Enough of PC about pressure cookers

Few civilised instruments have suffered as much reputational damage outside India as the pressure cooker. To millions, it's the reassuring sound of a hot, cooked meal. To many nervous foreigners, it's an object best approached by a bomb-disposal squad.

This is an extraordinary injustice to an appliance whose principal ambition is to turn obstinate lentils into dal. The PC is a triumph of applied physics, culinary efficiency and household economics. It saves time, fuel and patience. Its whistle is not a declaration of hostilities, but an announcement that succour is borne every few whish-es. Yet, outside the subcontinent, the cooker frequently acquires sinister associations of a suspicious package. By this logic, cars should be regarded primarily as getaway vehicles.

More troubling is the cultural dog whistle. An Indian harbouring a PC may send out non-existent signals about pressurising Western culinary traditions. This is rubbish.


The difference lies less in engineering than in imagination, assisted by prejudice. Westerners - and West-aping Indians - should reconsider. Here is an invention that reduces energy consumption, accelerates productivity and delivers excellent returns on investment. Wall St should be putting its money where its lid is. The PC deserves not surveillance but a standing ovation. Ideally, after three whistles.