listen. Despite the unfamiliar culture and many challenges, he patiently continued his mission.

Gradually, sincere young seekers in New York became attracted to Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual wisdom, humility, and joyful kirtan. He held gatherings in small apartments and parks, where people listened to his lectures on Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam and joined in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.

These early students began adopting the practices of Krishna consciousness, chanting on beads, studying the scriptures, and living a devotional lifestyle. What started as a few small gatherings would soon grow into a global spiritual movement.