Grass root level

All this started a year back when ex alumnus Shammi Nanda,a cinematography student of the institute,screened his film Leap of Faith based on three families who practice organic ways in life at FTII,students came forward with the idea to make the mess organic. Since then there is no looking back for Since then there has been no looking back for the FTII mess which is being actively run by the students with Nanda’s guidance and suggestions. “The effort to make the mess completely organic is still on but what is heartening is the response of students to the initiative,” says Nanda who has been adding organic means and methods of cooking to the mess little by little. “ Sidhu and I started off with much apprehension because students youngsters especially don’t like the bland taste. We use very less oil,vegetables are mostly steamed the rice dal we have are mostly organic so they lack the refined finishing touch of machines. But gradually students started liking the idea and we got a very positive response,” elaborates Nanda whose recent addition,hand pounded red rice to the mess is becoming quite a favourite.

Kaushal Oza second year direction student had to run to Mumbai,his hometown during weekends for a couple good meals but since the inception of organic mess the ritual has been curtailed and is almost on the verge of extinction. Oza and many of his direction friends stick back to the institute,all thanks to the mess. According to them the mess is not just about healthy food but also a meaningful experience. “ Recently the mess hosted an ‘organic music’ evening where old buckets,paint cans,and other waste material was used to form a drumming circle. Such activities provide an interactive space for the students and staff,”says Oza. Also,the re-arrangement of furniture,setting up of an ‘open book-shelf’ where anyone can contribute books,and the décor done by the students adds to the interactive atmosphere.

Previously priced at Rs. 20,every meal now is on offer at a price that students feel comfortable to pay. ‘Pay according to your own conscience,’ says the inviting notice.” All these activities adds to the interactive atmosphere,” says Reena Balakrishnan,who drops by the boy’s hostel mess for her organic meals.

Well as the students vouch for a meaningful experience the mess’s courtyard has a lot on offer.