There has always been a clear distinction between vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in India. People who are vegetarian stay away from meat, fish and eggs, but milk and paneer are an important part of their diet. But now a new claim has created a stir on the Internet! Bengaluru’s Dr. Sylvia Karpagam has said that milk and paneer are not vegetarian, but animal-based food – like chicken, mutton or fish!

Her statement has given rise to a big debate on social media. Are paneer and milk really non-veg? Let’s try to find out the truth!

Where did this controversy start?

It all started when Dr. Sunita Sayammaguru posted a photo on Twitter, in which she wrote:

> “My husband’s dinner plate – vegetarian food. It contains protein, healthy fats and fiber.”

This plate contained paneer, which is considered a major part of a vegetarian diet. But Dr. Sylvia Karpagam replied:

> “Paneer and milk are not vegetarian. They are animal-derived foods, like chicken, fish and beef.”

This post went viral and has received more than 95,000 views so far. Social media users are divided into two groups—some people are agreeing with Sylvia, while many people are opposing this claim.

Are milk and paneer really non-veg?

If seen in scientific and technical terms, then yes, milk and paneer are animal products because it comes directly from cow or buffalo. But in traditional and cultural definitions, milk and paneer have always been considered vegetarian.

Some important points that make the debate more interesting:

1. Biological vs Cultural Definition:

If seen scientifically, vegetarian means plant-based food.

But in India, vegetarianism means not having meat, fish and eggs.

2. Religious and Traditional Angle:

In Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, milk and paneer are considered pure vegetarian foods.

Milk, ghee and paneer are also used in offerings to God.

3. Vegan vs Vegetarian Debate:

Vegans do not eat milk and paneer because these are animal-derived foods.

But milk and dairy products are acceptable for vegetarians.

Social Media Reaction

Ever since this thing went viral, different reactions are coming from people on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:

✅ Supporters of Dr. Sylvia Karpagam:

“She is right! Dairy industry is a kind of animal exploitation.”

“If chicken and fish are animal-based, then milk is also the same.”

❌ Critics (who consider paneer as vegetarian):

“Milk is considered prasad in India, how can it be non-veg?”

“Paneer and milk have always been vegetarian food, this is just an unnecessary controversy.”

So should we consider milk and paneer as non-veg?

This is a question of perception. Scientifically speaking, dairy is an animal-derived product, but according to cultural and religious beliefs, it is considered pure vegetarian food in India.

If you are vegan, then this can be non-veg for you. But if you are a traditional vegetarian, then milk and paneer will come under the vegetarian category.

What do you think?

According to you, are paneer and milk non-veg or not? Do share your opinion in the comments!