India is a vibrant example of worldly diversity. It is a country where various cultures converge, and diversity is seen not only in language, color, appearance, and clothing but also in food. With the aim of gaining a better understanding of the rich culinary diversity of India, the Hybrid School organized a unique workshop under the guidance of Shalu Ma'am and Shalini Ma'am with grade 8 students. This workshop succeeded in helping students experience that cooking is not just an art but also a cultural journey.
They realized how regional diversity is deeply intertwined with food in Indian society and how respecting cultural diversity can become our natural trait. The students worked together to prepare several traditional Indian dishes and also discussed the cultural significance behind these dishes. The purpose of this workshop was not only to familiarize students with domestic tasks but also to instill the understanding that kitchen and household chores, often considered insignificant, involve significant physical and time-consuming labor, especially for mothers who spend more time than fathers in such tasks, yet their work is often undervalued. Often, when asked what their mothers do, students would answer, "Mom doesn't do anything." However, the students absorbed this lesson well, which was evident as both male and female students worked together in every step of cooking. This undoubtedly gave them an opportunity to develop teamwork and cooperation.
Furthermore, this workshop taught students how to prepare healthy and nutritious meals, making them more conscious and aware of their diet. In the process, they also learned how the selection and proper use of food ingredients impact health. Overall, today was a delightful and enriching day for both the students and all the mentors involved.
