‘Our life won’t stop if we don’t eat vada pav’: Tukaram Mundhe’s reply to schoolboy seeking its return to canteens goes viral

A request to bring back vada pav in school canteens prompted Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe to explain why children should prioritise nutritious food over their favourite snacks. A video of the interaction, shared on Instagram, has gone viral amid the state’s efforts to restrict foods high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) in and around schools, as reported by TOI.

During the exchange, the schoolboy asked Mundhe about the reported ban on vada pav in schools, saying he and his friends wanted the popular snack back. Rather than dismissing the request, the commissioner used the opportunity to explain the importance of healthy eating and balanced nutrition.

“Our life won’t stop if we don’t eat vada pav. On the contrary, if you eat good nutritious food, you will grow much better,” Mundhe told the student.


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The interaction has drawn attention to the challenge of encouraging children to make healthier food choices while limiting the snacks they commonly enjoy.

What Tukaram Mundhe told the schoolboy about vada pav

Responding to the boy’s request, Mundhe advised him to move beyond deep-fried snacks and focus on foods that support healthy growth. His message centred on the benefits of nutritious eating rather than simply giving up a particular snack.

A balanced diet for children includes protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Foods such as dal, beans, milk, curd and eggs can provide protein needed for growth and development.

The concern is not that eating a vada pav occasionally will necessarily harm a child. Rather, the frequency of consumption and whether such snacks replace balanced meals are important considerations when assessing overall dietary habits.

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Commissioner also cautions against some Chinese street food

The conversation also turned to Chinese street food, with the student asking Mundhe about it. The commissioner cautioned against food preparations that may contain artificial colours or chemicals and urged the boy to put health ahead of taste.

Food safety depends on several factors, including the quality of ingredients, hygiene during preparation and whether any additives used are permitted. Chinese-style food is not inherently unsafe, and the safety of a particular dish depends on how it is prepared and handled.

The exchange offered a broader message about food choices: children can enjoy their favourite dishes while learning to pay attention to ingredients, preparation and nutritional value.

What Maharashtra's school food restrictions cover

The interaction comes amid Maharashtra’s efforts to restrict foods high in fat, sugar and salt in school environments. The directive described in the report covers products such as vada pav, samosas, burgers, pizzas, chips and aerated drinks in school canteens and within a 50-metre radius of school campuses. It applies across school types and educational boards in the state.

Healthier alternatives include poha, upma, idli, dosa, fresh fruit and buttermilk, alongside balanced meals that meet children’s nutritional needs.

The focus of the initiative is to encourage healthier food environments for students and reduce their routine exposure to less nutritious options.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual dietary advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Nutritional needs vary according to age and individual circumstances. The video and statements described are based on the information provided and have not been independently verified.