FOOD NEWS
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal Defends Traditional Indian Practice of Eating With Hands
A social media debate regarding the Indian tradition of eating with hands has prompted a response from economist Sanjeev Sanyal, who highlighted the hygiene and cultural significance of the practice.
A recent social media inquiry regarding the Indian custom of eating with one's hands has ignited a widespread discussion on cultural traditions and hygiene. The debate began after a video surfaced on X, featuring individuals eating with their hands at what appeared to be a South Indian wedding. The original poster questioned the necessity of the practice, asking why people would choose to eat by hand when cutlery is readily available.
Economist Sanjeev Sanyal joined the conversation by offering a direct perspective on the matter. Sharing the video, Sanyal stated, "It is a simple test... if you cannot bear to touch it, and need metal instruments, then it is probably a bad idea to put it in your mouth." His comment served to defend the long-standing cultural practice, which is common when consuming traditional meals like rice, dal, curries, and various vegetable dishes that are often mixed together by hand before being eaten.
Cultural Context and Hygiene Debates
The practice of eating with one's hands is deeply rooted in Indian culinary culture, particularly during traditional gatherings where food may be served on plates or banana leaves. For many, the hands serve as an essential tool for mixing different components of a meal and shaping food into a bite-sized portion. This tactile approach is often described by proponents as a more natural and satisfying way to experience a meal.The discussion quickly expanded to address concerns regarding hygiene and the use of cutlery. When one user challenged Sanyal by asking why one would prefer "germy hands" over metal utensils, the economist responded that hand hygiene is easily managed, noting that one can wash their hands just as easily as one might clean a piece of cutlery. This point resonated with many social media users who argued that they would rather rely on their own cleaned hands than on utensils that have been used by unknown individuals in public settings. Several commenters pointed out that while they can verify the cleanliness of their own hands, the history of shared restaurant cutlery remains uncertain.
