G20 Summit: Street Food, Millet Delicacies & A Taste Of Culture — What First Ladies' Did On Their Day Out

Spouses of world leaders attending the G20 Summit in New Delhi were treated to a unique experience as they indulged in a special lunch at Jaipur House on Saturday. Following this delightful meal, they embarked on a guided tour of an exhibition showcasing culturally-rich artefacts at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA).

The distinguished group of first ladies had the opportunity to savor millet-based dishes during their lunch, and they also indulged in some street food, as reported by news agency PTI, citing an insider source.

Among the visitors to the NGMA exhibition, titled 'Roots and Routes,' were the first ladies of countries such as Turkey, Japan, the UK, Australia, and Mauritius. The exhibition, which opened specifically for their visit, explores India's civilizational heritage, ethos, and interconnectedness.

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), under the Union Ministry of Culture, houses a rich collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. Jaipur House, where the gallery is located, was inaugurated by S. Radhakrishnan, the then-Vice President, in 1954, according to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav website.

Celebrated Chef Kunal Kapoor had the honor of preparing meals for the first ladies during the G20 Summit. A highlight of his culinary expertise was a vegetarian version of Khichda, traditionally a meat-based dish.

Using mushrooms, he recreated a meaty feel while keeping it entirely vegetarian. Additionally, he presented Jowar Khichda and a flavorful broth with a salad, demonstrating his ability to reimagine classic dishes with a modern twist.

Earlier in the day, the spouses of world leaders visited the Pusa campus to gain insights into millet farming. They displayed keen interest in learning more about millets, reflecting India's commitment to promoting these nutritious grains.

These special lunch arrangements and the NGMA exhibition were organized as part of the G20 Summit activities, which took place at the newly-built international convention and exhibition center, Bharat Mandapam, at Pragati Maidan.

Led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union government proposed the International Year of Millets - 2023, which was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly. Modi envisions making 2023 a people's movement for millets and positioning India as the global hub for millets.