Noida School’s Non-Veg Lunch Request Sparks Parent Controversy

Delhi Public School (DPS) in Noida has sparked controversy by issuing a circular requesting parents to avoid sending non-vegetarian items in their children’s lunch boxes. The circular has been met with mixed reactions from parents, leading to a clarification from the school’s principal.

Principal’s Clarification

Supriti Chauhan, the principal of DPS-Gautam Buddh Nagar in Sector 132, clarified the matter, describing the circular as “only a respectful request.” In her statement on Thursday, Chauhan explained, “This is not a diktat, but only a request. We issue such a circular every year, and this year’s is nothing new. There is no ban, no directive, no advisory…only a respectful request,” as reported by Hindustan Times.

Content of the Circular

The circular issued on Wednesday highlighted “two key considerations” for the request:

• Health and Safety:
  The circular mentioned that “non-vegetarian food, when cooked in the morning for lunchtime consumption, can pose serious health risks if not stored and handled properly. We prioritize our students’ well-being.”
• Inclusivity and Respect:
  It also stated, “Our school values diversity and promotes a culture of inclusivity. By maintaining a vegetarian food environment, we ensure that all students feel respected and comfortable, regardless of their dietary preferences or restrictions, while eating their meals together.”

Parent Reactions

The circular generated backlash from some parents who viewed it as an attempt to control their children’s food choices. One anonymous parent said, “Vegetarian food also tends to go stale, hence, restricting non-vegetarian food items is uncalled for. Moreover, giving a full nutritious meal to their child is a parent’s prerogative, and schools should not interfere in that.”

Manoj Kataria, founder of the Gautam Budh Nagar Parents Welfare Society, echoed these sentiments: “Each student at the school comes from a different culture and has different food habits, and all should be welcome to practice their own such habits. A request to avoid non-vegetarian food restricts food choices of parents for their children,” Kataria said.

Support for the Request

Meanwhile, some parents supported the school’s request. Pallavi Rai, a parent, remarked, “Educational institutions are just like temples for children, and eating non-vegetarian food there is not advisable. Moreover, a majority of students in that school are vegetarians, hence the circular is a good step.”

Conclusion

The controversy highlights the ongoing debate between personal dietary choices and the school’s efforts to promote health and inclusivity. As the discussion continues, the school hopes to maintain a respectful dialogue with parents and prioritize student well-being.