Dera authorities claim that they encourage their followers to be forward looking and support several employment generation programmes, especially those which provide livelihood to the weakest of the society. “Strictly speaking, Dera Sacha Sauda doesn’t have direct ownership in such business enterprises. These are run by our followers who want to settle in Sirsa near the Dera. They are using our name as a brand. We have satisfied ourselves that the products made are vegetarian and that proper standards are followed in their manufacture,” says Dr Aditya, the official spokesperson of the Dera.

He also says that it is unfortunate that people have chosen to focus on “the unfair and untrue accusations” against the Dera. “We don’t like to blow our own trumpet but people need to come and see the actual situation here,” Aditya adds.