Bali-mardana had proved very unpopular with ISKCON's leaders there.
Later in March, while in Vrindavana, Hari-sauri heard surprising news. After only a short time in Australia, Bali-mardana had proved very unpopular with ISKCON's leaders there. Their substantial complaints were various. After a hasty emergency meeting, they had taken the step of asking Bali-mardana to leave the country. Hari-sauri flew to Bombay and broke the news to Srila Prabhupada, whose main practical concern was who would take charge in Bali-mardana's place.
He suggested Hari-sauri, but left it to his senior GBC men to decide. After meeting for some time, the senior men reported their decision to Srila Prabhupada. They felt that Bali-mardana had been treated unfairly and unnecessarily thrown out. Such a move was unprecedented, they argued, and could set a bad example for the future. They suggested that he be reinstated, adding that if there were any discrepancies in the future, Hari-sauri could be there in the capacity of an assistant. Prabhupada at first agreed with the decisions of his senior men. But the next day, he re-considered his decision. He decided that Bali-mardana and Hari-sauri return to Australia as co-GBC's. Later, in the afternoon, Prabhupada reconsidered. After due reflection of Bali-mardana's behaviour, he decided that Bali-mardana should not go back, but that Hari-sauri be made his personal ad hoc representative for Australia and New Zealand.
So, next day, Hari-sauri once again went to see Srila Prabhupada, who encouraged him in his new service. Simply go out and preach, and try to do good to others, he said. He stressed to Hari-sauri that if he followed Krishna's instructions, he would be empowered to make Australia Krishna conscious. So try to preach in Australia, and Krishna will give you all strength. Go forward ,You are a good devotee. You have given me good service. I give you full blessings. Now go forward. On 28 March, Hari-sauri left Bombay, collected his visa in Delhi, and flew to Australia, arriving on 1 April 1977.
Reference: The Great Transcendental Adventure by Kurma Dasa
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