We have a Government in TamilNadu which claims it 'follows the tenets' of Thiruvalluvar. But this solemn declaration seems to be honoured more in its breach rather than in its observance. Otherwise, how could you encourage non-vegetarianism - especially among young children?

Thiruvalluvar poses a question," How can he be kindly, who fattens himself on other's fat?" He doesn't stop there. 'All living things will fold their hands and bow to one who refuses meat.' George Bernard Shaw had a similar thought. He said,"Life is offered to me on condition of eating beefsteaks. But death is better than cannibalism. My will contains directions for my funeral, which will be followed not by mourning coaches, but by oxen, sheep, flocks of poultry, and a small traveling aquarium of live fish, all wearing white scarfs in honor of the man who perished rather than eat his fellow creatures." He considered animals his friends and he did not believe in eating friends.

Under the nutritious noon meal programme, 72 lakh students in Tamil Nadu consume egg three days a week. The number of vegetarian students, who did not eat eggs, was less than a lakh. Now, the followers of Valluvar and Vallalar have decided to substitute a banana in place of the egg - for those who believe as Samuel Butler did that man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.

At least for the health of the children, if not for the very life of the chickens, I hope the Government would offer Bananas to all children and encourage vegetarianism.