AGRA, Sept. 25 -- All hostel provosts at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) have been instructed to ensure that only permissible ingredients are used in food preparation during the Navratri fasting period, to maintain the sanctity of meals served to Hindu students. The move follows a formal request submitted by a Hindu student leader. Akhil Kaushal, a student at AMU, submitted a memorandum on Tuesday addressed to the university's vice chancellor through the proctor, Prof Mohd Wasim Ali, who was out of station at the time. In his memorandum, Kaushal requested that arrangements similar to those made for Muslim students during the holy month of Ramzan be extended to Hindu students observing Navratri fasts. He suggested that the meals include items such as boiled potatoes, fruits, sabudana (sago) khichdi, and buckwheat puris, prepared using rock salt instead of regular salt. He also requested that provosts ensure vegetarian and non-vegetarian food is prepared and served separately, without the use of onion or garlic, to allow fasting Hindu students to eat in accordance with religious practices. Kaushal further urged that mess staff and hostel employees be sensitised to the significance of Hindu festivals like Navratri, and that a separate counter or serving area be set up for fasting students. He has previously advocated for Hindu cultural activities on campus, including requesting permission to celebrate Holi. Deputy proctor Prof Hashmat Ali Khan confirmed that VC Prof Naima Khatoon has reviewed the memorandum and issued instructions to all hostel provosts to ensure appropriate measures are taken. "The vice chancellor has directed all provosts to be vigilant and to plan menus in consultation with Hindu students, ensuring the use of ingredients allowed during these auspicious days," said Prof Khan. When contacted by phone, AMU proctor Prof Mohd Wasim Ali said that since the beginning, separate arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food have been maintained at university hostels. "Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are prepared in separate utensils and served at different tables. However, we are ready to implement additional measures as required during Navratri," he added....