India beef bans ‘an attack on diversity’

New Delhi: The recent controversies and killings surrounding beef consumption have not gone down well with beef eaters who describe them as acts against the diverse food culture of the Indian society.

“India is a democratic country, no one can compel what to eat, what to drink and what to wear. We must respect rights of others. What is India coming to? These attitudes and behaviors belong to dark ages, they certainly do not belong to modern India. Attack on beef consumer is simply a tactic to divert people’s attention from burning problems of hunger, rising prices and lawlessness in the country,” says Delhi-based banker Ravi Khanna.

“Vegetable and dal prices have gone beyond reach of average income families, cases of heinous crimes are occurring in abundance but the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wants people to waste their energies on save-the-cow campaigns. Wake up, Indians, wake up and work as Indians; not as Hindus, Muslims, Christians or Sikhs and force the government to do its real duties,” says software engineer Aman Jain from Delhi.

Social activist Mansi Sharma points out that according to the last animal census in 2012, the population of cows has grown by 3.5 per cent since the previous count in 2007.

“I do not think there is a threat to cattle. The cow population has in fact gone up in the last census. All these controversies are about spreading fear among beef eaters. Those who love beef live in perpetual fear of attack and persecution,” Sharma adds.

Many consume beef because of the sheer economics of it.

“In India, beef is, and has always been, cheaper than any other meat such as chicken, goat or lamb. Kilogram for kilogram, it is even cheaper than potatoes in some places. For poor people like us who are living on the economic margins, beef is the only source of a wholesome meal but with rising social tension, we are forced to move away from beef,” says Adil Khan, 35, who works as a security guard at a residential block in Delhi.

Doctors are actively suggesting substitutes for beef. While there is no denying that beef is a primary source of protein for many people, it is not the only option out there. There is a great variety of alternative protein sources that one can rely on.

“You can substitute beef with mutton/fish/chicken or any milk product like paneer, yoghurt etc. For a vegetarian option, you can use dried pulses like kidney beans and channa. Or you can use soya nuggets, or soya keema,” says Delhi-based dietician Dr Anirudh Mukherjee.

“So, as long as you find a replacement food that supplies protein and minerals, you can add them in your diet in place of beef. As a replacement for beef you can try some vegetable items like legumes, pulses, and grains, which are good source of protein and minerals. Brown rice and beans can be a good alternative to meat. Dark leafy vegetables are also good source of essential minerals and proteins and can be included in the diet,” suggests dietician Dr Amrita Lal.