Ladakh: Vidya Bharati, in association with the Bharatiya Shiksha Samiti Jammu Kashmir Pradesh, organised an event at Bharatiya Vidya Niketan, Ladakh on July 15, 2024 which was aimed to highlight the nutritional value of traditional foods, addressing contemporary concerns about diet and health. This initiative was a collaborative effort with Bharatiya Vidya Niketan and the local women groups, reflecting a shared commitment to foster healthy eating habits and preserving cultural heritage.
The full-day workshop saw enthusiastic participation of 10 women, as well as students and staff from the school. The event was meticulously planned to address the growing problem of children consuming unhealthy, market-bought snacks such as chips, Kurkure, momos and Maggi. These processed foods are often linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. By contrast, traditional foods, which are rich in essential nutrients, were highlighted as a healthier alternative.
Throughout the day, the participants were engaged in practical cooking sessions. They collectively prepared 12 types of local dishes, demonstrating the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Ladakh. This hands-on experience was not only educational but also enjoyable for the participants. It provided them with a deeper understanding of the nutritional values inherent in their traditional cuisine. In the evening, the freshly prepared dishes were served and appreciated by all attendees, underscoring the deliciousness and health benefits of traditional foods.
An important educational component of the workshop was the information provided by the women about the benefits of boiled and steamed foods. These cooking methods help preserve the nutritional content of the ingredients, making them healthier options compared to fried or processed foods such as chilly potaoto, momos and maggi which are quite in trend and served in hilly areas. The children learned about the significance of incorporating such foods into their daily diets to promote better health and well-being.
The main aim of this program was to educate children about the variety and nutritional richness of their own traditional foods. A trend has emerged where foods like momos and Maggi are perceived as the primary food in hilly areas such as Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Even the local children have started to believe this. Through this program, an effort has been made to break this myth and highlight the importance of traditional foods.
Following the success of the workshop, a plan was established to sustain these healthy eating habits. It was decided that one day each week, all students would bring traditional food in lunch to school.
This initiative aims to reinforce the lessons learned during the workshop and ensure that the benefits of traditional foods are integrated into the students’ regular diets. Additionally, a cooking competition is planned for the near future, which will further engage students and encourage them to explore and appreciate their culinary heritage.
This type of program has the potential to be replicated in other vanvasi communities across the country, promoting a their traditional foods and healthier eating practices. The event saw participation of 160 students and staff, marking a significant step towards a healthier and culturally enriched future for the community.
