IIT Bombay’s student media body criticizes hostel mess segregation

In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding the introduction of ‘vegetarian-only’ tables in one of the hostel messes at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the official student-media body of the institute, known as ‘Insight,’ has taken a critical stance on the issue of segregation.

Describing the decision made earlier this month as setting a “dangerous precedent,” the student-media body has delved into the intricacies of the decision’s implications, particularly regarding caste-based segregation. Highlighting the distinction between hostel life and the environment at home, the student-media body underscores the need to address this unfamiliar situation.

“While this reflects the importance of supporting one another, the call for segregation in the name of inclusivity (and, even more concerning, the acceptance of such segregation) is deemed unreasonable,” the article states. It further argues that such a move should not establish a hazardous precedent wherein personal preferences result in the creation of exclusive spaces under the guise of inclusivity.

The decision to allocate six separate tables for vegetarian meals in the combined mess of hostels 12, 13, and 14 at IIT Bombay, made by the mess council, has triggered a significant controversy.

Numerous voices within the institute have expressed reservations about this decision. ‘Insight’s article, published on Monday evening, has extended the discussion among the campus community, examining the far-reaching consequences of the decision.

The article cites existing examples of inclusivity in hostel messes, such as the availability of Jain cuisine and provisions for early meals during Ramadan and prior to sunset during Paryushan.

‘Insight’ contends that while demonstrating empathy toward everyone’s concerns is vital for cultivating a welcoming campus, it is crucial that this empathy be appropriately directed. The students emphasize the potential for personal preferences to influence decisions about shared spaces in ways that could be exploited. The article expresses concerns about the integrity of hostel elections being compromised, as candidates might promise to segregate common areas based on personal preferences to secure votes from specific student communities, further polarizing student elections.

The article provides a list of historical and cultural references related to food choices and their connection to caste within the Indian context. It underscores the necessity of considering the decision from a caste perspective, a concern raised by multiple students and discussed in the broader media. The article calls for decision-makers to educate themselves and address such concerns through public forums for sensitive issues.