Mumbai: A Muslim woman in Mumbai was denied food by a distributor associated with a Hindutva group for refusing to say ‘Jai Shri Ram,’.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred near Tata Hospital, where non-governmental organizations routinely provide meals to patients and their families. The woman, who was in line to receive food, was told by the distributor, an elderly man with a tilak on his forehead, that she would only be served if she chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram.’
Video footage taken by a reporter on the scene shows the distributor insisting that those unwilling to chant the slogan should leave the queue. The woman resisted, arguing that the public area was not his personal property.
Criticism of the distributor’s actions has emerged, with observers pointing out the discriminatory nature of his demands. Onlookers at the scene expressed disapproval, emphasizing that charity work should not be conditional on religious affirmations. Despite the criticism, the distributor continued to demand the chant, calling the woman a “trouble maker” and asking the videographer to stop recording.
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, drawing comments from public figures. Comedian Rajiv Nigam criticized the distributor, urging him to remember the inclusive teachings of Lord Ram. Historian Dr. Ruchika Sharma contrasted the episode with the Sikh practice of Langar, which involves serving food without discrimination, highlighting the cultural emphasis on selfless charity.