The controversy at IIT Bombay over the choice of food and hurting sentiments by non-veg eaters was escalated further after Sociology Professor Suryakant Waghmore drew a comparison between vegetarians and “militants” (terrorists) amidst the debate surrounding segregated dining arrangements for vegetarians at the institute.
As per the reports, on October 1, the mess councils, along with the wardens and associate wardens of three hostels at IIT-Bombay, levied a fine of Rs 10,000 on an unidentified student for causing disruption and violating mess regulations. This sum will be deducted from his Semester Mess Advance (SMA).
This action was taken three days after the mentioned student, accompanied by two or three others, purposefully consumed non-vegetarian food in a designated vegetarian area of the mess on September 28, 2023. Thereafter, the mess councils of Hostel 12, 13 and 14 of IIT-Bombay held an online meeting with the Wardens and Associate Wardens of the three hostels and decided to penalise the student.
Adding fuel to this controversy, in an op-ed featured in The Indian Express, Waghmare pointedly attributed what he terms “militant vegetarianism” to the Hindu community, particularly the upper caste, suggesting that its adherents strive to uphold traditional values of segregation and hierarchy in food choices.
He further critiqued these vegetarians, implying they were predominantly upper-caste Hindus, for citing environmental concerns as their primary motive for adopting a vegetarian lifestyle.
However, the IIT-B professor took care not to offend vegans, noting, “Unlike veganism, which often stems from compassion, the roots of militant vegetarianism are embedded in varnashrama dharma and graded inequality.”
Waghmare, a self-professed critic of Hindu Dharma, aligns himself with left-liberal ideology. He includes “outcastes,” Christians, and Muslims among the perceived victims of what he terms “militant vegetarians.” Additionally, he introduces the term “cow nationalism” to argue that the dominance of vegetarianism has led to a widespread aversion towards beef consumption.
It’s worth noting that, in IIT-B out of 129 tables in the dining area, only six were reserved for vegetarian students, while the rest were open to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian students.
For Hindus, vegetarianism holds significant religious importance within the framework of Sanatan Dharma. The consumption of cow meat, or beef, is considered a transgression, as the cow is revered as a nurturing figure for humans, animals, and nature at large. Jainism also embraces non-violence towards all living beings, which includes abstaining from meat consumption.
Yet, critics from various quarters, including Islamists, leftists, liberals, and certain Abrahamic religious groups, have not only questioned Hindu dietary choices but also resorted to actions that violate their beliefs.
In a disturbing incident in July, Sudha Murthy, former chairperson of Infosys Foundation, faced mockery for revealing that she carries her own vegetarian food while travelling abroad. Instances of casteist slurs aimed at the author by Hindu critics were witnessed on social media platforms, formerly Twitter.
On September 7, a Dalit girl was forcibly fed beef by two individuals, Shoaib and Nadeem, who also compelled her to consume spiked beverages. After incapacitating the victim, the assailants subjected her to a brutal sexual assault, recording the heinous act on video. A third individual named Shifat Ansari, a girl, was also involved.
