PM Modi said Jagtarini Dasi, who joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1970, spent more than 13 years in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, before going back to her country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Sunday about an Australian woman who runs an art gallery in Perth city’s Swan Valley, as she addressed the nation in the 83rd edition of her monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
“She says that though she has returned to Australia she cannot forget Vrindavan. And so she came into contact with Vrindavan and its spiritual bliss. She made Vrindavan in Australia by making art a medium.
He said that visitors to his Sacred Art Gallery in Perth get to see his art and get a glimpse of the traditions and cultures of India’s famous pilgrimage cities of Vrindavan, Nabadwip and Puri.
According to the movement’s website, Jagtarini Dasi was a leading actress in Australia before joining ISKCON founded by Abhay Charanravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami or Srila Prabhupada in 1970.
“In 1983 she moved with her family to Sri Vrindavan Dham, and she spent the next 13 years teaching at the Bhaktivedanta Gurukul. In her spare time, she regularly traveled by local transport to important holy places in the Outer Braj district.
Jagattarini Dasi, her husband Bhurijana and their family have been living in Perth since 1996.
“Jagtarini Mataji continues to draw her artistic inspiration from Vraj Dham, and since 1998 she has been working with a variety of mediums displaying miniature three-dimensional dioramas depicting Krishna’s nectar Vrindavan pastimes,”
“She is setting up these dioramas within a project called Gopinatha Dharma, which aims to attract souls to the glory of Sri Vrindavan Dham.”
PM Modi said Jagtarini’s wonderful effort “really shows us the power of Krishna Bhakti”. “I wish you all the best for this job.”