Once Tarun Kanti Ghosh (a government minister and newspaper magnate) invited Srila Prabhupada to join an annual Gaura Purnima parade in downtown Kolkata, consisting of many Vaisnava groups. Srila Prabhupada replied, “The question is whether I go in the beginning or the end.” Rupanuga Dasa, who was present, interjected by advising Srila Prabhupada not to attend. “You have taught us to not associate with these professional kirtaniyas and sahajiyas,” he said, “but if you go it will seem that you endorse them.” Srila Prabhupada concurred, “That is the right decision.”

Told by Rupanuga Dasa