This most ancient and dynamic religion known to the world as Hinduism, but whose correct name is Sanatana Vaidic Dharma, has a world's population of approximately 1.2 billion people, and this tallies about 15% of the world's population. That makes Hinduism the third largest religion of the world, a powerful force to reckon with. The eternal Truth as sung in the ancient Vedas is the strong backbone upon which Hinduism stands tall among the world's oldest civilizations even today. The rich source of Knowledge of Hinduism comes not only from the Vedas but also from the Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and other holy texts. All the Hindu Shastras advocate many lofty principles not only for Hindus to imbibe but for any human being who feel inspired and find solace and comfort in practicing them in their daily lives. Of the many rich virtues of Hinduism, four of these eternal pillars which the great  Rishis and Munis (Seers), Saints and Sages of yore and the world renowned Mahatma Gandhi epitomized are Ahimsa (Non-Violence); Satyam (Truth); Asteya (Non-stealing) & Brahmacharya (living in one's own Self). 

Even to this day, thousands of Hindus and non-Hindus around the globe adhere to these eternal Vedic principles. Now, based on the principle of Non-Violence, (which translates to mean causing NO hurt or pain at the physical and mental levels to any creatures) thousands of Hindus and non-Hindus live on a Vegetarian diet; simply put, they are Vegetarians. Vegetarian folks also like travel all over the world to bask in the pristine beauty and spirituality of Mother Nature; they also like to dine and enjoy Vegetarian cuisines from other cultures. Do you know that nowadays, it is highly fashionable to be a Vegetarian? Yes, indeed! And, an important point to note: Hinduism has not only gifted Vegetarianism to the world, but also Yoga & Meditation, among so many other enriching cultural practices. Vegetarians need to be provided pure vegetarian meals when travelling anywhere on the world's map, whether the distance is short or long, right? What to talk about traveling 18 hours in the air on an international flight going from New York to the Sub-continent India?

Recently, a group of devoted Hindu pilgrims, headed by one of our most revered, learned and highly respected Pandits from New York region, Pandit Yoganand Ramnarain, travelled to India to visit the sacred Dvadasha Jyotirlingas. The Yatra group chose to travel on Emirates Airlines. When the Yatra group booked their flights, they chose Hindu Meals. From their perspective, they thought that "Hindu Meals" are "Vegetarian Meals". Do you know how flabbergasted and shocked they were when the flight attendants gave them Hindu Meals, which included meat and fish? To the surprise of the group, Emirates did not even have much Vegetarian Meals to give them on the flight. Many in the group of about 28 had to survive the long flights without proper Vegetarian Meals. So, we Hindus are calling ALL AIRLINES to rectify, edit or add Hindu Meals on their flights. Hindu Meals do not contain any types of animal meat, no fishes, no eggs, no animal fat or oil. A Hindu Meal is a pure vegetarian meal made up of all types of vegetables, legumes, fresh fruits and dried fruits, tofu, all types of nuts. We Hindus need immediate action to be taken by ALL AIRLINES to correct their menus to accommodate Hindus.