Railways allows ISKCON book sales at stations where newspapers, magazines face restrictions

Kollam, Kerala: Volunteers of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) have been permitted to interact with passengers and sell and distribute the Bhagavad Gita and books written by ISKCON founder Bhaktivedanta Swami at railway stations, including locations where the sale of newspapers and magazines is restricted.

In recent times, the Railways has not granted similar permission to any other organisation. The Railway order states that the message of the Bhagavad Gita represents the highest knowledge and is in conformity with the Constitution of India.

Accordingly, all General Managers, Principal Chief Commercial Managers and station staff have been directed to communicate the order at the station level.

The order specifically states that volunteers selling books outside station premises should not be disturbed. The directive follows incidents reported from states including Kerala.

It further states that if volunteers enter ticketing areas after purchasing platform tickets, the distribution of books and interaction with passengers should be allowed in accordance with existing guidelines.

The order also says that if there is any doubt regarding the authenticity of an ISKCON volunteer’s identity card, it may be verified with the nearest ISKCON temple or centre.

The action follows a letter issued by a Railway Board member based on an application submitted by ISKCON.