770929 - Letter to Ishan from Tamal Krsna

Bombay,

September 29, 1977

From: Tamal Krishna

Los Angeles

My dear Ishan prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances. I have been instructed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada to thank you for your letter dated September 5, 1977.

Srila Prabhupada heard your letter and was very happy. When we were in London, they had one of your drums there. Through the whole kirtan Srila Prabhupada could not stop looking at the drum and listening to its deep, resonant sound. That drum was worth ten Indian drums. Srila Prabhupada later on asked me if that was one of the drums which Ishan had manufactured and I told Him, ’yes.’ Srila Prabhupada said, “It seems to be very nice now.” So you have made your life successful by carrying out the order of your spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada has always wanted Mrdangas manufactured in the West and now you have done it to His satisfaction. I think now that this drum is manufactured there will no longer be any demand for the clay khols of India. They are not as good, nor are they as durable. As far as Indian temples ordering your drums, that you can find out through your mail order distributors. Anyway it is a great triumph.

Yes Srila Prabhupada also wants kartalas manufactured in the West. If you can take this up as your next venture it will again be a wonderful service to spreading Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan movement. Srila Prabhupada advised that the kartals must be hammered, not just molded.

The insignia “Balaram” with Sesas heads is very nice also.

I pray this finds you in the best of health and Krishna consciousness.

Your servant,

Tamal Krishna Goswami

Secretary to Srila Prabhupada

N.B. There is no need to come to India to learn making clay mrdangas. There are already enough mrdanga makers here. Remain in the West and supply instruments there.

Tkg/

C/o ISKCON Los Angeles