Laszlo Papp

While I have been a professional Software Engineer for 15 years, I always had a passion for music. I love playing and sharing kirtan. Kirtan music has always felt a way of expressing myself and getting some relief from the worldly challenges. As a busy Software Engineer, my life has been very hectic. Yet, I feel great when I can come together with like-minded devotees to sing the holy name. I always come out of it with peace of mind, hope, relief and such high energy that I could not get by any other ways, methods and means.

My musical journey has been an interesting one. Early on in my life, I used to play bass guitar in amateur Rock'n Roll bands. I was probably a teenager in elementary school when it all started. When I was introduced to Krishna Consciousness in 2004, the devotees invited me to join their Sunday love feast kirtan with my bass guitar. It was convenient for me as it was on my way to the Sunday night rehearsals with my band. Over time, my heart has gradually been transformed and purified. I felt more and more connected to the divine sacred sounds as opposed to the Rock'n Roll vibe and atmosphere. With time, my interest drifted apart from underground bands towards devotion and I started learning various traditional Vaishnava instruments. And before I knew it, I found myself playing harmonium and leading kirtans in the streets of London.

I have been playing kirtan for a long time (10-15 years) now. Organically, I have learnt a lot from experienced kirtaniyas and am eternally grateful for the teachers and devotees who have influenced my life in this way. I feel that now it is my turn to try to contribute the experience back to the kirtan community in the mood and mission of great kirtaniyas, like Aindra Prabhu, who had a great impact on my spiritual journey. He had dedicated his life to kirtan and led the 24-hour kirtan department in Vrindavan, India for 24 years--leaving an indelible stamp on everyone's hearts.

Kirtan forever!