To,
The Honorable Minister of Food Processing Industries,
Government of India,
New Delhi.
Subject: Request for Establishing a Certification and Monitoring System for Prasad and Religious Food Items
Respected Sir/Madam,
We, the undersigned, on behalf of the Sanatani Hindu community, respectfully approach your esteemed office to address a pressing concern regarding the purity and sanctity of prasad and religious food items distributed at temples and religious institutions across the country.
The recent revelation of animal fat being detected in the prasad at the revered Tirupati Balaji Temple has caused widespread distress among millions of Hindu devotees. Prasad, considered sacred and blessed by the divine, must adhere to the highest standards of purity as dictated by Sanatan Dharma. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the transparency and regulation of food items distributed at our religious places.
Our Humble Request
We humbly request the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to implement the following measures to ensure that no such violations occur in the future, and that religious sentiments are upheld:
1.Certification System for Religious Food in Fssai:
We propose the establishment of a mandatory certification system in Fssai for prasad and other religious food items distributed at temples and religious places. This certification should include regular quality checks and food safety inspections to ensure that all food complies with the highest Sanatani and dietary standards.
2.Adherence to Satvik Standards:
The food and prasad distributed at temples should strictly follow the Satvik principles of Sanatan Dharma, which include the use of pure ghee, fresh and natural ingredients, and traditional methods of preparation that respect Hindu religious customs.
3.Transparency and Public Accountability:
We request that temple authorities maintain complete transparency about the sourcing of ingredients and food preparation methods. A comprehensive system of publicly accessible records should be maintained to ensure that devotees can verify the authenticity and sanctity of the food items they consume.
4.Awareness Campaign for Devotees and Temples:
A nationwide awareness campaign should be launched to educate temple administrators and the general public about the importance of certified and pure prasad. This will ensure that devotees are mindful of the food they consume and can make informed choices.
5.Strict Action Against Violators:
We urge the Ministry to initiate strict legal action against individuals, institutions, or suppliers who are found violating the purity standards of food offered at religious places. This will create accountability and deter future violations.
The Swastik Moment: A National Initiative
This petition is part of the Swastik Moment, a campaign spearheaded by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shaileshanand Ji Maharaj under the VedAshram Trust, in collaboration with over 400 Sanatani Math Mandirs across the country. The campaign aims to unify Hindus in their commitment to preserving the purity of prasad and religious food, ensuring it aligns with Sanatan Dharma.
Why Your Support is Crucial
Religious food is not just sustenance; it is a sacred offering and an integral part of Hindu spiritual practices. Any contamination or deviation from religious standards directly impacts the faith and sentiments of millions of devotees. By establishing a certification and monitoring system, your ministry can play a crucial role in maintaining the sanctity of religious practices and ensuring the well-being of devotees.
Requests-
We request the following from your esteemed office:
•Review this petition and take immediate steps to establish a national certification framework for prasad and religious food.
•Collaborate with temple authorities, religious leaders, and relevant food safety authorities to implement these changes.
•Ensure that strict measures are in place to prevent any future contamination or violations of religious food standards.
We thank you for your time and consideration in addressing this sensitive and urgent matter. Your leadership in this regard will safeguard the purity of our religious practices and strengthen the trust of devotees across the nation.
Sincerely,
The Supporters of the Swastik Moment Campaign
Led by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shaileshanand Ji Maharaj
VedAshram Trust and 13 Akhada with 700+ Sanatani Math Mandirs
Sanatan Dharma Devotees and Concerned Citizens of India
Contact Information:
VedAshram Trust, Vadodara, Gujarat