Bhakti Tirtha Swami (John Favors '72) Memorial

Bhakti Tirtha Swami (also known as John E. Favors and Tshombe Abdul) was a member of Princeton University's Class of 1972. As a student, John was a student leader with the Association of Black Collegians and helped to co-found the university's Third World Center. After graduating from Princeton, he went on to become one of the first African American Hindu gurus in the world, ordained as His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami. A celebrated teacher, author, and community organizer, he passed away from cancer in 2005.

This year, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Third World Center (known today as the Carl A. Fields Center), we are recognizing Bhakti Tirtha Swami's legacy at Princeton and beyond. We are dedicating a memorial stone in the university chapel to honor him, and hosting an event to celebrate his life and legacy.

Please donate to help fund the memorial and celebration. Your contribution will be sent directly to Princeton University's Office of Finance and Treasury and will be applied towards the Bhakti Tirtha Swami memorial fund.