By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN, 16 Oct: On the occasion of World Food Day, Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) inaugurated the “Sikdar Bakery Products” series at Raj Bhawan here, today, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and the Dehradun Bakers’ Association. Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj was also present at the event as Guest of Honour.
The Sikdar Bakery product line includes items such as Sikdar Cake, Sikdar Pastry, and Sikdar Cookies, made using special Himalayan ingredients like sea buckthorn, goji berries, saffron, and various millets. These products are dedicated to the memory of the renowned trigonometry expert Radhanath Sikdar, who played a significant role in measuring the height of Mount Everest.
During the event, the Governor highlighted Uttarakhand’s culinary uniqueness by unveiling Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari pastries. The Garhwali pastry is vanilla-based, featuring the flavour of the state’s famous Buransh flower. The Kumaoni pastry combines the traditional Bal Mithai of Almora with chocolate, while the Jaunsari pastry incorporates milk and walnuts for a rich taste. Efforts will be made to make these products available in all bakeries, cafes, and hotels across the state so that tourists can enjoy the region’s delicious cuisine.
Lt Gen Singh expressed confidence that these special products would provide a new dimension to Uttarakhand’s flavours, culture, and traditions. He emphasised that this initiative would promote local products and enhance the tourism experience, benefiting both local communities and visitors. He noted the growing interest in nutritious food and organic farming, urging the prioritisation of organic agriculture and traditional farming practices.
Cabinet Minister Satpal Maharaj acknowledged Radhanath Sikdar as a great scholar who measured the height Everest, expressing joy in dedicating World Food Day to him. He highlighted the health benefits of the bakery products made from Himalayan ingredients.
Maharaj assured that efforts would be made to make these products available in all bakeries, cafes, and hotels across Uttarakhand, allowing tourists to savour these delicacies throughout the state. He also mentioned plans to promote these items at religious and tourist sites without using eggs.
During the event, the following individuals contributing to Uttarakhand’s art, culture, and local cuisine were also honoured: Virendra Gulati (Owner, Elloras Melting Moments); Rashmi Rautela on behalf of Kheem Singh (oldest Balmithai Shop, Almora); Satish Sharma (actor & Publisher of Garhwal Post); Anubhav Sapra (founder, Delhi Food Walk); Dr Jagdeep Khanna (ex-principal, IHM College); Jitendra Kathait (Executive chef, Elloras Melting Moments); Divakar Singh (Chef, Taj Rishikesh); Manish Bharti (IHM); Shashi Bahuguna Raturi (Founder, Namakwali); Robin Nagar (Founder, Valley culture); Shubham Rana (Founder, Bee Ready); Rajat Shakti (Red FM) and Vaishnavi Dhaundhiyal (Social Media Influencer).
Attendees included First Lady Gurmeet Kaur, former Cabinet Minister Amrita Rawat, actress and princess of Rewa Mohena Kumari Singh, Manraj Jolly, owner of BakeMasters and various dignitaries from the hospitality sector and the Dehradun Bakers’ Association.
President of Doon Bakers’ Association and owner of Elloras Melting Moments Drona Gulati proposed the vote of thanks. Gaurav Bhatt was the MC.
