Saturday, 24 March 2012

JNU students' group wants pork and beef served in canteen

To press for its demand, 'New Materialist' plans to defy law and organise a beef, pork food festival on the varsity campus



With recommencement of elections for the students' union in the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) after four years, some off-beat political activities too have gained momentum on the campus. A group of students that calls itself 'New Materialist' is up in arms against the varsity administration. However, their remonstration has nothing to do with the fee structure or facilities in hostel, but to gratify their taste buds. The group wants the administration to allow serving beef and pork in the canteen.

The group had organised a public meeting last week, wherein it was decided that the group would do all to ensure its demand is met. Surprisingly, it is said that some professors too had lent their support to the New Materialists. "The JNU campus was always dominated by the Left. Scared of losing votes, the student's union never bothered about issues that are of concern to the minority community," said Inba Karunko, a member of the group.
He added that the varsity administration has prepared a jacketed menu that influences Brahmanic taste. "When chicken and mutton can be served in the campus, why not beef and pork?" Karunko questioned, adding that just because the majority community doesn't approve of it, doesn't mean students can't eat what they like.
Karunko claimed there are thousands of students from Northeast and south India who eat pork and beef.

"Respecting the need of such students, serving beef and pork should be allowed on the campus," he said. The group has also started a Facebook page to garner support for its demand. "We'll soon start a signature campaign and present our demand before the administration. To start with, at least one dhaba that serves beef and pork should be started on the campus," said Suraj Beri, another group member. He added that later they'd demand to add beef and pork in the hostel food menu.

When reminded that consuming cow meat is illegal in the city, a student leader said, "Such laws are made for political reasons. We are against this law. In fact, to defy the law and to press for our demand, we are planning to organise a beef, pork food festival in the university campus."

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