There's Love in Free Meals

BY: MANEESHA KARAN

Devotees give out free meals in Labasa
Photo: Maneesha Karan

Aug 29, 2010 — LABASA, FIJI (TIMES) — The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Society is spreading the message of love and unity by providing free lunches to people. "This is a monthly project," said regional secretary Rasa Bihari Das.

"The devotees have given their life to Lord Krishna and this is our way of giving back to the community by sharing at least one tenth of our income with the people we live with." Mr. Das said they catered for more than 1000 people of all ethnic groups that assembled near the market.

"This food is for everyone," Mr Das said. "We're aware that some market vendors come from very far places and spend the night here too. Some start their day without breakfast and stay without having lunch. We carry out this activity for the welfare of the people." Mr Das said people's lives were being touched spiritually with the love and care the devotees had for the public.

"We need to have love to reach the Holy Spirit and it becomes difficult to achieve that goal if we don't spread the message of love and care for others. In order to go to the spiritual kingdom, love is very important."

Market vendor Karuna Wati said it was a noble initiative by the Hare Krishna society. "We are observing Krishna Ashtimi and we appreciate their providing of meals," Ms Wati said.

"Some of us left home very early in the morning and this serves as our breakfast and for some this would be their lunch."