Rahul Gandhi shares special cooking session, lunch with Dalit family in Maharashtras

PTC News Desk: Rahul Gandhi recently visited a Dalit family's home in Unchaon village, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, as part of his exploration of Dalit culture and cuisine. Curious about the significance of Dalit food, the Congress leader joined the family of farmer Ajay Tukaram Sanade in their kitchen, not only to share a meal but to help prepare it. His visit was guided by author Shahu Patole, who has documented Dalit food traditions in his book Dalit Kitchens of Marathwada.

During the visit, Gandhi engaged in conversations about the discrimination faced by Dalit communities. Patole shared personal experiences, explaining that although his professional rank commands respect, his caste still subjects him to social exclusion.

"In my village, upper caste people won’t even drink water or have tea in my house," Patole revealed, adding that many Dalits feel compelled to hide their caste and surname to avoid prejudice.

Gandhi, in turn, expressed his interest in learning about Dalit food practices and the cultural importance they hold. “You said something interesting—that no one knows what you eat and how you cook it. That's why I am here today,” Gandhi said.

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Together with Patole, he cooked harbharyanchi bhaji (a chickpea greens dish), tuvar dal with brinjal, and a spring onion dish, paired with traditional Maharashtrian jowar bhakris (sorghum bread). Gandhi humorously mentioned his tolerance for spice, noting, "I don't eat a lot of spice," as he helped with the cooking.

The Sanade family, taken by surprise by Gandhi's visit, said they had not been expecting him. “We offered him water and tea first, but when he said he was hungry, he volunteered to prepare something for all of us in our kitchen,” they shared.

Reflecting on his experience, Gandhi emphasised the need for greater awareness of Dalit culture and cuisine. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the discussions centered on the social implications of Dalit food, their personal struggles with caste discrimination, and the importance of documenting these traditions.

Gandhi also underscored the ongoing need to protect the rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution, especially those for marginalized communities. "The Constitution gives Bahujans their share and rights, and we will protect that Constitution," he said. He stressed that true equality and inclusion in society will only be achieved when all Indians embrace brotherhood and work toward harmony.

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