Prisoners made chicken biryani, breaking a 90-year-old tradition; Kerala Kalamandalam, served non-vegetarian food

Kerala Kalamandalam

For the first time in its nearly 90-year history, Kerala Kalamandalam on July 10 served non-vegetarian food to students in its canteen. The prestigious institution was set up to preserve and promote the traditional performing arts of the state. Chicken biryani prepared in the famous kitchen run by the inmates of Viyyur Central Prison was served to the students on Wednesday, an official of the institution said.

The official said that for the first time in the history of the institute since its establishment in 1930, non-vegetarian food has been served to the students. Kalamandalam is a residential institute in which training is given in performing arts like Kathakali, Mohaniyattam, Thullal, Kutiyattam (male and female), Panchavaidyam, Karnataka Music, Mrindagam.

Biryani served on students’ demand

An official of the institute said that the institute authorities decided to serve meat-based dishes on the demand of students who had asked that they should not be restricted to vegetarian food. He said that initially a mess committee representing students, teachers and non-teaching staff was formed and on the demand of students, it was decided to serve chicken biryani on July 10.

Non-vegetarian food is available twice a month

The official said the next meeting of the mess committee would be held on July 20 and a decision on serving other meat-based dishes is expected. “Food is provided free of cost and meat-based dishes may be served once or twice a month,” he told PTI.