According to Jainism there are four types of Daan: Aahar Daan (giving food), Aushadh Daan (giving medicine), Shästra Daan (giving knowledge), and Abhaya Daan (giving shelter).

Of these the first i.e. Ahaar daan, can be easily be performed by the all of us.

Ahaar daan assumes even more significance in country where ~INR 50,000 crores worth of food produced is wasted (Source: Agriculture Ministry) while ~190 million people are undernourished (Source FAO). Imagine the impact if the gap within this colossal waste and the colossal demand were to be bridged - nobody would go hungry in the country !

It is therefore incumbent on all of us to stop promoting great fat weddings and lavish parties which are some of the biggest food-waste generators. As you plan for the function, also plan for how you would wrap it up without leaving behind any wastage. Make sure you plan for the food to be transported to a place like an orphanage or an old age shelter.

As Mahavira said in Acharanga Sutra, we should practice - no waste, no overuse, no abuse, no polluting of environment and all its resources. Identify all the surplus resources and release from time to time.

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