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April 19, 1976 : Melbourne

Hari Sauri: We arrived in Melbourne. Before landing we filled out the customary landing cards, which also required a list of baggage. Without thinking carefully, we filled out Prabhupada's card indicating that he had one suitcase. Once off the plane, we passed through immigration without difficulty and entered the baggage hall. We decided that Srila Prabhupada and I should go directly through customs carrying only his red attache case, and Pushta Krishna Swami would bring the suitcases. However, the customs officer insisted that Prabhupada wait for the suitcase indicated on his form. I pleaded strongly with the man to please allow Srila Prabhupada to go through immediately. I assured him that I would wait and take full responsibility for the suitcase.

Despite my best attempts, the customs official was utterly uncooperative and refused to allow Srila Prabhupada to go through. The discussion became heated as my temper rose. Two minutes later an airport policeman approached me to ask what was going on. I explained that we simply wanted Prabhupada to be allowed to go straight through customs without his bag. He asked, "Is all that going on because of him?" That was the loud roar of a tremendous hari-nama kirtana coming through the doors leading into the arrival hall. The kirtana could be clearly heard above all the airport noise and public-address announcements. Gurukripa Swami and a large number of devotees were excitedly banging karatalas, beating mridanga, and chanting so loudly that airport officials had moved them away from the main greeting area.

The airport security personnel were somewhat bewildered as to how to handle the situation. "Will they stop if he goes through?" the policeman asked. I assured him, "Yes, they will." And within seconds Prabhupada was allowed to pass through, leaving Pushta Krishna and myself to wait for the bags. As Prabhupada disappeared through the door and was spotted by the devotees, the kirtana reached a terrific crescendo with loud shouts of "Jaya Prabhupada!" The noise stopped abruptly, and Prabhupada was taken into the VIP lounge, where devotees had arranged a press conference.


Reference: A Transcendental Diary Volume 2 - Hari Sauri Dasa