Media Release

Kundapur, Jul 24: The kindergarten and junior section of Mother Teresa Memorial School celebrated the joy of seasonal eating through an exuberant event titled ‘Monsoon Food-Treat’ day on the occasion of Aati season on July 19 at the Arambha Hall.

The event aimed to introduce young learners to the healthy and flavourful monsoon food traditionally prepared in the regions of coastal Karnataka. During the monsoon, children are more prone to catch a viral, cold, cough and digestive issues. To help prevent these ailments and boost immunity naturally, students were asked to bring a wide range of homemade, seasonal delights prepared by their families. The delicious spread included Patrode (colocasia leaf rolls), Sukkinunde (sweet rice fritters), Halasina Kadubu (steamed jackfruit dumplings), Halasina Kayi Chips (jackfruit chips), Patholi (turmeric leaf sweet dumplings), Sihi Kadubu (sweet rice dumplings), Doddapatre Bajji (fritters made from Indian borage leaves), Halasina Beeja Unde (jackfruit seed laddus), and Akki Unde (rice flour laddus).

In addition, it also included the other much-loved dishes such as Holige or Obbattu (jaggery-stuffed flatbreads), Athirasa (deep-fried jaggery sweets), Karjikayi (sweet coconut dumplings), Mangalore Buns (sweet banana buns), Poori (puffed wheat flatbread), Variety of Dosa (rice-lentil pancake), Halasina Happala (sun-dried jackfruit papads), Nippattu (crunchy rice crackers), Samosa (savory stuffed pastries), Chattambade (Bengal gram fritters), Golibaje or Mangalore Bonda (soft, spongy fritters), Dasavala Kadubu (hibiscus flower dumplings), Midi Uppinakayi (tender mango pickle), and warm, immunity-boosting Kashayas (herbal decoctions).

Alita D'Sa, director- Cultural and Linguistic Development, explained the significance of the seasonal food especially during the rainy season to children in simple and relatable ways. The event highlighted the consumption of eating warm, clean and a locally available (native plant) ingredient that helps prevent illness, energizes the body and supports digestion which is important for budding children. Teachers along with students savoured the delicacies of monsoon food and the event was well appreciated by all.

The school management visited the Monsoon Food Corner, tasted many of the dishes, and appreciated the heartfelt efforts made by parents to promote traditional, healthy cuisine. Children, teachers, and staff all enjoyed a wonderful time of sharing, tasting, and learning through this cultural and culinary experience.

This event was graced by the presence of the management members Renita Lobo and Shamitha Rao, Jaison Lewis, principal, Mother Teresa’s PU College, Mamatha Poojari, headmistress, Mother Teresa Memorial School, teaching fraternity from kindergarten and junior section and support staff.