Chandigarh
10 September 2024
DIVYA AZAD
Chandigarh Millets Ambassador Guneet Swani has been propagating a concept that is unique and path-breaking. She has been talking at various platforms about the scientific link between food and human emotions. Guneet’s talks centre around the following subject matter she’s coined – ‘Importance of food as an emotion in our lives.’ Her innovative take on the subject at a recent TEDx event left the audience spellbound. The event saw many visionaries, including Guneet, share their thoughts and perspectives on the theme – ‘Past, Present, and Future.’ It is noteworthy that Guneet’s talk helped her get a special commendation from Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who was the Chief Guest for the event.
Her address was appreciated by the audience for its novelty and depth as Guneet explained how emotion is connected with food insightfully. In her talk she said, “We really need to understand what food is. Food is not just about nutrition but an emotion which fills voids in our lives. Food really plays a significant role in handling our emotions and feelings.”
During her talk she shared her personal experience to drive home the connection between food and emotion. She explained that the aroma of a favourite dish can transport you back to your childhood, while the taste of a beloved recipe can evoke feelings of warmth and love. “Sharing a meal with loved ones creates bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. Food has been nothing less than a teacher for me and a source of guidance, a pointer to ‘in what emotional state we are’,” she said.
Interacting with reporters after her talk, Guneet said, “Food is a bridge that connects the past, present, and future, weaving together the threads of tradition, innovation, and aspiration. It carries the legacy of our ancestors, preserving recipes and culinary practices that have been passed down through generations, offering a taste of history with every bite. In the present, food reflects the diversity of our cultures & the creativity of modern gastronomy.”
“In times of celebration or sorrow, food is a constant companion, offering solace and joy. Whether it is the comfort of a home-cooked meal or the excitement of trying something new, food resonates deeply with our emotions, making it an integral part of our lives and experiences. Food brings a lot of comfort in our life. It elevates us a lot,” she added during her address.
It is notable that Guneet Swani, is at the forefront of a nutritional renaissance as a fervent advocate for millets, championing them as both a healing food and a sustainable choice in the face of climate change. “I feel that that food is much more than sustenance. Food is not just a source of calories but a lot of emotions are involved when we eat and cook,” said Guneet while speaking to the media post the event.
Guneet added, “When we’re hungry and yearn for food, it can lead to feelings of irritation or ‘hanger,’ which can throw us off balance. In a way our gut often serves as a ‘guiding system’, so it’s essential to take care of it. While it’s pivotal to be mindful of things like calorie content etc., especially if you have specific health concerns, it’s also important to appreciate food rather than constantly judging it.”
Guneet further said, “Food is an emotion that transcends cultures, languages, and borders. It has the power to evoke memories and connect people in a way that few other things can.”
Guneet has been instrumental in ushering in an era of health consciousness in Chandigarh, working towards making the City Beautiful India’s first health smart city. It is worth mentioning that Guneet’s commitment extends to the environmental impact of our food choices, promoting millets for their low carbon footprint and resilience to climate variations. In 2023, the International Year of Millets, Guneet’s leadership had not only introduced millets into mainstream culinary arts but had also emphasized their role in ecological preservation and agricultural sustainability.
