emergency relief

[Guest guest]

Dear Mahaprabhu Caitanya Prabhu,

PAMHO. AGSTP.

 

Thank your intelligent analysis of prasadam distribution (the real FFL),

versus the wanton ISKCON's foray into mundane welfare activities of mid-day

meals program (India in particular) etc., I hope those who are involved in

these programs would take a closer look into the actual desires of Srila

Prabhupada, rather a passionate views of food for life program.

 

your servant,

 

Isvara dasa.

 

> Dear Maharajas, Prabhujis and Matajis

> PAMHO

> AGTSP

>

> I have the greatest respect for any program that distributes prasadam and

> gives the mercy of the Holy Name to the hungry and thirsty masses. All

> glories to all those prasadam distribution efforts which make new

> devotees. Phalena pariciyate. Since FFL was setup for this noble objective

> I offer my humble obeisances to all those who are striving to make new

> devotees through a combined program of kirtan, prasadam distribution and

> sankirtan.

>

> In Bangalore, India there is another program which appears like FFL.

>

> I have some comments regarding this popular Akshaya Patra program of

> ISKCON Bangalore, now expanding into other places at a rapid pace. I am

> raising some points for discussion based on my limited experience and

> observation of their operation. Kindly correct me wherever I am wrong.

>

> 1. Most people involved are paid employees.

> 2. Cooking is nearly fully mechanised, simple food, seems quite

> inexpensive. It appears like collections are more than expenses, hence

> providing room for expansion. Also perceived price of a plate of "Mid-day

> meal" is much more than the actual cost.

> 3. The process of delivery is slick and professional. Rarely do devotees

> accompany the prasadam.

> 4. I haven't noticed any process of kirtan before, during or after meals

> in the schools where they deliver.

> 5. No "Mahaprasade Govinde" also as far as I know.

> 6. It seems to be very popular with the political bigwigs and getting big

> favors seems easy.

> 7. The Mid-day Meal draws many students to the school to receive modern

> education. The great theories of Darwin, Big Bang etc are taught by poorly

> paid teachers who harbor hopes of material opulence.

> 8. I am unaware of any regular program wherein devotees are involved in

> going to the schools wherein they give KC classes on a regular basis.

> 9. Also I am unaware of the existence of a program by which parents of

> children are visited and preached to on the importance of devotional life.

> 10. I am unaware of the existence of a system controlled by the Akshay

> Patra organisers wherein they can separate the deserving kids from the

> undeserving ones.In some schools the children usually gather at the time

> of meals and spend the rest of the time playing cricket, gambling etc. Mid

> day meal can at times turn into free food for lazy kids who want to enjoy

> life. Also I was wondering if there are any statistics of how many

> children are chanting japa, how many rounds etc and how many have joined

> the movement or are serving in some way due to this program.

>

> 11. The government is apparently happy to support the mid-day meal for a

> few reasons. Prominent ones are

> a)Government spending for this activity reduces so there is more

> money to go into corrupt pockets.

> b)Children have fallen sick in the past from poor quality food hence

> embarassing the government. Private participation mitigates this risk.

> c)Huge scams related to the mid-day meal also embarassed the

> government.

>

>

> I was wondering what the objective of Akshay Patra was

>

> 1. Is it collect money for other activities using this front?

> 2. Is it get political favors?

> 3. Is it to encourage children to go to school and get a materialistic

> education? As far as I know so many children go to school abandoning farm

> work and other work/vocations just for the meal since they are

> impoverished.

>

> Given the money spent is it not easier to have our own schools or schools

> managed or controlled by devotees where we can influence curriculum and

> attitude of children rather than fuel an education system which SP decried

> repeatedly?

>

> Further wouldnt it be better to create model schools on the varnashram

> basis as per SP's desires where children can engage in vocational training

> and hence earn a living in the future? The number of so called educated

> unemployed in exploding the world over. These educated kids are a

> frustrated lot involved in all kinds of anti-social behavior. They usually

> resent a society that taught them things which serve no practical purpose

> in most cases.

>

> Isn't it better for Akshay Patra program to take a leadership role rather

> than a follower role? Can't we be change leaders in society who display

> the courage to stand up for the right thing and show society how to do

> things rather than do things which society likes but is not endorsed by SP

> or sastra?

>

> Aren't feeding kids and encouraging them to receive a materialistic

> education devoid of KC and distributing condoms to prevent AIDS similar in

> hypocrisy to our core values?

>

> One last doubt: An Uttama Adhikari would obviously see all activities as

> bhakti but shouldn't we run our programs from a more Madhyama Adhikari

> platform? Isn't it better to err on the more conservative side?

>

> Please forgive any offenses made and correct me where I am wrong.

>

> We are hoping to start a humble prasadam and water seva at our book stall

> near Manasi Ganga in Govardhan. Please bless us that this modest attempt

> will succeed and help make new devotees and further our preaching

> attempts. Please bless me so that I may get Krishna prema.

>

> your servant

> Mahaprabhu Caitanya das