K.Veeramani
Usually, when I go for my morning walk in Vallam, Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (PMIST), Deemed to be University Campus, the Vice- Chancellor used to accompany me along with a few Professors. We used to keep walking breathing fresh air, while discussing, issues like administrative duties, buildings new structures and the immediate development plans regarding the University. While crossing the hostel blocks, as early as 7 O’ Clock in the morning, the students could be seen rushing to classes in batches. I used to inquire a few of them if they had taken their breakfast. Many girls avoid breakfast and run in a hurry to classes. Of course, it is good to attend classes in time and without fail but should it be at going with an empty stomach? We have not failed to explain to them how important it is to take breakfast in time. Duration between breakfast and supper is a long one about 7 to 8 hours and sometimes it might be even 10 hours. If the stomach is kept empty for such a long time, there could be gas trouble and acidity that eats away intestines when avoiding danger becomes uncontrollable.
If the students go in empty stomach in the morning, they may experience sleepishness, tediousness and fall in their concentration level. These young buds run the danger of getting blighted untimely. In the Seminar convened for children in Thanjavur, I clearly explained this to children. Breakfast is the act of ending the long fasting during night. The English has used a very appropriate term. In many houses the habit of children running away to schools in a hurry avoiding breakfast in the midst of morning duties is becoming an increasing practice. There is a danger of the buds getting blighted! In the English daily, The Hindu, today, many doctors, and professors, explain the importance of having breakfast in many angles. They advise that it is much better to make children eat idly or dosa in the morning than making them eat corn flakes, noodles or chips. Only in such food items, children get good health and there will not be any problem of digestion for them. Remember, It is a more important food than the lunch. This applies not only to young children and students, but also to us the grownups. Taking breakfast along with some fruits is very healthy. It helps the growth of both body and mind. Supper could be as less and simple as possible. We are well accustomed to taking lunch. Therefore, it is very important to train children to have breakfast.
