History on My Plate: Unearthing the Origin of Food
Chandigarh-based poet and author, Lily Swarn today launched her latest book ‘History on My Plate’ which marks a wonderful attempt to help us savour not just the food but also its rich history!
“Culinary tradition is not always based on fact. Sometimes it is based on history, on habits that come out of a time when kitchens were fuelled by charcoal,” aptly stated American television personality, Alton Brown and Lily Swarn’s latest book, ‘History on My Plate’ stands testament to the same. A tale of gastronomy and its rich times gone by, the book was launched today at Chandigarh Press Club in the presence of Manoj Kumar Parida, UT Adviser and Vivek Atray, Author, former IAS and motivational speaker.
‘History on My Plate’ promises to be an intriguing book about Lily’s insatiable urge to find out the ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘where’ of food, which proves to be a blessing in disguise for all the food aficionados out there. It is a wonderful attempt to help us savour not just the food but it’s history. Her choice of food subjects is cosmopolitan and eclectic reflecting her own life and style, and style of writing, breezy and informative.
“It is the result of my innate inquisitiveness which is not far from being a Nosy Parker. Extensive research and innumerable walks through the ancient lanes led me to write these chapters for History on My Plate,” shared Lily, a multilingual poet, author and columnist.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my maternal grandmother who taught me that one must immerse oneself completely in order to create magic while cooking. I would also like to thank my mother, who has always been the beacon of light in my life, my daughter, Ayesha Saluja who traversed the road less travelled with me while I set out on my mission to unearth the origin of food, my worthy colonel, my husband who is responsible for making me travel across the length & breadth of India, and my late son, Gobind Shahbaaz Singh in whose fond memory I have written a few chapters in this book. I hope that the readers enjoy my foray into the history of the food that they have on their plates,” she further added with a satisfied smile on her face.
The event was organised by the Chandigarh Literary Society.
While addressing the gathering, Manoj Kumar Parida, UT Adviser congratulated the author Lily Swarn for unveiling her book ‘History on my Plate’ and said that it’s a commendable that how beautifully Lily has illustrated the history of food in this book, which is not easy task.
He said that he loves to read motivational books, when he got time. ” I have been posted in several states, and love all kind of foods. I especially love butter chicken, nan and bhindi masala the most.”
History on My Plate: Unearthing the Origin of Food
Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Atray encouraged the youngsters to read and write more in their daily routine. He urged new generation to pen down their thoughts and said writing is the best way of expression.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
