In our cover story this month, Rukma Saluja speaks to chefs Sujan Sarkar, Sriram Aylur and Manjunath Mural, who won laurels abroad for their delectable food, especially for evolving Indian cuisine as per the new tastes of the younger generation. The old notion that Indian food is spicy and oily is receding into the background, though it has not disappeared completely. Michelin-starred Aylur, who specialises in south Indian food, says, “People eat less chilli. They have not moved away from Indian food but are looking for a new, evolved cuisine.” We know that Indian curry and kebabs have become household names among gastronomes in London, but there are other subtle things happening in Indian cooking abroad, and Saluja brings us vivid glimpses of it. Malati K. Vijay writes about how interior designers have made antiques the centrepieces of home decor, and outlines the aesthetic philosophy behind the exercise to make it look right without being vulgar and ostentatious. And Kavita Devgan, the nutritionist, brings home the virtues and benefits of garlic, one of the ubiquitous elements of a traditional Indian kitchen. Says Devgan, “Generally, the stronger the taste, the higher the health benefits of garlic.” In the Business and Economy section, Kumud Das and B. Shekhar argue convincingly that the uncertainties plaguing the Indian economy are temporary, and that the prospects for long-term robust growth are bright. The work of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in key areas of health, education and rural livelihoods dispels some of the myths surrounding the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in India. The general perception that PSUs are loss-making ventures turns out to be misplaced. And, secondly, the CSR work carried out by them can be exemplary. PGCIL Managing Director (Personnel) V.K. Singh explains how PGCIL goes about accomplishing good deeds without much ado. Nikhat Zareen, the gutsy girl from Nizamabad, who has become the 2022 IBA world boxing champion, adorns our Achiever section. Her own determination and parents’ unflinching support played a key role in her success. In the Diaspora section, we feature Delhi-born lawyer Devesh Gupta who set up Prudent Law in Greater Toronto in 2015 and how he has clocked exceptional growth, focusing on immigration. As the story brings out, the record influx of new immigrants and students has seen hundreds of young Indo-Canadians in legal, medical and other
professions making it to the top.
Happy reading these and the many other
engrossing stories in PRAVASI INDIANS!
