Bhopal | Administrative Correspondent
Navabharat Group, in collaboration with its weekly magazine Suruchi, successfully organized the ‘Suruchi Cooking Queen Contest’ on Wednesday. The event was spearheaded by Suruchi Director Pooja Maheshwari and the Navabharat team. The main sponsors, Western Coalfields and Sanchi Dugdh Sangh, awarded prizes and certificates to encourage the participants.
Women from across the city turned up in large numbers to participate, making it a lively and vibrant event. Nearly 122 women contestants competed, many accompanied by supportive family members. The contest provided a grand platform for women to showcase their culinary talents, earning praise from celebrity chefs and special guests present at the venue.
Empowering women through food & flavor
Participants were thrilled to be part of the competition, many expressing gratitude to NavaBharat and Suruchi for giving them a platform to present their unique dishes. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie, as participants clicked photos at the NavaBharat selfie point and engaged in friendly competition.
The event was graced by Bhopal Mayor Malti Rai, BJP Spokesperson Neha Bagga, and DJ Star Nafisa Hasan as chief guests. Other esteemed guests included GS Wadhwa (Additional Director, Public Relations), Pankaj Mittal (Joint Director), Nidhi Singh (Marketing Manager, Sanchi), Chef Preeti Mishra (Chitra Culinary Academy), Chef Amol Patil (Courtyard Marriott), Chef Anoop Gupta (Taj Bhopal), Surabhi Maheshwari (Founder, Baked 186), and Chef Sunil Singh (The Fern Residency)—all of whom served as judges.
A celebration of culinary diversity
The event ran from 12 PM to 5 PM, featuring two main categories:
– Indian Cuisine:
* Savita Gupta
* Nancy Shukla
*Neelam Jain
– Western Cuisine:
* Mamta
* Nikita Vanshkar
* Jayshree
The winners were awarded Samsung washing machines, microwaves, and Sujata mixer grinders, while over 100 participants received consolation prizes and certificates for their efforts.
Judges impressed by creativity and presentation
The judging criteria included presentation, taste, and innovation.
Chef Amol Patil remarked, “Every woman here is a chef in her own right. The dishes were a beautiful blend of traditional spices and creative presentation.”
Chef Anoop Gupta added, “Indian women are masters in the kitchen. Navabharat’s initiative is a commendable step toward empowering them outside the home.”
Over 100 unique dishes displayed
Participants laid out a spectacular spread of nearly 88 Indian and 26 Western dishes, including: Makka Papdi, Ghevar, Rasgulla, Chandraayan Roti, Dal Pakwan, Lauki Halwa, Chhole Bhature, Bhutte ke Cutlet, White Sauce Pasta, Italian Spaghetti, Dahi Papdi, Idli-Sambar, Rasmalaai, and more
Dishes were elegantly plated with flowers, fruits, and decorative elements, impressing both guests and judges alike.
Innovation in every bite: Standout creations
- Chandrayaan Chandrakala Roti by Savita Jain
Inspired by Vedic traditions, this dish was designed to promote physical health and mental balance, paying tribute to ancient Indian dietary practices.
- Aparajita Sweet by Akanksha Kaurav
Created using the petals of the Aparajita flower, usually used in tea, this unique dessert earned special appreciation from the judges.
- Rasgulla by Neelam Jain
A traditional recipe from Uttar Pradesh, her delicious rasgullas helped her secure a top spot in the Indian category.
Rain didn’t dampen spirits
Despite the rainy weather, the enthusiasm of the participants never wavered. Contestants arrived on time, fully prepared, and presented their dishes with passion and flair.
Mayor Rai applauds Navabharat’s efforts
Mayor Malti Rai personally congratulated all the participants and lauded NavaBharat’s initiative, calling it “a wonderful step towards women’s empowerment.” She praised Sumit Maheshwari, Pooja Maheshwari, and the entire team for organizing such a meaningful event and encouraged more such platforms for women to showcase their talents.
A promise for the future
Suruchi Director Pooja Maheshwari congratulated all the participants and stated that NavaBharat aims to continue organizing such empowering events. She emphasized that Suruchi magazine is dedicated to providing knowledge, inspiration, and a platform for women to shine—something they are committed to expanding in the future.
