The winner of Dina Thanthi’s Nutritious Cookery Contest for Homemakers was Poongothai from Choolaimedu. One of the elderly participants in the competition, she stood as an epitome of inspiration for many budding cooks at the event.

“This is the first time I am participating in a competition. My daughter-in-law supported me in the entire process. We tweaked our lifestyle and adopted healthy and mindful eating. As we cook such nutritious food regularly at home, our family members are free from diabetes, high blood pressure and other illnesses,” said the 74-year-old.

Be it chemili, her version of a sweet, quick bite snack, and the kambu cholam kara kozhukattai, all prepared without oil and packed with nutritional values, Poongothai not only won the judges’ hearts but also those of the fellow participants. All the millet powders she used were made from scratch at home.

Even the youngest member of her family is accustomed to nutritious eating. “We do not buy chocolates for celebrations. Instead, we distribute kadalai mittai on birthdays. I believe that, in this way, farmers and small-scale vendors will benefit,” she added, sharing the proverb, Unave Marunthu.