"Stirring Up Skills: How the Kitchen Becomes a Child’s First Classroom"

    I remember one of the iconic cooking oil advertisements from the 90's, the little boy who ran away from home only to return when he heard one magical word - "Jalebi" His eyes light up and off he rushes. This advertisement has a strong benchmark in my heart as it reminds me that this sweet boy who is angry and leaves home but returns back happily. That simple, innocent line became one of the most nostalgic food moments in advertising history. The boy’s craving for the sweet, syrupy treat symbolized more than just a snack — it was about comfort, home, and the love that food carries.  t’s about connection, warmth, and the things that bring us back to where we feel safe .  Jalebi , in its crisp sweetness, became a symbol of how food can heal emotional distance , soothe frustration, and offer a way home. In the same way, just like that little boy, sometimes all we need is a simple treat to bring back those warm memories and comfort. Food, after all, is not just about...

   Leafy vegetables are rarely a child's favourite. The moment you serve spinach, methi, or any green leafy delight, children greet it with an array of emoji-like expressions—some frown, some fake a tummy ache, and some even try to bargain with an extra roti just to avoid it! But one day, all of that changed—for a moment at least. I remember visiting my son’s school on the occasion of Market Day , an event beautifully curated by the Pre-primary section . Amid colourful stalls and homemade snacks, what truly stole the show was an adorable skit put up by the little ones, dedicated to leafy vegetables . The curtain opened with peppy music and laughter. One by one, the veggies entered the stage— not just as food, but as full-blown performers , each with a unique style and personality. Dressed in green shades, wearing cool glasses, the first little one stormed the stage with a hip-hop dance . (The Hiphop hero - Spinach) With a confident voice, he said: "Yo yo kids, I’m Palak ...

  Once again, I am pondering on my childhood days when my nani (grandmother) used to cook with love. There was certainly a magic in her hands. Whatever she cooked was delicious to eat. Today I will talk about a special snack which used to be our favourite biscuit of childhood. As it was a large family, there was no scope for getting readymade biscuits during those times. My granny used to prepare this traditional; sweet biscuit which I called it - made with jaggery, wheat flour and a dash of cardamon. I t was modest treat of my childhood. It was more than simply food; it was an emotion. Today kids are more prone to readymade biscuits of different flavours as they are good looking well packed and are convenient to eat at any time. Gulpapdi also known as Sukhdi in some regions is a reminder of love, warmth, care and most important it is nutritious, as it is made from wheat flour, jaggery and ghee. One piece of it would keep energised for the whole day When we show our inclination tow...

                            "पुरणपोळी शिकवते संयम, समतोल आणि स्नेह — गोड चव ही त्याग आणि परिश्रमाची भेट असते."              Puran Poli teaches us patience, balance, and love — its sweetness is a reward for effort and care. Puran Poli — tender, golden, and sugary — is a classic Maharashtrian treat relished particularly during celebrations such as Holi and Gudi Padwa. Beyond its delightful flavor and festive scent, this simple flatbread conceals valuable life lessons, cultural beliefs, and learning experiences for both children and adults. Let’s unwrap the golden layers of Puran Poli and discover the wisdom it offers. Since  childhood, I never  took  the  time  to  contemplate  what puran Poli might teach. I would enjoy   this   sweet   dish   with   ghee   and   milk,   eagerly   waiting   for ...

  अन्नेन चालिकं धान्यं, जलस्य सह संयुजम्। इड्लिकारूपिणं ज्ञानं, बालान् शिक्षयति ध्रुवम्॥                             With rice, lentils, and water combined, Knowledge takes the shape of an Idli—surely, it teaches children too. I dli,  a  soft  and  steamed  round  rice  cake,  may  appear  to  be  merely  an  ordinary  breakfast  dish.But look a little closer, and you’ll find that this humble South Indian dish is a mini classroom in itself!  Idli can serve as a surprising resource for students to explore science, language and values. Let's find out how! Preparing I dli  is  an  excellent  demonstration  of  science  in  daily  life  at  play.   The  batter  is  allowed  to  rest  overnight  to  expand.  This  ...