At this time Youth Festival has been organized in Kerala. But along with the event, this festival became a victim of controversies. There has been a huge uproar over the non-inclusion of non-veg dishes in the menu of this event. There has been a debate on social media regarding this. There has been a debate on whether non-vegetarian food should be included in the event or not.

Allegations of Brahmin supremacy Art Festival has been organized. Some social media users have alleged that there is a Brahmin dominance in the cuisine during this children’s arts festival as food expert P Mohanan is leading the Namboodiri kitchen team. This festival is said to be Asia’s biggest event at the school level.

Kerala Education Minister dismisses the allegations

Amidst the ongoing debate on social media, Kerala General Rejecting the allegations, Education Minister V Sivankutty said that this debate is completely unnecessary. It is being told that for decades, delicious vegetarian dishes have been served to the children, their teachers, parents and media persons participating in this festival.

Demand to serve all types of food in the festival

A social media user alleged that art Brahminical hegemony persists in the kitchen of the festival. They demanded that it should be abolished and all kinds of food should be served in its pavilions.

Having only vegetarian dishes at the festival is part of vegetarian fundamentalism

A Facebook user alleged that the festival Having only vegetarian dishes is part of vegetarian fundamentalism and a reflection of ethnic belief. A social media user said that all types of food including non-vegetarian dishes should be served in such festivals organized by the government.

There is strong criticism of giving religious color to the food While there is a demand to be served, on the other hand many Facebook users accused of giving religious color to the food. Such people called it an attempt to create division in the society and strongly criticized it. In the midst of the debate, a statement was made on behalf of the government. Minister Shivankutty said that the state government has no adamant stand that non-vegetarian dishes should not be served in the festival. However, there are practical difficulties in preparing non-vegetarian dishes in large quantities to serve such a large number of people. He also pointed out the risk of serving non-vegetarian food to children and said that it may not be equally good for all.

KeralaYouth FestivalPublished Date

Thu, Jan 5, 2023, 10: 25 PM IST