THE CONTEXT: The hegemony of vegetarianism over the last century has institutionalised a hierarchy between vegetarian and non vegetarians and disgust against beef eaters particularly against outcastes, Christians and Muslims.
RECENT INSTANCES:
- The Director of IIT Mandi recently remarked that the cloud bursts and landslides in Himachal Pradesh were linked to meat eating. Although, IIT Mandi does not practice or encourage segregated dining in hostels.
- In Mumbai, Trupti Devrukhkar was denied office space in a Gujarati society. This incident has been linked to the vegetarian vs meatarian divide in Mumbai’s real estate, with allegations that “pure vegetarian” Gujaratis look down upon those who eat meat, including Maharashtrians.
- In, IIT Bombay, a meatarian student was fined for consuming meat at a table earmarked for vegetarians and thereby violating a student council rule. He has been accused of intentionally causing disharmony through his act of protest.
CURRENT SITUATION:
- Changing ethics: A lot is changing in the ethics and aesthetics of food consumption in urban spaces with increase of mixed dining. Also, the caste basis of Indian vegetarianism is showing some decline as not all express disgust at the sight and smell of meat-based foods.
- Not a linear process: However, mild erosion of hierarchical values and caste ethics in food consumption is not a linear process. Militant vegetarians seek to continually sustain the traditional ethics and aesthetics of segregation and hierarchy in food consumption.
AFFECT ON FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS:
- Article 17: As per Article 17, untouchability has been abolished and its practice in any form is forbidden. The enforcement of any disability arising out of Untouchability shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.
- Article 14: As per article 14, the State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
- Article 21: As per article 21, No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.
ISSUES ARISING:
- Gendering roles: Though, the dynamics are changing as vegetarian parents are increasingly allowing their children to experiment with meat-based foods. However, these changes are usually gendered, as men experiment more outside their homes while women keep the private familial spaces pure and holy by sticking to a satvik diet.
- Segregation and hierarchy: Such militant vegetarianism is a social illness that seeks continual segregation and hierarchy and even leads to violence. Parvis Ghassem-Fachandi’s study of anti-Muslim violence in Gujarat points to the role of vegetarianism, sacrifice, and bovine nationalism in such violence.
- Roots in ancient times: Unlike veganism, which may emerge from compassion, the foundations of militant vegetarianism lie in varnashrama dharma and graded inequality of ancient times.
- Argument in name of environment: Perpetrator tends to condemn the meat eating in the name of environment and argument of compassion for animals. It turns the pure-vegetarian nationalist project into an environmental one.
- A comparison with menstruation: A productive comparison can be made of meat eating with menstruation. Like, both meat and sanitary pads are associated with shame, guilt and impurities as meat like sanitary pads are usually packed in black polythene bags and deemed outcastes.
- Sensitive mixed public spaces: Mixed eating public spaces are mostly sensitive to the religious sentiments of Muslims and Savarna Hindus as neither beef nor pork is served in such spaces.
- Vulnerable Academic spaces: Academic spaces too are increasingly turning into conservative sites for performing the politics of militant vegetarianism and cow nationalism.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Mixed dining: There is need to encourage mixed dining to enhance the cultural harmony of the region. It will act as a sign of a new post-caste sociality where caste sentiments of touch, purity and pollution are not turned into public sentiment. However, this should be done with caution by ensuring that no sentiments are hurt.
- Balance of environment and eating: Though there are certain environmental concerns that are being raised due to meat eating. However, there is need of a balanced solution in this regard so that there is minimum impact on environment.
- Scientific temper in academic spaces: Academic spaces should not turn as an arena of politics and hatred. These areas should invest in scientific temper and higher learning that celebrates diversity and hierarchy.
- Informal social regulation: Rules of segregation based on food preferences cannot be formally institutionalised in public spaces or even in housing societies. However, there can be informal social regulation to ensure non violence and harmony.
THE CONCLUSION: Bharatiya vegetarianism of purity, segregation and hierarchy is under considerable duress Experiencing and practising equality in public life is essential for cultivating civic virtues among younger generations and mixed dining is a minimal sign of such higher living beyond caste. Despite some progress, nothing divides us like food.
PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Q.1 How does the Indian society maintain continuity in traditional social values? Enumerate the changes taking place in it. (2021)
Q.2 Has caste lost its relevance in understanding the multi-cultural Indian Society? Elaborate your answer with illustrations. (2020)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
Q.1 Do you agree with the view that the increase in conflicts and violence in society appears to be a consequence of militant vegetarianism? Argue.
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