In a notable visit to Kolhapur, Maharashtra, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi explored Dalit cuisine by participating in a cooking session and sharing a meal with a local Dalit family. This initiative stemmed from his curiosity about the culinary practices, social context, and political implications surrounding Dalit food culture.
During his visit to the home of Ajay Tukaram Sanade, a Dalit farmer in Unchaon village, Gandhi was joined by Shahu Patole, the author of “Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada.” The congressman expressed his desire to understand what Dalits eat and how they cook, acknowledging the social and political significance tied to their cuisine. “No one knows what we (Dalits) eat,” Patole remarked, emphasizing the lack of awareness surrounding Dalit food traditions.
While helping prepare a traditional meal, Gandhi engaged in a discussion about the discrimination faced by Dalits. He noted that while people in his village may respect his political rank, they often disregard his caste. “In my village, they (the upper caste) won’t even have water or a cup of tea at my home,” Patole shared, highlighting the ongoing societal challenges.
Together, they prepared dishes such as ‘harbharyanchi bhaji’ (a vegetable made from chickpea greens), ‘tuvar dal’ with brinjals, and a dish featuring spring onions, served alongside jowar bhakris—traditional bread made from sorghum flour. The Sanade family admitted they were caught off guard by Gandhi’s sudden visit, stating, “First, we offered him water and tea, and later he said he was feeling hungry and volunteered to prepare something for all of us in our kitchen.”
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi reflected on the meaningful conversations he had with Patole and the Sanade family about caste discrimination and the importance of documenting Dalit cuisine. He asserted that the Constitution provides rights for all communities, stating, “We will protect that Constitution. But true inclusion and equality will only be possible when every Indian strives with the spirit of brotherhood in their hearts.”
Sources By Agencies
