In a nation where food is deeply intertwined with cultural and religious beliefs, the recent controversy surrounding Indian food app Zomato has brought the age-old issue of caste and purity to the forefront. The app introduced a new feature called ‘Pure veg rapid’, which allows users to request food prepared by vegetarian restaurants following strict purity guidelines. However, this seemingly harmless feature has sparked a heated debate about caste discrimination and food purity in India, shedding light on the complex cultural dynamics that influence our eating habits.
Purity and Discrimination
Rajesh Jatavad*, a delivery rider for Zomato in southern India, is hesitant about his last name being displayed on the platform due to his association with a marginalized caste. The privileged communities historically consider castes like Jatavad’s as “untouchables.” His concern is based on real experiences, where people, upon knowing his surname, refuse to interact with him or accept the food packet he delivers. This discrimination adds to the challenges he already faces due to his caste background.
Zomato’s recent introduction of a ‘Pure Veg Mode’ and ‘Pure Veg Quick’ feature has raised concerns among sociologists and workers’ rights advocates. With over half of delivery workers belonging to scheduled castes and tribes, the policies could reinforce stereotypes and deepen discrimination faced by workers like Jatavad. The move to segregate vegetarian and non-vegetarian food deliveries based on stereotypes of purity and impurity risks widening social divides and conflicts.
The Impact of Caste on Food Choices
The caste system in India has long associated food with notions of purity and pollution. Vegetarian food is considered ‘pure,’ while meat and occupations related to lower castes are viewed as ‘impure.’ This deep-rooted bias shapes dietary practices, with higher castes avoiding food handled by lower castes. By segregating food deliveries based on these divisions, Zomato risks exploiting religious and caste-based tensions and undermining social unity.
Zomato’s attempt to introduce specialized fleets for vegetarian orders has faced backlash from workers like Jatavad, who fear further divisions based on religion and caste. The company’s initial plan to have different uniforms for vegetarian and non-vegetarian delivery riders raised concerns about the safety of workers facing discrimination based on food choices. The intersection of deeply ingrained biases and food delivery services highlights the challenges of navigating cultural sensitivities in a diverse country like India.
The Historical Context of Food Purity
The concept of pure and impure food in Hinduism traces back to ancient texts like the Dharmasutras, which dictate rules around dietary practices. These texts associate traditionally marginalized castes with impurity and justify their social exclusion based on food consumption. Even in progressive regions like Kerala, there is a growing trend of preference for brands associated with higher castes, reflecting the continued influence of caste dynamics on food choices.
Zomato’s controversial decision to segregate food deliveries based on vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences reflects a failure in communication and understanding of consumer needs. Instead of creating separate modes, the company could focus on improving existing processes to ensure equal care for all orders, regardless of dietary preferences. By addressing these issues and fostering inclusivity, Zomato can better serve its diverse customer base.
*Name changed for anonymity.