ISKCON Radha Shyamsundar Temple Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Grand Fundraising Gala Featuring Hema Malini

Gaurang Das was welcomed by Hema Malini at the ISKCON event in Naperville, Ill. ALL PHOTOS: Jayanti Oza

Naperville, IL — In a celebration of faith, culture, and community, ISKCON Radha Shyamsundar Temple of Naperville held its 2nd Annual Anniversary Fundraising Gala on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Oak Brook, a western suburb of Chicago. The event drew a crowd of over 800 guests from Naperville and neighboring cities, including prominent business owners, professionals, spiritual leaders, and members of the Indian American community.

The evening commenced with a address by renowned spiritual leader Gauranga Das.

Keynote speaker Gauranga Das speaking at the ISKCON Temple event in Naperville, Ill.

Gauranga Das (IAST: Gaurāṅga dāsa), also known as Gauranga, is an Indian Hindu monk, spiritual leader, and author. He serves as a governing body commissioner of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the director of ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage, a United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) ecovillage community accredited by multiple UN bodies. He also serves as UNEP’s Faith for Earth Counsellor.Additionally, he is the administrative director of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC) and a founding board member of Rishihood University

Gauranga who was visiting from Mumbai, spoke about the temple’s mission and the transformative power of devotional service. “A temple is not just bricks and stones—it is a sacred space where our hearts are nourished through connection with Krishna,” he said. His speech highlighted the global impact of ISKCON and its founder, known as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who brought Krishna consciousness to the West.

Bollywood actress Hema Malini was welcomed with thunderous applause at the ISKCON event in Naperville, Ill.

Further remarks were shared by ISKCON representatives Shyam Kumar and Kanchan Malik, as well as leaders from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) – Chicago chapter, who spoke about the temple’s role as a spiritual and cultural hub for all.

The Chief Guest, legendary Bollywood actress and Member of Parliament, Hema Malini, was warmly welcomed by Gauranga Das with a garland and shawl. Her presence was met with resounding applause. During her address, she expressed her joy at witnessing the devotion of the diaspora community and spoke passionately about her efforts in transforming the sacred city of Mathura, which she represents in India’s Lok Sabha.

“I’m honored to be here among such devoted individuals,” Hema Malini is quoted saying in a press release. “Faith, service, and culture are the threads that connect us no matter where we are in the world.” She also took the time to honor key donors on stage, presented shawls, and later sang devotional bhajans dedicated to Lord Krishna.

This year’s fundraising gala attracted families from across Chicagoland—including Aurora, Bolingbrook, Oak Brook, Schaumburg, Wheaton, Bartlett, and beyond—with many attendees expressing their desire to support the temple’s continued growth and outreach.

The fundraising event also featured sponsor booths, cultural performances, dinner, and networking opportunities. Organizers said sponsors enjoyed premium exposure, with their company logos featured in event materials, flyers, t-shirts, banners, and across social and print media platforms. They were also invited to dine and take photos with the celebrity guest.

ISKCON Radha Shyamsundar Temple says its aim is to provide worship services, spiritual education, cultural celebrations, prasadam (sanctified food distribution), and community outreach, welcoming people of all backgrounds with open arms.

ISKCON Naperville, is located at 1505 McDowell Rd, Naperville, IL, ISKCON Radha Shyamsundar Temple is part of the global ISKCON movement, founded by Srila Prabhupada.