Wasting food is criminal

In Hindu mythology, Anna Lakshmi, one of the eight (Ashta) Laxmis,  is often depicted as the "Goddess Lakshmi of Food/Grains" symbolizing the provider of nourishment and prosperity. I remember my mother invoking the name of Anna Laxmi whenever, as little kids, we refused to eat or waste food.  Growing up in a lower middle class family in the chawls of Bombay there was always a shortage of food at home. Very often, after providing for her husband- a foodie and her four kids, my mother would be left with insufficient food.  So children wasting food was unacceptable. This message has been ingrained in me so much that I feel very bad when I see anyone wasting food. My mother would also insist on concentrating our attention on what we eat lest we displease Anna Laxmi. She would certainly not approve of the habit of many these days, who keep browsing messages on WhatsApp while having their food. Why am I talking about this now?

 

In Nana Nani, at the dining hall, I see many residents wasting food served on their plates (banana leaf). Not only do they not clear what is served in the first round but also insist on getting additional servings that they don`t touch, leaving behind food that could satisfy the needs of a poor, hungry person.

 

I have a cousin who after a hearty meal at any function would ensure that the banana leaf from which he had his meal is squeaky clean, leaving no trace of any items he has consumed. Though I don`t do this I ensure that only the right quantity that  I can consume is served on my plate. If it is an item that I don`t like, I would not allow it to be served to me. In many marriages or other functions where the number of items served is beyond the capacity of any ordinary human being, I am extra careful. The amount of food wasted on such occasions is mind-boggling. I prefer partaking in food from the buffet counter at a function, if that option is available because I can choose the items I like and take just the quantity that  I can consume.

 

I remember a well-known educationist who served only a tasty biryani with a side dish and a dessert for dinner at the wedding reception of his daughter.

 

Can something be done about the wastage of food? A community in North India bans members of that community from serving more than a certain number of items at weddings and other festive occasions. Those who break the rules are punished. I am told that in Germany, guests who order more than what they need in restaurants and waste food are penalized. More than any law, what will work is self-discipline.

 

I believe wasting food at home or on social occasions is criminal!

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