Bhayander: A circular issued by Seven Square School, owned by Bhayandar MLA Narendra Mehta, asking students to refrain from bringing non-vegetarian food as well as onion, garlic, beetroot, potatoes and other root vegetables in their lunch boxes during the eight-day Paryushan period has sparked a controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has lodged a complaint against the school, alleging that religious practices were being imposed on students. Mehta, however, defended the circular, saying the move was aimed at encouraging students to eat nutritious food as the items mentioned in the circular were not healthy.A senior education department official told TOI that such a decision could only be taken with the approval of parent-school representative bodies like the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the School Management Committee (SMC).Seven Eleven Education Society runs the CBSE-affiliated Seven Square School in Mira Road East. Mehta’s wife is the chairperson of the society and other family members are also associated with it. The Jain community’s Paryushan period began on Tuesday. The school subsequently issued a circular on its portal asking students not to bring non-vegetarian food or onion, garlic, potatoes, beetroot and other tubers in their lunch boxes for eight days.The circular has drawn strong reactions as students from different communities study at the school. MNS functionary Sachin Pokle has alleged that Mehta, being a Jain, was imposing religious restrictions on students. He has submitted a complaint to the civic education officer, seeking action against the school. A complaint has also been submitted to the Human Rights Commission.Sulabha Watare, education officer for Mira Bhayander, says, “I was in Thane throughout the day today. I have received information about the matter. However, I will visit the school tomorrow and conduct an inspection. Only after that will I be able to comment on the issue.”Mehta defended the decision, saying Jainism is a scientific religion and that onion, garlic and potatoes were not healthy food choices. “Our intention is to ensure that children eat nutritious food during this period and avoid these items,” he said. Mehta also questioned the criticism, saying that families generally avoid non-vegetarian food at home during festivals such as Ganeshotsav and Navratri or during religious rituals. “If such tubers are prohibited in school during Paryushan, what is wrong with it?” he asked.“It is not fair; it is the parent’s choice; each one follows their own religion and beliefs, which should not be imposed on children. When we talk, we talk about multiculturalism and religious tolerance; this shouldn’t happen,” said Arundhati Chavan of the PTA United Forum.The school has faced allegations over the use of land reserved for a technical school. The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation’s Development Plan reservation Number 237 was reportedly meant for the city’s only technical school. Activists have alleged that Mehta misused his position as a public representative and exerted political pressure to start the Seven Square Academy, a CBSE school, on the site. The CBSE school has been functioning since 2008. Complaints have also alleged irregular transfer of the property between a trust and a company through different agreements, resulting in loss of govt revenue and alleged fraud. A case in connection with the allegations is pending before the court.(Inputs by Mahiyar Patel)
