JNU has grabbed headlines again, and this time for its food policing agenda. The Maha-Mandvi Hostel of JNU is witnessing a cultural crisis of food-divisive policy.
The Maha-Mandvi hostel of JNU witnessed a recent clash on the food-policing agenda of ABVP. The hostel has introduced a new segregation arrangement for people with non-vegetarian and vegetarian needs. Students refer to this move as “divisive” and “disturbing” to the academic space of JNU. When asked about this incident, a student of JNU, on the account of anonymity, said,
JNU has a tradition of hosting special dinners on occasion. This is not the first time this has happened; in the past, there was a very violent altercation over the same issue at the Kaveri Hostel. As the Saawan month is going on, ABVP uses religious festivals as an excuse to indulge in politically motivated tactics.”
Saawan is a sacred month for Hindus to abstain from any indulgence in alcohol and non-vegetarian food. However, since there was no deliberate pressure to adhere to these standards, this is regarded as a harmless move; those who wished to do so could do so without any consequences. “JNUSU protested vehemently against this initiative but later quietly withdrew from it when they were reprimanded by the administration,” said an eyewitness.
Following the disturbing incident of food-based segregation at Mahi-Mandavi Hostel, JNUSU immediately intervened and raised the matter with the concerned authorities,” the union said in another statement. JNUSU said that they had progressed the matter to the point where the administration will now initiate an inquiry against the perpetrators. This comes as a surprise in a space that is known for its academic integrity and cultural discourse. However, the union pledged to continue defending constitutional values and to oppose all forms of communal or discriminatory practices on campus. This is still a developing story.
Image Credits – X account of JNU
Kinjal Sharma
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