Dear prabhus,

Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I was very sad to hear of the departure of my friend and godbrother, Somaka

prabhu. Each time the world loses a genuine vaisnava, like Somaka prabhu,

it becomes a little more darker and a little more sadder. Somaka prabhu

was a preacher at heart. I remember when he first joined the Krsna

conscious movement in the beginning of the 1970's in Paris. I believe he

had heard about the movement in Italy - but because there was no temple

there yet, he soon came to Paris, France to learn more about Krsna

consciousness. He and his good wife ( who later Srila Prabhupada initiated and

gave the name, Mira dasi ) joined immediately. They were both extremely

enthusiastic devotees, willing to do any and all services. Somaka prabhu

advanced quickly and was soon giving classes and leading kirtans. I was

always impressed with his inspiration in devotional service. He never

seemed to get tired and was always joyful. When Mira dasi was tragically

killed in an accident ( a truck hit her as she was carrying books across

the road ) Somaka took the news soberly. From that time on I noticed that

he was more detached from material life and more determined to become Krsna

conscious. As a result, he later took sannyasa.

When Somaka was serving in Italy, I had the good fortune to visit his

festival program several times. So many people came as well. It was an

amazing experiance. I also remember the festivals he orgainized at Villa

Vrindavan. He was a festival man from A to Z. His enthusiasm for chanting

Hare Krsna and preaching was endless.

I lost touch with Somaka prabhu after he went to South America. But I was

aware of the difficulties he had there - and that eventually he came back to

Italy and settled into household life. Although it appears that his

preaching stopped to some degree, I have no doubt whatsoever that Srila

Prabhupada is very proud of him and forever grateful for the many, many

years of service that Somaka prabhu rendered to the samkirtan movement. So

many fallen souls were introduced to Krsna consciousness by him and he is

also responsible for making many devotees in different parts of the world.

My feeling is that, like other sincere and loyal disciples, he is now with

Srila Prabhupada, ready to accept whatever service his Divine Grace gives

to him.

I pray that wherever Somaka prabhu is, he will remember me from time to

time and give me his association again in the future. We served together

in the pioneer days of European preaching - and such service makes for

strong bonds of affection. I will miss him dearly!

Your servant,

Indradyumna Swami