IIT-Bombay students claim ‘freedom of choice’ after PETA seeks ban on non-veg

Mumbai: Students of Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay (IIT-B) have raised issue about freedom of choice in terms of food. This move has come after People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), non-governmental organisation (NGO), issued a letter to the institute asking to ban non-vegetarian food.

In its letter, PETA has suggested an all vegan (vegetarian) menu. It has suggested the cafeterias within IIT-B should stop sale of meat, eggs and dairy products due to the harm caused to animals. It also highlighted various bacterial infections and health issues due to non-vegetarian food.

In response to the letter, authorities of IIT-B clarified the Institute does not favour/prefer any one over another or discriminate on veg- non veg grounds. Students and faculty from across the globe and varied cultural backgrounds come to IIT Bombay residents of a democratic country like India are free to choose what they want to eat.

Also read: IIT-Bombay called ‘sexist’; it rubbishes claims and aims to improve women ratio

While, students have claimed their freedom of choice is attacked through such events. Sania Dhuri, a student, said, “Why is everything and anything enforced on us? We should not be told what to eat and what not to.” Tushar Kumar, another student said, “They should keep both veg and non-veg food in the menu and let us decide what we want to eat. After all we are the consumers and students of varied cultures live here.”

This issue erupted after IIT-B asked a cafeteria on campus to shut the rooftop and avoid stale food. Also, there was an issue of different plates for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students.

IIT-B has been in the news for the wrong reasons recently. It was criticised for being sexist and ill-treating women a few days back. One student — Maitreyee Shukla — called IIT-B sexist in terms of its conduct, lingo, behaviour of students and posters displaying derogatory comments regarding women and put on her Facebook wall. On Monday, IIT-B issued a clarification rubbishing this criticism stating women are treated appropriately and women grievances and complaints are addressed through a Women’s Cell and Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).