(Source: ECI | ABP NEWS)
Book Review: Abhijit Banerjee’s ‘Chhaunk’ — Recipes For Life, Society And Economics
Abhijit Banerjee uses personal anecdotes, historical context, and sharp social commentary to infuse his essays with a flavour that is both intellectually enriching and deeply relatable.
Abhijit Banerjee, a Nobel laureate for economics, is celebrated globally for his groundbreaking work on poverty alleviation, and his ability to translate intricate economic theories into actionable insights. Co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences, Abhijit Banerjee is also the co-author of ‘Poor Economics’ and ‘Good Economics for Hard Times’, books that have redefined how we understand the economics of inequality and human behaviour. However, beyond his scholarly achievements lies another, perhaps less-known, facet of his persona, a deep love for food and its intersections with culture, identity, and memory.
In his latest book, ‘Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society’, Banerjee brings these two worlds — economics and food — together with remarkable finesse. The word ‘chhaunk’, a culinary technique that involves tempering spices in hot oil to elevate the flavours of Indian dishes, becomes the perfect metaphor for his approach. Just as a well-executed ‘chhaunk’ transforms a meal, Banerjee uses personal anecdotes, historical context, and sharp social commentary to infuse his essays with a flavour that is both intellectually enriching and deeply relatable.
A Literary ‘Chhaunk’
Abhijit Banerjee’s essays in ‘Chhaunk’ are like a well-tempered dish, each infused with layers of flavour that reveal themselves gradually.
Abhijit Banerjee writes in the book “There is a literature in economics asking why such occasions exist, given that it is easier to send people money than to give them gifts. This seems completely backwards, since the point of the gift is precisely not the transfer, but the fact that both the parties give and take (not necessarily commensurating amounts) and, by doing so, signal that they are open to each other for further interactions, economic or otherwise.”
Spanning an astonishingly diverse range of topics, the essays delve into the role of trust in economic transactions, the gendered constraints of labour in India, and the cultural nuances that shape economic behaviour.
He further writes, “For me, despite the very abstract framing, the economics versus culture debate is important because it gets us to try and be more thoughtful about all the customs and stereotypes that we lean on in our everyday lives. It won’t rid us of all our prejudices – I still can’t pretend that I love American food – but it doesn’t hurt to fight with them a bit more.”
We find how easily he blends evocative personal narratives with incisive analyses of social systems. What makes these essays truly exceptional is his ability to anchor abstract ideas in the tangible, sensory world of food. For instance, he draws a parallel between the meticulous preparation of shami kebabs and the discipline required for long-term savings, highlighting how both are exercises in patience and foresight.
Similarly, he explores the liberation of women through the lens of a humble Bengali dish called ghanto, weaving a story that connects culinary practices to the broader arc of gender equity and empowerment. These food-based metaphors not only make his essays more accessible but also allow readers to connect with serious economic and cultural ideas on a visceral level.
While reading the book, we find his ability to seamlessly transition between the personal and the analytical ensures that the essays speak to readers from all walks of life, offering insights that linger long after the last page is turned.
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Nostalgia And Cultural Reflections
The book is steeped in nostalgia, as the author fondly recalls book dinner-time conversations and flavours from his childhood. These recollections serve as a springboard for larger reflections on the socioeconomic dynamics of Indian society. His exploration of how British colonial policies impacted Bengali entrepreneurship and the stereotype of Bengalis as intellectually inclined but non-business-minded is a striking example.
One of the standout aspects of the book is how the recipes, paired with Cheyenne Olivier’s beautiful illustrations, enrich the reading experience. Olivier’s artwork complements Banerjee’s vivid prose, bringing the dishes to life and adding a visual layer to the narrative. Her illustrations do more than decorate the page; they deepen the connection to the themes of food, identity, and history, turning ‘Chhaunk’ into a multisensory journey. This fusion of words and art enhances the book, making it a more immersive and meaningful experience for readers.
Gender And Labour: A Socioeconomic Critique
Gender and labour take centre stage in one of the book’s most compelling sections, where author Abhijit Banerjee delves into the low female labour force participation rate in India. He talks about deeply ingrained social norms that often confine young women to domestic roles, focusing their upbringing on preparing them for marriage rather than pursuing careers or personal ambitions. These restrictions, he argues, not only limit individual potential but also come at a significant economic and social cost, weakening the country’s progress.
Banerjee also spotlights that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity. He advocates for systemic solutions, such as implementing Universal Basic Income (UBI), to offer women greater financial independence and security. By ensuring a basic safety net, women would have the freedom to make choices about education, work, and life beyond traditional expectations. Through these ideas, the author makes a strong case for dismantling barriers to female participation in the workforce, painting a vision of a more inclusive and equitable society.
Banerjee’s analysis of economic systems, such as the traditional ‘hundi’ financial transfer network, highlights the human elements of trust and community. His approach demystifies economics, presenting it not as an abstract, numbers-driven discipline but as a living narrative deeply intertwined with the human experience.
A Feast For The Mind And Soul
Reading ‘Chhaunk’ felt like embarking on a delightful intellectual and sensory journey. With every page, Abhijit Banerjee’s wit, warmth, and erudition shone through, making it an absolute pleasure to read. As someone who loves exploring the intersections of food, culture and ideas, this book resonated deeply with me. Banerjee uses food not just as a metaphor but as a lens to unravel the intricate connections between culture, economics, and everyday life.
What struck me most was how seamlessly he blends academic rigour with personal anecdotes and culinary reflections. ‘Chhaunk’ is not just a book — it’s an invitation to think, feel, and taste life differently. Whether you’re a foodie, an economist, or simply someone curious about the world, this book is bound to leave you inspired and nourished, both intellectually and emotionally.
In many ways, Abhijit Banerjee follows in the footsteps of Bengali intellectuals who have celebrated food with literary grace. Writers like Rabindranath Tagore, whose works often evoke the sensory pleasures of meals; Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, whose vivid descriptions of rural Bengali food in ‘Pather Panchali’ have become iconic; and Chitrita Banerji, renowned for her culinary histories, have all explored the deep cultural and emotional connections we share with food. With ‘Chhaunk’, Banerjee brings his own perspective to this cherished tradition.
Book: Chhaunk: On Food, Economics And Society by Abhijit Banerjee, Cheyenne Olivier (Illustrator)
Price: Rs 899
Publisher: Juggernaut
The writer is a Bengaluru-based management professional, curator, and literary critic
[Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP News Network Pvt Ltd.]
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