Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Paryushan Food Request at BJP MLA’s School Sparks Backlash
Seven Square Academy in Mira Bhayandar sent parents a message about food during Paryushan.
It asked them not to put onions, garlic, potatoes or beetroots in children’s lunchboxes.
The school also said its canteen would avoid some of these ingredients.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists objected and protested outside the school.
The party said the school later removed the message from its official portal.
School-linked BJP MLA Narendra Mehta said the message was only a request, not a rule.
He said it reflected Paryushan’s focus on non-violence and healthy eating.
Critics said schools should not tell families what their children may eat.
The dispute also drew criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and followed an earlier debate over meat-sale restrictions.
Seven Square Academy asked parents not to pack onions, garlic, potatoes or beetroots during the eight-day Paryushan period.
The school said its canteen would serve food prepared without onions, garlic and potatoes.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists protested, and the school later withdrew the circular from its official portal, according to the party.
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Narendra Mehta said the message was a voluntary request rooted in Paryushan traditions, not a compulsory order.
Opposition leaders including Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray accused authorities of imposing religious dietary practices on others.
- Who
- Seven Square Academy, BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena activists led by Avinash Jadhav and Sachin Popale, and opposition leaders Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray.
- What
- A school’s request to avoid certain root vegetables in students’ lunchboxes during Paryushan triggered protests and political criticism before the circular was withdrawn from the school’s official portal, according to the MNS.
- When
- During the eight-day Paryushan period; the PTI report was dated September 10 but did not specify the year.
- Where
- Seven Square Academy in Mira Road East, Mira Bhayandar, in Thane district.
- Why
- The school cited Paryushan traditions involving ahimsa, or non-violence, while critics objected to what they viewed as pressure on families’ dietary choices.
School and Supporters
Critics and Opponents
Request or restriction
School and Supporters
Narendra Mehta said the message was a voluntary request rather than a mandatory directive, intended to respect Paryushan and encourage healthy eating.
Critics and Opponents
MNS leaders said the school was attempting to dictate what children could bring in their lunchboxes and demanded withdrawal of the circular.
Religious practices in public institutions
School and Supporters
Mehta said Paryushan is centered on non-violence and compassion, and compared the message with food advisories made during other festivals.
Critics and Opponents
Sanjay Raut and Aaditya Thackeray said religious dietary practices should not be imposed on people outside the community and criticized the alleged restrictions.
Withdrawal of the circular
School and Supporters
The school management had not issued an official statement explaining the exact reasons for removing the circular.
Critics and Opponents
Sachin Popale and the MNS attributed the withdrawal to their protest and pressure on the school administration.
- School
- Seven Square Academy
- Location
- Mira Road East, Mira Bhayandar, Thane district
- Requested foods avoided
- Onions, garlic, potatoes and beetroots in students’ lunchboxes
- Canteen plan
- Food prepared without onions, garlic and potatoes during the eight-day period
- Reported response
- The school circular was withdrawn from the official portal, according to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena
- School-linked politician
- Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Narendra Mehta
- Related dispute
- The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation had passed a resolution for a temporary ban on meat and fish sales during Paryushan
