Important for Parliament to reflect the culinary diversity of India

Gujarat is the flavour of the month in political circles right now, so it is not surprising that it has also been laid on the table of the House…canteen.

It is about time that the Parliament of India reflects the culinary diversity of India instead of only its political one — and its canteen is the obvious place to start.

Indeed, it is surprising that given the fierce emotions food arouses, our parliamentarians have stomached the unvarying template of northern and southern food served up to them for all these years.


Mamata Banerjee had brought in a little variety when she was Railways minister, but the incumbent Piyush Goyal must be commended for initiating a truly inclusive Parliament canteen, in which all the tastes of India — not just the major ones — find place.

This is one aspect on which the government’s mantra obviously must be, “Khaunga aur khaney bhi doonga” — “will eat and let others eat too”.

Of course, Gujarat is the inevitable first choice, but it is heartening to note that Kashmiri cuisine is next on the list, to be followed by Odisha in the short Winter Session.

The Budget and Monsoon Sessions will presumably see all states’ flavours being tabled and appreciated.

The minister wants trains and stations to diversify their menus; all state assemblies and government canteens should consider it too.