People enjoying Odia cuisine at 99th Sc. Congress

Delegates, scientists, research scholars and students from Kolkata, Assam, Pune or Delhi, attending the 99th Indian Science Congress here in Bhubaneswar are enjoying the Odia cuisine. Though not so typical, yet variety of palateful recipes brings happiness on the faces at the end of the day after a long deliberation of lectures and presentations.

"Food provided here is really good and tasty. Moreover, its hygienic and has been prepared in a systematic way, keeping in mind the various tastes of people across the country which should be praised", said Reetapa Biswas (23), a research scholar of Food and Nutrition from Calcutta University.

Her friends, Rukhsana Irani, Parvati Biswas, Payeli Berman and Arpita Baral too have the similar opinions about the Odia recipes. "Palau with mutton curry, fish fry in lunch and vada, idli, dosa during breakfast is so good! We are really enjoying the Odia reception", adds Rukhsana Irani.


"All the delegates/guests from south, north and even people from north-east are enjoying the Odia cuisine here. I really cherished the non-vegetarian recipes", said RS Raghuvamsi (57), General Secretary of NCSTC – voluntary organisation responsible for organising the childrens' science congress opines. "From my 19 years of experience, I found this arrangement, so nice. Children are enjoying here as APJ Abul Kalam inspired the children a lot", he adds.

Dr Harsha Chatrath, HOD of Chemistry at Dr DY Patel College, Pune said, "Arrangement is very beautiful and unimaginable. I am a vegetarian, so I am enjoying the Odia food including palau, mix vegetable curry and raita. I am delighted with the way the Odia people received us at the Congress."

Apart from the great food and the nice hospitality by Odisha and its residents, people are also interested in Odisha, its culture, tradition and different sectors like handi-crafts and textiles. "Odia people are very good in terms of hospitality. People here are well mannered and cooperative", said Arun Kumar Singh (32) from Assam who is pursuing research in Inorganic Chemistry at a University in Bihar who liked the cultural and social activities of the Odias.

It seems PM's visit has a great impact on the preparations as Manmohan Singh was also attending the same.