Food for thought

The recent news on the IIT Madras mess that has separate entrances, wash basins and utensils for vegetarians and non-vegetarians has created a furore on social media. Students discuss

Amruta Patil, II, B. Tech (CSE), Manipal University, Jaipur

It is sad to hear that reputed institutes such as IIT Madras are still imposing cultural discrimination. It is not expected from such an institution to take a simple requestlike the need for separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian food to such an extent where the discrimination is starting to look feel like untouchability. They are supposed to be grooming young minds not only in technology but also in getting over such discrimination. These are a few things that come to the light but there could be many such issues thatwe may not know about.

Maitrayee Kumar, III, BA PES, Bengaluru

IITM is that one college which is admirable for its high esteem and competiveness. Instead, it has now become a mini battleground of politisation creating unrest inferring discrimination on the basis of food preference. A robust investigation is needed. One needs to be taught to have empathy towards others and not succumb to mob mentality and stereotyping.

Raaghavi Srinivasan, II, B.A. (hons.) Economics, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana

In a community that is progressing towards modernisation, having separate entrances suggests that retrogression is still in play. As there are many cultures in India that only allow consumption of “pure vegetarian” food, worrying about cross-contamination is understandable. I believe that the decision by this institute was taken keeping in mind the needs of all students, however, partitioning the entire student community based on food habits might give rise to a sense of class division.

Kumaresh K.R., III, Metallurgy, IIT Madras

I do not see what the big issue is. I don't think anyone has made a big deal of pure vegetarian restaurants. If every trivial incident of every college is going to be blown up, then every institution will seem like a bad place to study in. Look at the numerous scientific innovations our students have created/are working on currently. Those are what make IIT Madras (or any IIT, for that matter) stand out. These regressive aspects will die out in a couple of weeks at most and people will move on, but the things of value that come out of an IIT — students and what they do — are the ones which will have a lasting impact.