Fairness part of Temple life

The UK’s first Fairtrade Hindu temple is Shree Sanatan Seva Samaj, in Luton. It swapped to Fairtrade in November 2009, making Fairtrade tea, coffee and biscuits available to its worshippers.

The move has been heartily supported by regular worshippers says Kantilal D Lad, President of the Temple. ‘A lot of people here are from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Africa, so it was very inspiring when we heard about how buying Fairtrade products helps poor farmers back home. My parents are Indian and I was born in Tanzania so it is great that I can support people in both at the same time.’

Making the swap has inspired the temple to encourage devotees to use Fairtrade products at home and Kantilal is very clear on why that’s important. ‘If the people who produce our food don’t get enough return because other countries are making all the money, then it is obviously unfair. Hinduism teaches us to help the poor and oppressed, so by making our temple Fairtrade we are also following part of our religion.’