Breaking myths on moral meals

Rachana Ramesh | NT

Bengaluru: India is currently thriving in a world of myths, where various decisions are being taken based on belief rather than science. One of the prime examples of this behaviour is the recent discussion held by Education Minister BC Nagesh to discuss the introduction of moral education in textbooks.

The meeting turned into a platform for some religious leaders to advocate Sattvic food in midday meals. It refers to pure vegetarianism and is interpreted to exclude onions and garlic. They also called for the exclusion of eggs, which are to be provided 48 days in an academic year in the midday meals in Karnataka.

In December last year, the education department itself revealed that three months after the introduction of eggs in midday meals at government schools across the state, eggs were being consumed by 91 per cent of the students and attendance went up by 6-7 per cent on average on days eggs were served.

According to a study commissioned by the Karnataka government covering over 4,500 students in two districts, there is “clear evidence of significant improvement” in the growth of children who are given eggs as part of midday meals, with girls in Class 8 gaining up to 71 per cent more weight than their peers who were not served eggs. The study also noted that bananas, for all their benefits, cannot be a substitute for eggs, and urged authorities to explore alternative “protein-rich vegetarian items."

Priorly, Dr Sylvia Karpagam, a community medicine expert had told News Trail, “Onion and garlic that are labelled as ‘tamasik’ are scientifically proven to increase the bioavailability of zinc and iron, both of which are deficient in children in Karnataka.” She noted that food that comes from animal sources provides high-quality proteins, minerals and vitamins.

“Importantly, they are the traditional food of a majority of Indians, specifically Dalits, Adivasis, OBCs, Muslims and Christians. Calling these foods ‘tamasik’ comes from a caste location rather than science. As a state that respects diversity as well as rational thinking, we have to reject this fake propaganda, which is given some form of religious sanctity,” she explained.

There are two myths that are being used by these leaders to justify their notions. One is that abolishing flesh in the diet would prevent ‘negative acts’ and the other – vegetarianism is preferred by a majority of Indians. 

The prior myth does not have any empirical evidence, while the latter is blatantly false, as data shows that more than 60 percent of Indians are not vegetarian. The midday meal scheme was introduced to reduce dropout rates, as it ensured one rich meal a day for children from poor socio-economic backgrounds. The state thus can play a significant role in impacting the overgrowth and improved health of all children.