Sudha Murty’s stance on extreme vegetarianism sparks debate on social media

New Delhi: Sudha Murty, the esteemed Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, has found herself at the center of a heated online debate after openly discussing her food habits and choices in a recent interview. 

The conversation around her extreme vegetarianism has stirred contrasting opinions on social media, with some expressing support for her preferences while others criticizing her approach.

During an episode of “Khaane Mein Kya Hai,” where she was interviewed by actor and food critic Kunal Vijaykar, Sudha Murty delved into her idea of being a vegetarian and shed light on her unique practice of carrying her own food and cooking items while traveling abroad. 

The primary concern behind this practice, as she stated, is the potential risk of cross-contamination between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes when using shared crockery, spoons, and spatulas.

In the episode, Sudha Murty proudly identified herself as a ‘pure vegetarian,’ even abstaining from garlic. She humbly confessed that while she may not be a proficient cook, she deeply enjoys food. “I am not a good cook. It’s not that I don’t like cooking, but I don’t know how to cook,” she admitted.

At home, she engages in simple cooking, mastering dishes like rice, dal, sambar, parotta, and sabzi. However, she acknowledges that more complex recipes like Puran Poli remain outside her culinary repertoire.

During her travels abroad, Sudha Murty diligently searches for vegetarian restaurants and takes her own bag of food to ensure she adheres to her dietary choices. “I make 25-30 chapattis. I fry sooji or rava and make it ready to eat. I only have to add warm water to the mix. I take poha. I take a cooking bag with a small cooker,” she explained.

While her unwavering commitment to her vegetarian lifestyle resonates with some, it has sparked criticism and accusations of being “casteist” on social media. Detractors argue that Sudha Murty’s dietary preferences indirectly undermine those who do not share her beliefs.

Conversely, supporters have rallied behind her, asserting that it is unfair to judge her based on personal choices. They argue that her dedication to carrying her own food and avoiding certain ingredients is a matter of personal preference rather than a reflection of any divisive ideology.

In a democratic nation like India, where individual choices and freedoms should be celebrated, it’s surprising to see such passionate reactions to Sudha Murty’s interview surrounding her dietary practices.