Nutrition IS supposedly the buzzword in most ‘progressive’ Delhi schools. It is strange, therefore, that no sooner do the lessons on healthy eating end than most students head for the canteen to pig on oily ‘sams’ and sugary colas.

And it is ironical that many schools, like Modern and DPS, have point-of-sale ads of the cola they exclusively stock.

Shayama Chona, principal, DPS R.K. Puram, says she realises the dichotomy but can do little about it. “We banned fizzy drinks for a year, but students either went across the street to buy colas or simply brought cans from home. When parents started complaining, we had to give in.”

But parents are also complaining about the lack of healthy alternatives in school canteens. Ishi Khosla, mother of two Modernites and director, Centre of Dietary Counseling, has been in a running battle with the management of Modern School on the need of revamp the menu. “Most children go for junk because they have no choice,” she says.

ADVERTISEMENTS:

She’s probably right. The Sri Ram School has refused to stock colas, opting for juices and milkshakes. For food, there’s sprouted chana salad, veg-sandwiches and a hot Indian meal.

“While children may say no to salads at home, they eat it with friends here,” says Manika Sharma, headmistress, The Sri Ram School, Vasant Vihar.

EATING RIGHT: Children in a school canteen and according to Chandrakant Pathak, manager, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, the school has “said no to fizzy drinks for 44 years, and had no problem with students, who drink lemonade instead.”

These are still exceptions, though. “By and large, schools choose economics over health.” says Sushmita Chaubey, as she takes her two Despite kids to a dietician for advice on losing weight. Hindustan Times: 7.10.2002