Inflation has spared none so far and no, Gods are not going to be spared either. Food prices have sky rocketed all over the globe in past few months and it is has hit Indians where it hurts the most. Indian devotees quite accustomed to bathe God in milk and offering flowers and fruits have been forced to cut down their daily offering. Most of them are heading temples in the mornings with empty folded hands with ardent prayers in their soul.

In past few months prices of milk, oil, lentils, rice and all essential commodities have risen sharply all over the globe. There is decline in local and global agriculture produce, so international markets are riding high and there is very little any government can do. From Africa to Thailand it is the same story. According to the U.N food program, more than 100 million people are being driven deeper into poverty due to rising food prices. This has led to world-wide protests and also to food-riots in some countries.

In this context, it is not surprising that temple offerings in India are being cut down by people. But in a multi religion dominated country like India this has many implications. Cut-down in religious offering is a visible parameter of inflation hitting the kitchens and bellies of common man in India. Temples and mosques are also complex economy centers in this country. There is a long supply chain; shop-keepers of flowers, fruits, milk, coconut, sweets, dairy products sells goods to devotees who offer them to small priests, head priests for their services and make generous donations to God. This is a sensitive ground to tread for everyone. Once this chain is affected no one can be sure how things can go out of control in India. This can also mean that Indians are already in a zero-tolerance zone.

It is high time Indian government took steps to curb the inflation or soon there will be desperate food-riot kind of situation. Global trends of inflation may take time to reverse but local interventions by Indian government like increasing local self-sufficiency by producing more food grains (rather than procuring from global markets) will ensure majority Indians, their children and their Gods don’t have to go hungry again.

Source: WashingtonPost