Friday, 16 March 2012

Our Real Heritage


Politics, Cricket and Movies are the three most talked about topics in India. It would not be wrong to say that these three things are integral part of our life. Politics is into our nerves. We live with it and the whole country is dependent on it. Cricket is our religion. If there is any sport in India which is followed by all the people irrespective of their age, it has to be cricket. We follow no other game but cricket. And lastly, we all are movie buff.  If we don’t watch a movie every weekend, the whole week seems so incomplete. Movies are the all-time favorite gossip topic for us because we don’t know any other subject better (how ignorant we are). To sum up the three topics, I shall say few intellectuals (and largely the common man) talk about politics, crazy fans about cricket and ignorant people about movies and Bollywood. It is really a high time since the intellectuals instead of just talking really changed our political system, the crazy fans followed some other sports (change the game) and the ignorant do some worthwhile than just gossiping about the movies.

But let’s not talk about these things (there are many idiots to discuss these topics). I intend to talk about the fourth thing which we all Indians live for and it has to be food. I don’t know whether it’s one of the most talked about topics in India or not but I am sure that we Indians are truly and madly are in love with our food.  Some people live to eat and some people eat to live but let’s not go to the philosophical mode. Historically also, India was famous for its food and spices. So famous that it eventually became the reason for our slavery.

Every State and every region has its own delicacy. Be it Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi, South Indian (apologies for being so general), Bengali or any other State for that matter, each one has its unique taste and identity. Also, not to forget the contribution of Mughals in developing the rich heritage of the Indian Cuisine. No doubt that tandoori chicken is among the top favorite food in Britain. From starters to deserts, Indian cuisine is full of mouthwatering dishes. But it will be really unfair if I don’t mention about the Chaat food or the Street food of India. There is so much of zayka in the street food of India that one can die for it. 

There is so much to write about the Indian Cuisine that a whole blog can be dedicated to it. We have such a rich and unique heritage in form our cuisine that it is a part of our cultural heritage. Our food and eating habits represents India really in an incredible form. So let’s not distort our food heritage but promote it. I am not against the western food (pizza, pasta etc.); in fact I love it but let’s not give pizza a preference over a dosa. Why only Ranjnikant can order an idli from McDonalds, let’s make this joke a reality. Let’s make our food a part of sustainable development.

6 comments:

  1. What Mr.P.Maviya stated is almost correct.Apart from these point,The painful thing in my mind is the changing trend of eating habits among young and old here in India. All the Quick, ready made stuff and packed food are the preferable choice now a days.No wonder India is No.1 in diabetics & heart deceases.A balanced food with enough vegetables,minimum oil,enough fiber, vitamins & minerals rich home food could be better. Once in a while street food is fine.

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  2. Interesting read. Agree with the point that political commentators( as well as all citizens) should involve themselves in politics n changing system n that othrer sports n games too need to be given equal importance as cricket.

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  3. Ah okay. Lets talk about food.

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  4. The first thing that unites mankind is language. Without language we cannot communicate. Unfortunately we in India do not yet have an accepted common language.

    The next thing that unites mankind is food. If we can find a common thread in our vast variety of food, we could then say that we have found a true national integrator. Is there a common style of cooking, is there a common ingredient?

    The Chinese have noodles. The Japanese have Sushi. The Mexicans have corn. The Yanks have the hamburger. The British have bread and eggs. The Italians have the Pizza. The Arabs the Kaboos. Could our Chapati, Idli and Dosa be that common thread?

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  5. nicely writtn yes i agree..food is smthing for which we earn we live and we desire to have .can u imagine how strang but truth that to reach a persons hrt be close to his stomach..food not only resides bisid r luxury part of life bt in currnt time its trending as proffesion tooo....

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  6. Dear Priyank,

    I agree that Food is the fourth dimension and its a great idea to promote vernacular cuisine.While few states have a recognised cuisine like Rajasthan, Gujrat, TN, WB etc but what @ Himachal or Oddissa or even Uttarkhand. There is enough, but not known. May be you can add upon the series of the food less known.
    If interested, you may also see my blog on "Is Indian Tourism about being emotional?" http://wp.me/p2i87O-G. It may add a new dimension.

    Vikash

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