An official from the Deemed-to-be-University confirmed that chicken biryani, prepared by inmates of Viyyur Central Jail, was served to the students. The move to provide chicken briyani marked a significant shift from the institution's long-standing tradition of exclusively providing plant-based and dairy-based food since its inception in 1930.
Kerala Kalamandalam, a residential institution, provides training in various performance arts, including Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Kutiyattam (for both genders), Panchavadyam, Carnatic music, and Mridangam. The inclusion of meat-based dishes was a decision made by the university authorities in response to students' requests for a more varied diet, according to a report on PTI.
A mess committee, consisting of representatives from students, teachers, and non-teaching staff, was established to address this matter. Based on the students' demands, the committee decided to serve chicken biryani on July 10. The committee is set to meet again on July 20 to discuss the possibility of including other meat-based dishes.
"The food is served free of cost, and non-vegetarian dishes could be served once or twice a month," an official stated, as per the report. Although there were some concerns from faculty members about the potential health impact on students undergoing oil therapies as part of their training, no formal complaints have been received.
Kerala Kalamandalam was established in 1930 by the distinguished poet Padmabhooshan Vallathol Narayana Menon and his close associate Manakkulam Mukundaraja, under the patronage of Kakkad Karanavappad. Initially, it functioned solely as a training center for Kathakali.
Currently, Kerala Kalamandalam provides a wide range of academic programs including graduate, post-graduate, and PhD research courses, along with secondary and higher secondary education options, all within a single institution.