Alfred Ford, also known as Ambarish Das, is a prominent member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is the great-grandson of Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and is widely known for his philanthropic work, especially in the field of education.

Ambarish Das became interested in the teachings of ISKCON while studying at the University of Detroit in the early 1970s. He was drawn to the philosophy and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and was inspired by the dedication and devotion of the members of ISKCON. He became a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, in 1974.

After becoming a devotee of ISKCON, Ambarish Das began to use his wealth and resources to support the organization's various projects and initiatives. He has been a generous donor to ISKCON's various programs, including their educational and humanitarian projects.

One of the most significant contributions made by Ambarish Das to ISKCON is his support for the construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, West Bengal. The temple, which was inaugurated in 2014, is a magnificent structure that is dedicated to the teachings and philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita. It stands as a symbol of India's rich cultural heritage and is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Vedic civilization.

Before long, the great-grandson of Henry Ford had a better plan: spiritual awakening. 40 years later, Alfred Ford is building a monument in India to the faith that saved him. He is spending millions to build it.

In his pressed khakis and comfortable traveling shoes, Alfred Ford could have been any corporate road warrior. He had come up from Calcutta, a three-hour drive along dusty streets stopped up with donkey drawn trucks, showing up in Mayapur, West Bengal, to search in on a major structure project ascending close to a curve in the Ganges Waterway.

In his celebrity suite, opposite the site, he slipped into a baggy kurta and wraparound dhoti, a strand of globules crawling free from his Indian shirt. In the distance, a song began to mumble. He got the tune, scarcely moving his lips. " Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare"

Ford has been repeating the mantra 1,728 times per day for 40 years, just as his guru instructed, while fingering beads in a cloth bag around his neck. Alfred Brush Ford, great-grandson of Henry and heir to a sizable portion of his family's $1.2 billion stake in Ford Motor stock, has been secretly living a double life for all that time. " He asserts, "I kind of have a split personality with one foot in one world and another."

To his cherished companions in tony Grosse Pointe, Michigan, he'll continuously be princely, approachable Alfie, who outlasted his wild streak. However, he goes by the name Ambarish in the faraway city of Mayapur, which is home to ISKCON's global headquarters.

His master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Master Prabhupada, established ISKCON, regularly known as the Rabbit Krishna development, in an East Town customer-facing facade in New York in 1966, bringing his kind of Vaishnavism, a reflection part of Hinduism that worships Krishna (and is fixated on the consecrated Upanishad texts), to the lost spirits of American youth. In a ceremony for his induction just outside of Honolulu in 1975, he gave Ford his new name. Ford never abandoned his blue-blood identity, even though many of his friends at the time shaved their heads and later danced through airports in saffron robes to sell the guru's books. I wasn't supposed to completely surrende

Ambarish Das played a key role in the construction of the temple, contributing significantly to its funding. He has also been involved in various other initiatives undertaken by ISKCON, including their educational and humanitarian programs.

In addition to his support for ISKCON, Ambarish Das is also actively involved in philanthropic work outside of the organization. He has supported various educational institutions, including the Fordham University Graduate School of Education in New York City. He has also been a strong supporter of the education of children in impoverished communities, particularly in India.

Ambarish Das has received numerous awards and honors for his philanthropic work. He was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian honors, in recognition of his contributions to education and social welfare. He was also awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2016, which is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to society.

Ambarish Das continues to be an active member of ISKCON and remains committed to the organization's mission of spreading the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and promoting the understanding and appreciation of the Vedic tradition. He is a role model for those who seek to use their wealth and resources for the betterment of society and serves as an inspiration for devotees of ISKCON and others alike.

In addition to his philanthropic work, Ambarish Das is also an advocate for environmental sustainability. He has spoken about the need for individuals and organizations to take responsibility for their impact on the environment and has supported various initiatives to promote sustainability.

Ambarish Das has also been involved in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. He has participated in various events and conferences aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation between different religions and has emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding.

Despite his wealth and status, Ambarish Das has remained humble and dedicated to the principles and teachings of ISKCON. He has emphasized the importance of service and selflessness in the pursuit of spiritual growth and has served as a mentor and inspiration to many within the organization.

In conclusion, Alfred Ford, also known as Ambarish Das, is a prominent member of ISKCON and a dedicated philanthropist. His contributions to ISKCON's various projects and initiatives, particularly the construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, have been significant and have helped to promote the understanding and appreciation of the Vedic tradition. He is a role model for those who seek to use their wealth and resources for the betterment of society and serves as an inspiration to devotees of ISKCON and others alike. His commitment to environmental sustainability and interfaith dialogue further highlight his dedication to promoting a better world for all.