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The post sparked strong reactions from users, with many pointing out that it is a common workplace practice in India.

Having a separate microwave for non-vegetarian food in the office raises controversy. (Image source: Reddit)

A viral photo shared on Reddit has sparked a cultural debate about office dietary practices. The photo shows two microwaves sitting in the office pantry. One is for heating vegetarian food, and the other is for non-vegetarian items.

The user who posted the photo commented: “What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen in the office?” The image was shared in the r/Indianworkplace community on Wednesday. However, the post sparked strong reactions from other users. Many criticized this person for mocking a common workplace practice in India.

The internet is outraged by this post

One user wrote: “Brother, just delete the post because the only thing funny is you.” Of the approximately 240 comments made on the post, most echoed similar sentiments. Users said using separate microwaves was “thoughtful”, as many Indians follow vegetarian diets for religious reasons.

“Dude, I’m not sure how you got hired in the first place. Gordon Ramsay: This is cross contamination…”, one user commented.

“In offices and public places, these foods are very essential for people who do not eat non-vegetarian food,” said another.

Others also had similar reactions, with one noting: “I don’t think this is funny. People who don’t eat non-vegetarian food don’t like the smell of it. Microwaves heat food in a close environment. Using the same microwave means the smell of non-vegetarian food permeates your vegetarian food. It’s the same molecules in the air that the microwave heats.”

The other side of the debate

While most of the comments criticized the user, some also approved of the post.

“No, don’t delete. There’s a certain cognitive dissonance here with people who like this here, but I’m curious how they would react if they saw a separate microwave for Indian food in another country,” one user said.

“Asking non-vegetarians to use a separate microwave because you don’t like the smell? This is the same thing as white people asking Indian students to use a different microwave to prepare their Palak Paneer, isn’t it?” Read another similar comment.

Another user said: “You will only see this kind of apartheid in India.” In response, the post’s author sarcastically commented: “Heating food in India is a complex matter that requires two microwaves.”

While the heated debate continued in the comments, some users also took the opportunity to make light-hearted comments. “Haha, the joke’s on you, our microwave doesn’t even work,” one user said. Another also noted that their office also does not provide a microwave.

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