The word ‘halal’ literally means permissible. However, a mere google search of the definition will tell you that it basically relates the type of butchering of meat as prescribed by Muslim law. Halal is a process of butchering which is supposed to reduce pain and drain as much blood as possible. It is considered healthy and a huge population consume it. This is not problematic as it pertains to someone’s faith and religion. The problem starts when this Halal enters all other aspects of food and life. They have even branded noodles, pulses and rice as halal. This new halal food is a verticalization of the supply chain where no other religion is allowed to enter. Fanatics have created the Halal brand to spread their religious agendas. This is a tool of religious discrimination which propagates that, because it is made by a certain community, it should be used by that community.

 

Right to equality is one of the six fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. It includes equality before law, prohibition of discrimination on grounds of race, religion, gender, and caste or birth place. But such false certifications ensure that other religions are discriminated against. This halal economy is worth $650 billion, yet a significant section of the society is excluded from it.

So, how does this Halal certification takes place in India? To apply for one, you need to pay a sum of Rs 20,000 to Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust. This is the same organization which supported the gruesome murder of Kamlesh Tiwari and have even promised legal support to these murderers. Yes, the statements of Kamlesh Tiwari were derogatory but these statements should never lead to someone’s murder. It is now for us to decide if our money should go to funding such organizations or the nation-building process of India. We should be aware consumers. Jai Hind.


About Abhinav Khare

Abhinav Khare is the CEO of Asianet News Network and also the host of a daily show named Deep Dive with AK. He has a lifetime collection of books and gadgets and has already pinged more than hundred cities around the globe. 

He is a tech entrepreneur, who is passionate about policy, technology, economy and philosophy from ancient India. He earned an MS Engineering from the ETH Zurich and an MBA Finance from the London Business School.