Answer
No. Srila Prabhupada did not simply tell people that their culture was inferior. Rather, he taught the foundation of Vedic culture.
Every culture is built upon a particular system of knowledge. Western culture is based on Western knowledge, whereas Indian culture is based on Vedic knowledge.
Srila Prabhupada presented Vedic knowledge in English and addressed the very foundation of Western thinking. He demonstrated that modern civilization is primarily body-centered, whereas Vedic civilization is spirit-centered.
A body-centered culture focuses only on this lifetime—from birth until death. A spirit-centered culture recognizes that we are eternal souls, and therefore true welfare means eternal welfare, not merely temporary happiness in this life.
That is the fundamental difference.
The British used a very calculated strategy to dominate other nations. Our purpose is completely different. We do not preach spiritual knowledge to dominate others or gain power over them.
Many modern nations seek greater political or military influence. Countries such as China, America, and Russia continually think in terms of expanding their power and influence. Conquest, for them, means control.
India's traditional vision is different. Its purpose is not to conquer territory but to spread spiritual knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
We tell people:
"You are thinking only in terms of your temporary bodily existence. But regardless of your present beliefs, you are an eternal soul. Understanding your spiritual identity is your real welfare."
Today India is highly westernized, but we should make the best use of the circumstances.
Srila Prabhupada translated the Vedic scriptures into English. Had he not done so, many of us would never have become devotees. After the traditional gurukula system declined, Sanskrit learning also declined. Our scriptures remained in Sanskrit, but very few people could understand them.
Through these English translations we can now appreciate that Vedic literature is not mythology. It is profound spiritual science.
When people do not understand the meaning behind worship, rituals, and spiritual practices, they dismiss them as myths or superstitions. That is exactly what happened for many years.
When I was in college, this attitude was very common among educated youth. If someone came to distribute Bhagavad-gita and I bought a copy in front of my friends, they would laugh at me. Indian culture had virtually no value in their eyes.
Fortunately, things have changed considerably today. There is now a growing appreciation for our spiritual heritage.
Earlier generations still retained some connection with our traditions, but later generations often inherited only external customs without understanding the philosophical foundation behind them.
Our temples have played a major role in preserving this culture.
The British came to India primarily to exploit and extract wealth. Earlier Muslim rulers had a different objective—they settled here and established kingdoms. Over generations, communities became integrated into Indian society.
That is why some organizations speak of people "coming back" to their original roots rather than describing it as conversion.
