Born in 1957 in Almati, Kazakhstan as Kaliyev Edik Sergibaevich, Saccidananda Dasa, started painting at the age of five. He trained in art at the NV Gogolya Art School in Almati and at the Zhurgenov Faculty of Monumental and Decorative Painting, graduating with honours under the tutelage of Professor K Telizhanov, a famous public artist of the former USSR. An ISKCON devotee, Saccidananda’s colourful and often large-sized paintings, feature icons and episodes inspired by his studies of the scriptures. His paintings, themed around Lord Krishna’s pastimes are displayed in temples worldwide, including those in India, America, England, Australia, Russia, and Belgium. A large collection of his work can be found in the Glory of India Museum at the ISKCON temple in New Delhi. He receives regular commissions for work from the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and devotees around the world. Currently one of the most prolific artists in ISKCON, Saccidananda Dasa lives in Vrindavan, India.