A few students in Vidya Valley opt for the NIOS Board from class 9 onwards.Under this Board an important yet optional subject is Home Science.
Vidya Valley conducts Master chef contest every year for the Home science students of std 9 and 10.Who says that cooking is only girls domain, now a days we have so many popular male chefs around us, so in this contest both boys and girls participate enthusiastically displaying their culinary skills using their knowledge about food science and also presenting it aesthetically.
When we talk about cooking food we always think of innovative ways to make it tasty and presenting it in an attractive way to make it appealing and tempting keeping in mind the age, dietary requirement, occasion, modified diet in case of illness etc.
Every year the students are given different themes to explore on the various dishes. This year they were asked to prepare diabetic desserts without using any artificial sweeteners. This was followed by vegetable and fruit carving, then they were asked to prepare a dietary plan for one day for different profiles given to them.[ Person suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, typhoid, sedentary office going worker, athlete etc.
The purpose of conducting Master Chef in this format is to let the students experience how Home Science is already a part of their lives.
This unique program helps the students learn to plan and manage resources, work with peers in groups, have a better understanding of time management. Students understand all the elements of food and not only how it aids the body but also how it impacts chemically and physiologically.
They were asked to explore the recipes following the guidelines according to the profile and dietary requirements given to them. This year we invited the three Judges to judge the contest. Ms Radhika Vaidya, Home baker,
Ms Smita Murthy, Owner of Fat Labrador in Baner and Mr Shekhar Pimpalkhare, owner of restaurant Oasis. Students were marked on the basis of various parameters presentation and style, taste, innovation, intricacy, novelty etc and were given certificates for their achievement.
Kudos to all the children to show their enthusiasm .School principal Mrs Nalini Sengupta has always encouraged children to carry out various projects.Apart from her, Ipsita ma’am , Giribala ma’am, Megha Gupta has been motivating students to bring out the best from the students.
It was my pleasure to guide and instruct these students to display their skills beyond the text book curriculum.
-Megha Gupta
Home Science and Science Teacher
