Bastar Women’s Millet Delights First Ladies at G20 Summit
TFP Bureau, Raipur; Sep 10, 2023: In a heartwarming display of cultural exchange and culinary diplomacy, the First Ladies of G20 Summit attendees were treated to delectable millet dishes, including mouthwatering millet laddus prepared by women farmers from Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
The special occasion unfolded at an agricultural exhibition held on September 9th at the PUSA-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) campus in New Delhi, inviting the esteemed First Ladies and spouses of the participating heads of state.
Bastar’s women farmers showcased their culinary prowess by presenting an assortment of millet-based delicacies. Sangeeta Kashyap, hailing from Bastanar block in Bastar district, proudly shared her culinary creations, which included millet laddus, ragi cookies, ragi chakli, kodo-kutki, and more. A generous basket filled with these flavorful treats was graciously offered to the First Lady of Australia, along with an invitation to visit Bastar.
Rukmani Kottam, the nodal officer of Chhattisgarh’s Agriculture Department accompanying these talented women, revealed that their stall at PUSA featured an array of bamboo products such as Supa, Tukni, Tokri, Tuma, Chhatri, as well as millet-based products. These displays drew considerable admiration from visitors who attended the exhibition.
Chhattisgarh’s Dhokrakala and Kosa stalls, showcasing products dyed with natural colors, added an extra layer of attraction for event attendees.
Nirmala Bhaskar, a representative from the women’s group of Gotul Munda village in Durg Kondal block of Kanker, shared a delightful moment when they presented a basket brimming with millet products, crafted by a women’s group from Chhattisgarh, to the First Lady of New Zealand. The gracious First Lady even captured a cherished selfie with Nirmala Bhaskar, expressing her intention to share it with her family members back in New Zealand. Nirmala Bhaskar cherished the encounter as a truly unforgettable experience, underscoring the power of food and friendship to bridge cultures and create lasting memories.
