Discussion on food held at Chinjak Fest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 27 2013:
As part of the 4th Chinjak Festival, Innovative Youth Society Manipur and Boss Juices jointly organised a discussion session on the topic, 'Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian: Our indigenous food and its centrality in Manipur custom and tradition and the way forward' at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here today.
Moderator of the discussion, K Saroj Kumar, Imphal Correspondent of Times of India said that vegetarianism not only increases lifespan but also prevents disease like diabetes and enhances blood circulation.
Followers of Hindu Vaishnavism in India are mostly Lacto Vegetarians (one who does not eat meat, egg but consumes milk), and people generally turn to semi-vegetarian after 40 years of age in Manipur, Saroj Kumar added.
During the discussion session, Y Mangi, Chief Editor Hueiyen Lanpao opined that as food provides growth, one should consume food as per its type and requirement.
Eating vegetables make us healthy and lively, he added.
RK Angousana, Assistant Editor Poknapham expressed his opinion that after the advent of Hinduism, ritual feasts were divided into two types - dish having fish curry and dish without fish curry.
Nowadays, it seems that vegetarianism is considered worthless and more attention is being diverted towards non-vegetarianism.
However, the food habit of China is considered to be the most aesthetic one in the world.
Richard Ranjan, Desk Editor ISTV News opined that a person's food habit is much related with his location and surrounding.
Before the advent of Hindu religion in the State, people were mostly non-veg and now they are semi-vegetarian.
Observing that 80 pc of people here are non-veg and the State produces different veg and non-veg food stuffs, Ranjan countered the opinion that only vegetarians live longer.
Non-vegetarians too can live longer.
Senior journalist Chitra Ahanthem regretted on the absence of proper hotels which can offer veg or non-veg Manipuri food to visitors from outside the State.
Editor of Kangla Pao, P Ibochouba asserted to choose veg or non-veg food as per the nutritional benefits it provides.