Jammu, April 3 – In the heart of Jammu, where tradition and culture are deeply ingrained in everyday life, a quiet culinary revival is taking shape—led by determined women and rooted in heritage.
Under the Umeed Scheme of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission, Vandana Sharma of the SHG Durga Mata Group is working to revive the fading flavors of Dogri cuisine. What started as a small initiative has now become a mission to preserve a rich culinary legacy that was slowly disappearing from local kitchens.
Speaking about her journey, Vandana Sharma expressed gratitude to PM Narendra Modi for encouraging women to become financially self-reliant. She credited this vision for inspiring many women like her to step forward and build something meaningful of their own.
"Currently, around 15 women are working together with me," she said, highlighting how the initiative has not only revived traditional food but also created a source of livelihood for local women.
The group has focused on promoting authentic Dogri dishes that once defined the region's food culture. Among the popular offerings are "kim" and "kachalu," dishes that are now winning back the hearts—and taste buds—of people in the region. Their efforts are helping to reintroduce these traditional flavors to a new generation.
"Our aim is to bring the traditional Dogri cuisine of Jammu back to the people. We are happy to see that people are enjoying it," Vandana shared. She added that the support provided under the Umeed scheme has played a crucial role in enabling their work and expanding their reach.
As interest in local and indigenous food grows, the women of the group are proving that preserving tradition can also pave the way for empowerment. Through their work, they are not just reviving recipes—they are restoring identity, creating livelihoods, and strengthening the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.