To mark the seventh anniversary of the Pankaj Bhadouriya Culinary Academy, Pankaj Bhadouriya, the winner of the first season of MasterChef India in 2010, took the initiative to organize a community kitchen event. Working alongside her students, she led the preparation of 2,500 food packages that were later distributed among those who are less fortunate.
Over 100 of her students engaged in the creation of the food parcels, investing nearly three full days in the project. The packages consisted of a diverse array of items, ranging from millet cookies and cupcakes to freshly harvested fruits.
“We make it a point to organise the community kitchen annually as a part of our anniversary celebration,” Bhadouriya expressed. “In Indian culture, food is intertwined with our significant occasions, spanning from birthdays to funerals. We aimed to convey this sentiment by extending it to the underprivileged.”
She added that this initiative also plays a role in fostering the comprehensive development of her students.
“This endeavour emphasises work ethic. Culinary expertise transcends mere recipes and plating; it encompasses the joy and emotions that emanate from nourishing others. I aspire for my students to carry this profound intention as they delve into the world of culinary arts,” Bhadouriya stated.
The academy established affiliations with a variety of non-profit organizations, such as Ummeed NGO, Sarthak NGO, Prabhat, and various others. Through this collaboration, they were able to provide support to marginalized communities by distributing the food packages.
Prominent bureaucrats, politicians, and notable figures also participate in endorsing and increasing awareness of the event, along with the marginalized communities it aims to support.
Bhadouriya added, “My students thrive under the pressure of such responsibilities.” She referred to the challenge of preparing and packaging 2,500 units of food within a mere three days. “Among my students, there are two groups of bakers and three groups of culinary arts students who have dedicated themselves to this project over the past three days,” she pointed out.
