After Bombay, now Hyderabad: Why IITs are under fire for creating ‘veg-only’ spaces

A huge debate has erupted over ‘vegetarian-only’ spaces in some Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). IIT Bombay and its Hyderabad counterpart have stirred a row by demarcating sections for those who eat veg-only food. The move has been condemned by many, with some terming it ‘casteist’ and alleging food discrimination. What is going on in these IITs? Let’s understand better. Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad In July, IIT H students got an email asking whether they would prefer to register for a ‘veg only’ dining hall, per The News Minute (TNM) report. The mail with an attached form said the survey was being conducted at the behest of the Director of the prestigious institute and some students. By August first week, there was an area earmarked in the new mess dining hall for veg-only food, the report added. The IIT H has two canteens and a student told TNM that such “segregation” on the basis of food choices is not there in the old canteen. “The vegetarian-only section is in the new canteen, where even faculty and other staff members come to eat now. It may also have something to do with the faculty members. They have set up a separate section entirely with utensils for vegetarians. The result of that survey was not made public,” the student told the news outlet on the condition of anonymity. [caption id=“attachment_13211612” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad is reportedly considering setting up an exclusive vegetarian dining hall next semester. News18 File Photo[/caption] As per TNM, IIT H is now planning to set up an exclusive vegetarian dining hall next semester. Another survey to decide about the “possibility of running a veg mess in one of the dining halls” was sent on 12 September, triggering a controversy. Speaking to TNM, another student claimed that out of the 3,800-odd people on the campus, a mere 10 per cent or less were vegetarians. “While sending us the survey link, they said that the veg mess would run only if a majority agreed. But, five days after sending us the link at the end of July, we learnt that registrations for the veg mess had begun, and the veg-only dining space began from the first week of August itself. From what we know, about 200 people asked for a veg-only section,” the student was quoted as saying by the news site. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay IIT Bombay has been in the news cycle over food segregation for the last few months. In July, the premier institute found itself in the middle of a row when posters stating “vegetarians only are allowed to sit here” appeared in the canteen. The posters, which were reportedly put up by some students in the dining hall of hostel 12, led to a huge backlash on social media. The administration took down the posters at the time. The IIT-B student collective Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) also highlighted that IIT B did not have segregation policies for food. However, months later, IIT B has made food segregation official. According to the IIT-B’s mess council, six seats in a common canteen for hostels 12,13, and 14 have been reserved for vegetarian diners only. In an email to students last month, the Mess Council said that the move would create an “inclusive environment”. “There is no doubt that there are some people who can’t resist the view and smell of non-vegetarian food during their dining, this may create health issues as well,” the email said, as per Outlook. “Our primary goal is to ensure that every resident enjoys a very comfortable and pleasant dining experience. To address this and create a more inclusive environment, it has been decided to designate only six tables exclusively for vegetarian food," it added. The Mess Council also warned of action if there was a “violation”. Some students protested against the directive on 28 September by eating non-vegetarian food at the tables reserved for only veg diners. On 1 October, the council levied a fine of Rs 10,000 on one of the students who were a part of the protest against the “vegetarian-only" table. In an email to students on Thursday (5 October), the institute blamed the student who was fined by the mess council for holding the protest even when advised not to, “leading to a conflict”, as per an Indian Express report. Referring to the protest, IIT B alleged in the email, “There were reports of some students deliberately spilling non-veg food to cause discomfort to fellow students. Such provocative and insensitive actions are not acceptable.” APPSC has rejected the claims of “deliberate spilling over of non-veg food” by the protesting students, reported Indian Express. ALSO READ: 'Same spoon for veg, non-veg food': Why Sudha Murthy is a regular target of trolls Food segregation sparks casteism debate The debate around practices of food segregation is not new. The pride in the “pure vegetarian” notion ingrained in the Indian culture often leads to allegations of casteism. Some say it is not just about earmarking separate spaces for those who have a vegetarian diet. “The problem is that this whole attitude that non-vegetarians and vegetarians need to be segregated comes from the idea that non-vegetarian food is contaminated,” an APPSC member told Hindustan Times (HT). [caption id=“attachment_13211652” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] The debate around practices of food segregation is not new. Wikimedia Commons (Representational Image)[/caption] Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor and researcher, told The New Indian Express (TNIE), “There are larger implications and a broader context of the constant promotion of vegetarianism in India, which reinforces the perceived superiority of those who consume vegetarian food.” “This prejudice against different eating habits is deeply rooted and perpetuates unscientific notions, furthering caste prejudice. It can also lead individuals to distance themselves from their own culture,” she argued. Speaking to TNM, Dr Karpagam said there has been a “resurgence” of caste pride related to being a vegetarian lately. She said rather than food segregation, the emphasis should be on providing nutritional diets. “More than a survey on what people want to eat, they (IIT H administration) should survey nutritional requirements in hostels. If they go along those lines, then they cannot erase animal food because that is the most scientific approach. What they are doing is not based on any science. There is no limit on the Exaggerated Veg Fragility Syndrome,” Dr Karpagam told TNM. With inputs from agencies