Kolkata: A viral video from West Bengal has triggered widespread discussion online after students at a government school were seen eating phuchka instead of their regular mid-day meal, reportedly due to difficulties in cooking food amid an LPG shortage.
The video was shared on Instagram by Nandita Sarkar, who works at Bhadrakali High School. In the clip, a street vendor is seen standing inside the school premises while students gather around to receive servings of phuchka, also popularly known as golgappa or pani puri.
The video has drawn more than one million views on social media and sparked debate over whether such alternatives should replace regular meals provided under the government’s nutrition programmes.
Students seen eating phuchka in viral video
In the video shared by Sarkar, a phuchka vendor is seen inside the school courtyard distributing the snack to students. The children stand in a line and receive the crispy, tangy snack one by one.
Each student is seen eating approximately five to six pieces of phuchka while interacting with the vendor and enjoying the unusual treat.
The clip captured the attention of viewers because phuchka is typically a street food snack rather than a meal served in schools.
According to the post shared online, the snack was reportedly arranged after the school faced difficulties cooking the regular meal for students due to the shortage of LPG cylinders.
Mixed reactions on social media
After the video went viral, it triggered a wide range of reactions from social media users.
Some viewers described the moment as amusing and praised the school staff for finding a creative way to ensure that children still received something to eat despite the logistical challenge.
Others, however, expressed concern that a snack like phuchka cannot replace a balanced meal intended to provide proper nutrition to students.
Several users questioned whether the arrangement was a one-time solution or whether the school had been unable to prepare meals for a longer period.
Many commentators also pointed out that while the children in the video appeared happy and excited, the mid-day meal programme is designed specifically to ensure adequate nutrition among schoolchildren.
Importance of the mid-day meal scheme
India’s school nutrition programme, widely known as the mid-day meal scheme, provides cooked meals to millions of children in government and government-aided schools across the country.
The initiative aims to improve nutritional levels among children, encourage school attendance and support the overall health of students.
Meals provided under the programme typically include rice, lentils, vegetables and other nutritious items that contribute to a balanced diet.
Experts say occasional alternatives may be understandable during emergencies, but regular meals remain essential for ensuring proper nutrition among growing children.
LPG shortage affecting daily activities
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of LPG shortages affecting everyday activities in several parts of the country.
Concerns about disruptions in global energy supply have intensified due to geopolitical tensions involving countries such as Iran, United States and Israel.
The situation has also raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large share of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass.
Any disruption to energy transportation routes can potentially influence fuel availability and prices in many countries, including India.
Ripple effects seen in cities
In recent days, social media has seen several posts about LPG supply challenges affecting households and businesses.
Some videos from Bengaluru have shown paying guest accommodations and small kitchens facing delays in the delivery of gas cylinders.
Small eateries and residential kitchens that depend heavily on LPG are particularly vulnerable when supplies become irregular.
When cooking fuel becomes difficult to obtain, people are often forced to look for temporary alternatives until the supply stabilises.
Debate over temporary alternatives
The viral school video has therefore become part of a broader conversation about how fuel shortages can affect daily life in unexpected ways.
While many viewers saw the phuchka distribution as a creative and cheerful moment for the students, others stressed that such arrangements should remain occasional and temporary.
Education and nutrition experts say that ensuring consistent access to proper meals for schoolchildren remains crucial.
As the video continues to circulate online, it highlights both the resilience of communities during disruptions and the importance of maintaining reliable food and fuel supplies.