Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated virtually from his residence in the “Chef Dialogue” program based on millets (Shri Anna), organized at the Amrapali University campus. A large number of young chefs from various parts of the country, experts from the hotel and tourism sector, academicians, and students were present on this occasion. The program aimed to establish a meaningful dialogue on traditional Uttarakhandi cuisine, millet-based food, and related employment and tourism opportunities.
During the program, young chefs asked Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami several questions regarding the promotion of traditional Uttarakhandi food, quality standards, government efforts, and career opportunities in this field. Responding to a question from Chef Shakti Prasad, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has issued instructions to include traditional Uttarakhandi dishes in the menus of all hotels. He also clarified that traditional Uttarakhandi food is served as a priority to guests at the Chief Minister’s residence and various government programs, so that local cuisine receives respect and recognition.
Responding to a question from Chef Sanjeev Juyal regarding bringing all Uttarakhandi chefs together on a common platform, the Chief Minister said that the Tourism Department will be instructed to prepare a comprehensive proposal in this direction, so that the state’s chef community can be brought together under an umbrella platform and provided with opportunities at the national and international levels.
In response to a question from Chef Sunil Upadhyay regarding maintaining the purity, authenticity, and standards of traditional Uttarakhandi food, the Chief Minister informed that the government is working seriously on this issue. Concrete steps are being taken to maintain the quality of traditional dishes, preserve their identity, and standardize them, so that the originality of Uttarakhand’s flavors is maintained.
Regarding the government’s efforts for young people interested in pursuing a career in traditional Uttarakhandi cuisine, the Chief Minister said that the Tourism Department and the Skill Development Department are working together in a planned manner. The government’s goal is for young people to move towards self-employment and entrepreneurship based on local resources and traditional knowledge. Addressing the program, Chief Minister Dhami said that this dialogue is not limited to food alone, but is connected to the culture, traditions, and identity of Uttarakhand. He welcomed all the chefs, hotel and tourism sector experts, and congratulated Amrapali University and its entire team for the successful organization of this thoughtful and meaningful “Chef Dialogue” program.
The Chief Minister said that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is a land of values, culture, and diverse cuisines. The dishes here tell the story of the lifestyle, traditions, and soul of the mountains. Today’s tourist wants to experience not only the natural beauty but also the local culture and cuisine. In such a scenario, the role of chefs becomes extremely important, as they take the state’s identity to the global stage through local flavors.
The Chief Minister also indirectly stated that today’s chef is not limited to the kitchen, but has become a carrier of culture, a brand ambassador for tourism, and a means of employment generation. The contribution of local cuisine, hospitality traditions, and the chef community in taking Uttarakhand’s tourism to new heights is unparalleled.
Discussing millets, the Chief Minister said that it is not just food or a crop, but is becoming a powerful medium for the overall development of Uttarakhand. Through millets, villages, farmers, and the last person in society are connecting with the mainstream of development. Crops like Mandua, Jhangora, Koda, and Ramdana are drought-resistant, rich in nutrients, and increase farmers’ income, and are well-suited to the climate and soil of Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is today guiding the world in the field of millets. India is the largest producer of coarse grains globally and contributes approximately 38.4 percent to the total global production. Amidst changing global food priorities, there are vast opportunities for youth in sectors such as food processing, health food, hotels, cafes, homestays, and food startups.
Clarifying the state government’s vision, the Chief Minister said that the youth of Uttarakhand should now become job creators, not job seekers. Referring to the report of the Migration Prevention Commission, he stated that in recent years, approximately 44 percent of young people have returned to Uttarakhand from various parts of the country, which is evidence of the growing opportunities in the state.
At the end of the program, the Chief Minister made a special appeal to the chef community, urging them to work together to take Uttarakhand’s traditional cuisine “from local to global.” Their creativity and presentation can bring the flavors of Uttarakhand to the world’s table. He expressed confidence that the ideas generated from the “Chef Dialogue” will help propel Uttarakhand forward with a new vision in the fields of tourism, employment, and culture, and that the resolve to make Uttarakhand a strong, self-reliant, and glorious state will surely be fulfilled. Also present on this occasion were MLA Banshidhar Bhagat, Sanjay Mishra from Amrapali University, and many other dignitaries from across the country.
