Choice of food in Schools

This refers to the Op-Ed article (“Breeding contempt: a deliberate choice?” Dec.10) by Ms.Kanimozhi, M.P. It is true that schools should not be the starting point for communal politics and houses of intolerance and hatred. This is the reason for introduction of uniform dress code for all students, irrespective of the caste, creed, religion and financial status. A school should teach morals, values and imbibe in its wards good character which is the need of the hour. Quality education for all is a must. In this context, it is sad to note that public schools in India are ineffective at 40% of enrolled 8 to 10 year olds cannot read a page. More than 44 crore Indians, i.e. 40% of the population are under 18 and it is not clear how India will generate enough jobs over the next two decades to employ them. Further, Child labour, unsafe drinking water and filthy streets are quite serious problems, which merit immediate corrective action. Even globally, one billion people suffer for want of food and India has 81% of population below poverty line.

Thus schools have to teach that we live by food and not for food. Allowing children to eat the food of their choice inside the school premises is not at all an important issue and should not be a religious issue also.

If parents want to feed the children with different dishes, let them do so in homes or elsewhere. Let children eat simple but wholesome vegetarian food at school.

[This appeared in the Letter to the Editor column of The Hindu
dt 12/12/2008.]

( The above referred article, in a subtle and indirect way recommends
non-vegetarian food at school on the basis of religion ).