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Not just food for thought
WORLD VIEW: Students of the School of International Studies discussing policy matters over dosas in SIS canteen at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Photo: Anu Pushkarna.
EVER SEEN globalisation gobbled up? Descend to SIS canteen, the favourite eating joint of the School of International Studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University, and you will find it happening by the hour.
Here Marx mixes with maida paranthas and diplomacy provides the filling for dosas.
"It is a meeting ground for varied cultures and profound ideas. Students are from different parts of India and the world, and this place provides a place to float varied views. I am from Allahabad but my favourite is vada sambar. Whatever be the differences of opinion, food provides the connecting link. When tired we take a nap here and start all over again," says Atul Mishra, a first year student.
Does the air remain thick with thoughts all the time? Not at all! We have Cyrias George, who hails from the U.S. but uses his Kerala origins to full advantage in placating Babu Bhai, the manager who also happens to be a Malayali. "He mimics Babu Bhai to perfection," shares Atul.
"I find this place a mix between a Greek farm and my mother's kitchen. I wait for Saturdays when Babu bhai serves a special meal which includes tapioca, appam stew, puttu and chhole pappad," laughs George busy practising Hindi phrases with friend Namrata and taking potshots on globalisation for the camera.
Feminism, food, fashion
"We do talk about films, music and fashion. In fact, here you will find serious discussion happening on feminism and fashion under one roof," says Namrata. However, the overdose of political graffiti suggests otherwise.
"It is just a side of our canteen. After some time students become used to it and stop even noticing it," she points out. Namrata lists dosa and coffee as her favourites. But what about Christiansen Emeric from Paris? Is he limiting himself to Babu Bhai's French toasts? "Not at all, I love dosas. The food is hygienic here. As for follows issues, I don't follow my country's critical point of view here," says Emeric, who is in JNU under an exchange programme.
With Babu bhai offering six varieties of tea and coffee and chicken curry with paranthas for Rs.24, the dearest combination, the place is abuzz with studious gourmets from across the campus. In this jholawala university, however, the favourite remains neembu pani and chai according to seasons.
"It pinches when the electricity charges and rent are sharply rising. But I am not complaining."
Meanwhile, Atul is out with J.N. Dixit's foreign policy and George is angling for `Anarchy is what state makes out of it.' And what about food?
ANUJ KUMAR
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