Meat on the Menu: A Feast or a Frown?”

What are your feelings about eating meat?

“Meat on the Menu: A Feast or a Frown?”

Food, they say, is the most personal expression of culture, choice, and sustenance. For many, the aroma of a sizzling steak or the delicate flavour of a Sunday roast evokes comfort and celebration. For others, the sight of meat on the plate stirs ethical, environmental, or spiritual discomfort. Eating meat, a practice as old as humanity itself, sits at the crossroads of tradition and modern sensibilities, inviting debates that span philosophy, ecology, and morality.

The Carnivorous Craving

Growing up, I was introduced to a myriad of cuisines, thanks to my multicultural upbringing in Nepal, my Odia roots, and later, my exposure to Punjabi flavours. Meat, for me, was more than a dietary staple; it was a symbol of familial togetherness. The tangy fish curries of Odisha, the rich butter chicken of Punjab, and the simple yet divine mutton soup prepared during festive times were not just meals—they were memories plated with love.

Yet, even as I relished these dishes, there was a lingering awareness of the life sacrificed to sustain mine. As a school Principal and later as a consultant, I observed how food shaped the attitudes of young learners and their families. Meat-eating for some was a status symbol; for others, a tradition; and for a growing number, a subject of moral conflict.

The Ethical Enigma

The philosophical question looms large: is it right to consume another sentient being when alternatives exist? Ancient Indian texts often revered vegetarianism as a pathway to non-violence (Ahimsa). Similarly, many Western thinkers like Pythagoras echoed the sentiment. However, history also acknowledges meat as a source of strength and sustenance in societies where agriculture wasn’t always bountiful.

Environmental Concerns

Modern debates often steer towards the environmental implications of meat consumption. Studies reveal that the meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water scarcity. As stewards of this planet, can we justify the ecological footprint of our dietary preferences? This question, I believe, must guide our decisions in an era of climate consciousness.

A Balanced Plate

Personally, I find myself at a crossroads. While I continue to savour certain non-vegetarian dishes, I increasingly lean towards plant-based options. The quails we recently purchased, the grilled fish we often enjoy, and the occasional biryani are now savoured with a sense of gratitude rather than mindless indulgence. Moderation, after all, is the golden rule of life.

The choice of whether to eat meat or abstain from it is deeply personal, shaped by upbringing, beliefs, and circumstances. For those who eat meat, let it be with reverence for the life given. For those who abstain, let compassion guide their stance, not judgment.

Final Thoughts

Food unites and divides, but at its heart, it nourishes. Whether meat finds a place on your plate or not, let your choices reflect not just your preferences but your principles. As the old adage goes, “We are what we eat,” and perhaps also what we think about what we eat.

So, what does meat mean to you—a feast or a frown?