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Don’t bring non-veg food into dining halls: The Hindu asks employees The circular has gone viral on social networking sites inviting harsh criticism for the daily. Many said the paper is imposing Brahmin culture on its employees. By India Tomorrow Correspondent
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onsidered to be the most liberal media house in the country, The Hindu has issued a circular that goes contrary to its reputation. The reputed English national daily has asked its employees not to bring non-veg food into the dining halls as “it causes discomfort to the majority of the employees who are vegetarian.” “There have been complaints from employees that some of the fellow employees are bringing nonveg food into our canteen and eating in the dinner hall. All are aware non-veg food is not permitted in our canteen premises at it causes discomfort to the majority of the employees who are vegetarian,” reads the circular dated 10 April 2014. The daily asked its employees to desist from bringing non-veg food into the dining halls. 40 EASTERN CRESCENT | JUNE 2014
“It is once again reiterated that non-veg food is strictly prohibited inside our dining hall therefore employees are advised to desist from bringing non-veg food into the dining halls,” says the circular signed by C Sreetharan, Vice President, Human Resources department of the daily.
The circular has gone viral on social networking sites inviting harsh criticism for the daily. Many said the paper is imposing Brahmin culture on its employees. Manjula Narayan tweeted
her reaction: “The Hindu might as well have put up employment notice saying “Only Brahmins need apply” hehe “But we will continue 2 fight for the downtrodden.” A tweet from Meena Kandasamy read: “The Hindu bans meat from its canteens and dining halls, renames itself, The Brahmin.” A body of journalists has opposed the daily’s restrictions on choice of food. “Dictating this way to its employees is not justified. If drink and smoke are not allowed then it is okay but how someone can restrict employees what to eat and what not to eat. It is their own right and choice. Doing so is a violation of basic rights of employees,” Uppala Lakhman, President of National Union of Journalists and Chief Editor, HYTV channel, told India Tomorrow over phone from Hyderabad.