Thanda matlab nimbu paani!

Delhi University Students' Union demands ban on aerated drinks on the campus

They might be the biggest target audience for the fizz drink companies but students on Delhi University's North Campus are planning a complete ban over the carbon-di-oxide rich colas.



Hit the bottle: The Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) office in
North Campus. file pic

The ABVP-led students' body have written to various colleges demanding a complete ban over the supply of aerated drinks on the campus.

"We have decided to completely ban aerated beverages and food stuffs in the college canteens. I feel this would be a very positive move as it would shield the youth from the ill-effects of such drinks and motivate them to try healthy, natural drinks like lassi and nimbu paani. Our aim is to make the campus a health-zone," said Jitender Choudhary, DUSU President.u00a0u00a0u00a0

DUSU claims that it would replace the aerated drinks with healthier options such as fruit juices, butter milk, conventional lassi and organic food stuff. It has sent applications to the colleges in the campus. They are yet to hand over the application demanding the ban to the respective principals of the colleges.u00a0

Though, not agitated, students in the campus do not approve of the demand, but they are certainly not happy with the DUSU taking up this "cause".

"This is a non-issue. There are better things left to the DUSU rather than becoming the health police in the campus. It is entirely the choice of the students to have aerated drinks or not," said a disinterested Siddharth Mishra of Kirorimal College sipping a fountain coke in the college canteen.u00a0

While the principals of respective colleges have a different approach to the issue, some of them feel that raising awareness for a healthy environment is important rather than banning things."We have a holistic food centre at our college and we promote a nutritious healthy lifestyle. I don't buy this idea of banning anything. It is difficult to impose anything on the students, it never works.

Students should be given enough options; it's for them to choose. We always have a word with our cafeteria contractors to ensure healthy food stuff. DUSU should make a strong case for a healthier lifestyle not go on banning things, it is amateurish on their part to do so," said Pratibha Jolly, Principal, Miranda House.

When asked Vinay Kumar, Principal, Hindu College whether he would support the move, he said, "I think DUSU should go by the policy of educating rather than simply going out and banning some food and drink items. They should explain in simple words, the disadvantages of having aerated drinks and initiate a dialogue with the students. If they wish to bring change, it is imperative to create awareness. I am not in favour of any kind of ban, change should come from within. It has to be internalised."

"I don't consider this an issue. Students are mature enough to understand their food habits. DUSU should rather indulge in more constructive issues. Who are they to demand a ban?" said an irate PC Jain, Principal, Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC).