He received his first initiation on August 1994 under the name Govinda das, and actually turned into being one of the most senior disciples of H.H. Bhaktivedanta Ramakrishnananda Swami. Govinda is a brilliant teacher of Hatha Yoga, and is very knowledgeable about Vedic religion. He is the official translator of Gurudev's books to Russian. He is highly respected by all the disciples of the organization due to his dedication and servitor spirit.