PRESS NOTE
For immediate release
Students Join The Call For Safe Food
Chandigarh, August 14, 2012:
Student unions of Panjab University and colleges of Chandigarh pledged support to the movement for safe food, here
today. Joining hands with Alliance for Safe Food, a group of socio-cultural organisations led by Kheti Virasat Mission,
the Chandigarh units of Indian National Student Organisation (INSO), Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and
Haryana Students Association (HSA) started an awareness campaign among the student community.
“Though our Constitution gives us a right to have safe food but uncontrolled chemical use in agriculture has made our
food toxic causing various forms of cancers, reproductive disorders and genetic diseases. Since students are the future
of our nation, it's important that they support the cause for healthy society,” said Anil Ghanghas, president of INSO's
Chandigarh unit. The campaign by student unions will also press for availability of organic food in university and
college canteens.
“implementation of safe food policy in university and colleges is an essential part of the larger student welfare agenda
of our party,” said Dr Rajeev K Sharma, the President of ABVP's Chandigarh unit.
Extending support to the campaign Kuldeep Singh, the president of Haryana Student Association (HSA), said “Demand for
safe food is much more important for students and youths as toxic food has major health implications for future
generation.”
Meanwhile, students from Government College of Arts joined the safe food campaign. “We have decided to paint a creative
canvas to express our desire for pesticide-free organic and safe food. The canvas will be put up on display during
future events,” said Gurpreet Singh a student of fine arts.
Welcoming the support, Umendra Dutt, the executive director of Kheti Virasat Mission, said, “The support of students has
energised our campaign for safe food in the tricity. We expect student bodies all over the country to take such
initiatives for betterment of the society.” The students signed the petition asking the Indian government to promote
organic farming and ban dangerous pesticides. Somvir Singh, president (INSO, Panjab University unit) and Pravesh
Chandel, President (ABVP, Panjab University unit) were also present on the occasion along with their supporters.
ENDS