Karnataka: Hassan Institute of Medical Science is not-so accommodating for non-vegetarians?

Karnataka: Students of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences seem to be blindly following a custom of-not having non-vegetarian food inside the hostel premise. They have been having food outside the hostel building, only if it is their favourite chicken curry being served. It has been a practice followed by their seniors, to have non-veg food in the open field.

However, the students currently studying at the institute are clueless about why they are following this practice. This is the way they have been served always. Containers from which the non-veg food will be served will be kept outside the kitchen. It will then be served in plates for students to sit in the lawn to eat.

Out of the 250 students residing in the hostel, 150 are non-vegetarians. The cost incurred on food is to be divided among the students on an equal basis every month. The hostel warden supervises work at the mess.

A student in addition implied that chicken is cooked in the same kitchen where vegetarian food is also prepared. However, students don’t eat together in the dining hall. However, the issue is not a matter of dispute as may be the senior had chosen this way to avoid discomfort for fellow students.

On the other hand, few students find the arrangement improper and implied that it is an insulting feeling for them. Non-veg food is a part of their culture. However, nobody wants to raise voice on the issue as it is a tricky one..

Kanthaiah, associate professor of bio-chemistry and warden of the hostel, told The Hindu , “There is no restriction on having non-vegetarian food in the dining hall. Students go out to have it on their own. We have not issued such an instruction,” he said.

The institute is run by the Department of Medical Education in the state.