From Pizzas to sweets and even breads, India households have taken up cooking or should I say creative, unconventional and experimental cooking. Digitalisation has proved a boon, as online connectivity which does not require any social distancing even during these unusual times of Covid-19 pandemic.
Being creative and socially active, we Indians have found innovative ways of connectivity from“Zoom Coffee Clubs” to “WhatsApp Bingo /Housie” the ways are different and fun, in their own way. The consulting Big4, I work for, too started with a WhatsApp based internal fun quiz, every evening to get everyone remain informed and current about the information and internal news as also stay connected with teams across the nation on a daily basis when face to face meetings are being minimised.
YouTube, Netflix, HotStar and even Zoom and ReadWhere all have become the household names for the families. Producers are releasing Movies on the Fire TV, Youtubers are working tirelessly and are posting new videos and scaling millions of viewers within a week. Webinars and web based trainings are another brisk learning platform being used by organisations and self-motivated learners. I too joined a Books and Magazines WhatsApp Group where we keep sharing best sellers in electronically readable formats.
The household Guru, YouTube is the new chef for all. From cooking queries to handholding in the kitchen, this bug has bitten the Indian husbands, and children apart from wives and mothers, during this “Inside Food Revolution” the one phrase which all shall shout out in chorus after the tough lockdown times are over that “ OUTSIDE food is possible INSIDE”. Lockdown cooking experiences include people making Raw Pasta, even puffing rice and wheat or making their own yeast, Namkeens and even Cookies and Biscuits.
Apart from study, schools have begun, Dance, PT and Music classes too,online for all to accept – Nothing is Impossible. The weeks and months which initially appeared difficult to all, as staying indoors appeared impractical and not doable, the adaptable nature of Indians have accepted the call of the nation and have accepted and adapted to the situation very well. The acceptance is so complete that the new comfort zone, is getting all lethargic to even think that this time will pass and will again need to kick start the normal routine.
Even after the lockdown gates are open and the virus battle won, we shall always remember and rejoice our INSIDE FOOD Times and shall talk about it over generations!!
-ABHISHEK SUBHASH GUPTA, Panchkula
