The unveiling of the book “Jhar-Ras Shodhvat” — a heartfelt tribute to Jharkhand’s rich culinary traditions

Ranchi: IHM RANCHI has successfully compiled Shodhvat, depicting the 03 days expedition by renowned chefs from India to Jharkhand during the International Tourism Day 2024.

The unveiling of much awaited books covering the experience of culinary delights at Jharkhand by these culinary ambassadors was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, alongside Shri. Sudivya Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism Art Culture Sports and Youth Affairs, Govt of Jharkhand, Shri Manoj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Tourism,Art Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand.

Prominent attendees included Shri Gyan Bhushan (IES), Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, Shri Sandeep Kumar Singh (IAS), Private Secretary to the Union Tourism Minister, Anjali Yadav, Director of Tourism, Government of Jharkhand, Prem Ranjan, Managing Director, Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC), Moiuddin Khan, Joint Secretary, Jharkhand Tourism Department, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal of IHM Ranchi, and Shri Pranav Prakash, Regional Director (East), India Tourism, Kolkata office.

During this gathering, the dignitaries officially launched the book “Jhar-Ras Shodhvat: A Culinary Expedition of Jharkhand,” which is the result of extensive research by chefs who ventured into remote areas of the state. They explored local ingredients sourced from forests, immersed themselves in tribal lifestyles, and documented their discoveries — all to bring the flavors and stories of Jharkhand to light.

The launch was part of an international chef’s conference, which brought together culinary luminaries such as Dr. Chef Parvinder Singh Bali, Chef Vijay Kumar Shahi, Dr. Chef Saurabh Sharma, food photographer Pooja Tiwari, Chef Nishant Choubey, Chef Ashish Bhasin, Chef Adit Grover, Chef Gunjan Goyla, Chef Simran Singh Thapar, Chef Gautam Chaudhary, Chef Nitin Shinde, Chef Ramchandra Urao, Chef Shakesh Singh, Chef Sandeep Pandey, and journalist Praveen Raman, among others.

Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Tourism, praised the book as a powerful representation of the harmony between culture and cuisine that emerged during the conference. He highlighted how the book not only showcases Jharkhand’s traditional recipes but also captures the creativity and heartfelt stories shared by the chefs.

State tourism minister Sudivya Kumar emphasized that “Jhar-Ras Shodhvat” is a significant step towards promoting Jharkhand’s culinary and cultural heritage on a global scale, fostering greater awareness and appreciation of the region’s unique gastronomic identity.

State Tourism secretary Manoj Kumar, Secretary congratulated the institution for capturing the essence of the chef’s conference, weaving together narratives of innovation, exploration, and collaboration. He noted that the book is much more than a recipe collection — it is a testament to Jharkhand’s vibrant food culture and the collaborative spirit of the global culinary community.

State tourism director Anjali Yadav added that the book not only preserves Jharkhand’s culinary heritage but also offers a platform to present its diverse flavors to the world, where each dish tells a story and every recipe reflects a new perspective.

Principal of IHM Ranchi, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, and the book’s editor, expressed his pride and joy in curating “Jhar-Ras Shodhvat.” He described it as a unique compilation that encapsulates the spirit of the international chef’s conference — blending personal experiences, creative culinary expressions, and heartfelt tributes to Jharkhand’s food traditions.

“Jhar-Ras Shodhvat” is not just a culinary guide; it is a living document of Jharkhand’s food culture, honoring both the roots of tradition and the wings of innovation that carry the state’s culinary legacy to the world stage.