International Society for Krishna Consciousness ISKCON® January 5, 2016 Drexel University Retail Management Office, MacAlister Hall 3250 Chestnut Street, Suite 1049 Philadelphia, PA 19104 RE: Vishak, Balakrishnan ‘To Whom it may concern, Vishak Arvind Balakrishnan is a follower of the Hindu faith. He is brahmin initiated and his family linage has been following Hindu dharma for generations in India. Due to his religious practices, he cannot eat animal flesh, eggs, oF fish. His diet is strictly vegetarian. He cannot eat vegetables or grains cooked in kitchen utensils used for preparing non veg meals. ‘The evidence of this practice is given our main scripture, Bhagavad-gita. Lord Krishna, God's name according to our scriptures, says in the gita chapter 9 verse 26: patram puspam phalam toyam, yo me bhaktya prayacchati tad aham bhakty-upahrtam, asnami prayatatmanah “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.” Purport by our Spiritual Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C, Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada “Here Lord Krsna, having established that He is the only enjoyer, the primeval Lord and the real object of all sacrificial offerings, reveals what types of sacrifices He desires to be offered. If one wishes to engage in devotional service to the Supreme in order to be purified and to reach the goal of life -- the transcendental loving service of God ~ then one should find out what the Lord desires of him. One who loves Krsna will give Him whatever He wants, and he avoids offering anything which is undesirable or unasked. Thus meat, fish and eggs should not be offered to Krsna, If He desired such things as offerings, He would have said so. Instead He clearly requests that a leaf, fruit, flowers and water be given to Him, and He says of this offering, "I will accept it." Therefore, we should understand that He ‘will not accept meat, fish and eggs. Vegetables, grains, fruits, milk and water are the proper foods for human beings and are prescribed by Lord Krsna Himself. Whatever else we eat cannot be offered 10 Him, since He will not accept it, Thus we cannot be acting on the level of loving devotion if we offer such foods.” ur humble request is that you allow Vishak Arind Balakrishnan to be exempt from the meal program so that he can purchase food that is acceptable to his religious practice. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. yours truly, "Sibki Nedt: de. ‘Sikhi Mahiti das Temple President 267-607-3234 office The Philadelphia Radha-Krishna Temple - 4\ West Allens Lane » Philadelphia, PA 19119 » 215-3 17-4600 - wnow.iskconphiladelphia.com