Hindu temple refuses to serve food to 'non-Brahmin' academic in Karnataka

Udupi: The humiliation of a woman assistant professor by an employee of the Udupi Krishna Mutt who refused to serve her food recently because she was not a Brahmin, has kicked off a row in this temple town with progressive thinkers and activists strongly protesting such discrimination against devotees.

Ms Vanitha N Shetty, an assistant professor from Manipal, who was at the “Bhojana Shala,” (dining hall) of the Udupi Krishna Mutt on April 15, was taken aback when a server who realised she was a not a Brahmin but a Bunt, asked her to leave, telling her the ground floor was reserved for Brahmins and food was served to non- Brahmins on the first floor of the dining hall. An upset Ms Shetty preferred to leave without having the meal she had come for.

Enraged by her humiliation, activists have submitted a memorandum to the authorities, calling for an end to discrimination based on caste among diners at the math.

District president of Karnataka Komu Sauhardha Vedike, G Rajashekhar says it’s time the government banned the “Pankti Bedha,” or separate seating arrangements for Brahmins and other castes in the mutt's dining hall. “We do not want the government to take control of the temple, but it must put an end to this practice,” he told Deccan Chronicle.

When contacted, math media coordinator, Venugopal Rao said paryaya seer, Sri Vidhyavallabha Teertha Swamiji, had expressed regret at the incident and steps had been taken to ensure it didn’t happen again. “The swamiji has promised to discuss the matter of bringing changes with the other seven seers. He will see to it that they are not hurt again,” he added.