Non-Vegetarian Food at Kerala Kalamandalam: Progressive or Regressive?
We often read about the cultural decadence that Kerala and Tamil Nadu are undergoing. The left-leaning media in both states usually ensure that any break from tradition is labeled as “progressive.” In such a “progressive” move, the Kerala Kalamandalam has started serving non-vegetarian food to the students. I am sure many of you may not be familiar with Kerala Kalamandalam.
What is Kerala Kalamandalam?
Kerala Kalamandalam was established in 1930 to revive Kerala's traditional performing art forms. Students are taught several dance forms, such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and vocal and percussion instruments. The institute follows the ancient Gurukula Sampradaya, emphasizing a deep bond between the teacher and the student. Students stay at the center and undergo training in their chosen art forms.
Traditional Art Forms and Spirituality
It is no secret that our traditional art forms are by-products of Hinduism. These art forms took birth and grew in and around temples. As a result, there is always a certain divinity associated with our classical art forms. These art forms are known to nudge a person towards inner well-being and, consequently, spiritual progress.
Traditionally, these art forms have been revered and respected by teachers and students alike. Everything about these classical art forms was devised to ensure they were carried forward from one generation to another without losing their sanctity. Since Kalamandalam was functioning as a traditional Gurukul, the food served at the institute has always been vegetarian, ever since its inception in 1930. However, whether due to the influence of the left ecosystem or foreign cultures and religions, the institute has now decided to serve Chicken Biriyani on Wednesdays.
I have learned Carnatic music for close to 15 years, and I have studied ‘Kathakali Sangeetham’ (music) under an ‘acharya’ from Kerala Kalamandalam. To say the least, I am personally pained by this news.
The move has received a mixed response from the faculty and students. It is said that most of the students preferred non-vegetarian food. Being a Gurukul, shouldn’t the institute management and the teachers have strictly enforced vegetarianism? The whole idea of the Gurukul system is to learn under a Guru while adhering to a certain lifestyle, including food. One who can’t follow such a lifestyle should not be in such a place, to begin with.
Who manages Kerala Kalamandalam?
The institute was accorded deemed university status by the Government of India in 2006 and is managed by the state government. In 2022, the state government appointed Ms. Mallika Sarabhai, one of the prominent voices in the left ecosystem, as the vice-chancellor, with a monthly salary of INR 2 lakhs.
This controversial move has led to significant discontent among the staff at the institute, who are not paid their salaries on time due to the financial crunch faced by the state government. Appointing Ms. Sarabhai, a known critic of Narendra Modi, was also a message by the state government to the center. Therefore, the latest “progressive” move by the institute doesn’t come as a surprise. The left is known for finding ways to target our culture.
What next?
The management justified their decision by stating that there was no prohibition on non-vegetarian food on the premises and that students were free to bring and eat non-vegetarian food there. Even if this were the case, openly serving tamasic non-vegetarian food is setting the wrong precedent.
In my opinion, this is yet another direct attack on the foundations of our beautiful culture. As expected, the local left-leaning Kerala media has celebrated this news as another progressive step. This is how you dismantle an entire civilization, one step at a time.
