American member of the Hare Krishna religious cult who took the name "Kirtananda Swami Bhaktipada." The 4,000 acre commune was founded over 25 years ago by Bhaktipada, a Baptist ministers son from Peekskill, NY. The commune houses over 300 faithful followers. Ham was implicated in the murder of Steven Bryant (a.k.a. "Sulocana Das") on 5/22/1986, Los Angeles. He was suspected of having ordered the murder. Ham was excommunicated from the Order in early 1987 because of alleged ruthless tactics, an overly independent nature and general callousness to the spiritual well-being of the movement. In 1991 he was sentenced to 30 years in prison for authorizing the beating, kidnapping and cover up of Steven Bryants death and allegations of neglect and sexual abuse of children in the sect. A federal court order restricts Ham to his apartment in Wheeling, wearing an electronic ankle bracelet, pending the outcome of his appeal. A victim of childhood polio, he walks with the assistance of canes. Mr. Bhaktipada, who was released from prison in 2004 after serving eight years of a 12-year sentence, moved to India in 2008. He died on 24 October 2011 in a hospital near Mumbai. The cause was kidney failure, his brother, Gerald Ham, said. (Source: NYT) Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Birthdate: September 6, 1937
Birthplace: Peekskill, United States
As of now, there are no significant recent news updates regarding Bhaktipada Swami. His life remains a subject of historical interest, especially in the context of the Hare Krishna movement, but no new developments have been reported.
Bhaktipada Swami does not have active social media profiles. His influence is primarily historical, and any online presence is typically managed by followers or within historical discussions about the Hare Krishna movement.
Bhaktipada Swami does not have recent projects as he passed away in 2011. During his lifetime, he was known for his significant contributions to the establishing of the New Vrindaban community in West Virginia. His projects were mostly tied to the expansion of the Hare Krishna movement in America during the 1970s and 1980s.
Bhaktipada Swami, born Keith Gordon Ham, was a prominent leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He played a crucial role in the establishment of the New Vrindaban community, which became a major pilgrimage site for followers. Despite his contributions, his leadership was marked by controversy leading to legal challenges and his eventual expulsion from ISKCON.
The legacy of Bhaktipada Swami is complex. While he was instrumental in spreading the Hare Krishna movement in the West, his tenure was marred by legal issues and controversies that affected his reputation. His life and work continue to be studied by those interested in religious movements and the history of ISKCON.
For more detailed information, historical accounts and biographies provide a comprehensive view of his life and impact. His story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by religious movements in maintaining integrity while expanding influence.
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