Tim Cook wrote a winning recipe for AppleWill it work for his successor? Published on: Apr 26, 2026 3:43 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link SOMETIMES A COMPANY encapsulates its times. Ford and its Model T captured the go-getting mood of the Roaring Twenties
Dressed in a black tuxedo just hours after he was at the centre of yet another major security incident, US President Donald Trump told reporters: "I can't imagine that there's any profession that is more dangerous." While a small army of Secret Service agents make the president arguably the world's
There’s a flavour movement quietly brewing in Indian kitchens and it isn’t smoky or spicy, but umami. Once considered a foreign concept, Indian chefs are now tapping into the country’s own rich legacy of umami-forward ingredients and techniques to reimagine comfort food for a cleaner, deeper
Violence erupted in West Bengal's Howrah and Haroa districts before the second phase of polling. Clashes between Trinamool Congress and BJP supporters occurred in Howrah. In Haroa, a police sub-inspector was injured during a confrontation between Trinamool Congress and Indian Secular Front
Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi praises Great Indian Bustard conservationPopulation of Great Indian Bustard has declined to fewer than 200 individuals, with the majority found in Rajasthan Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:31 PM IST By Vijay Mathrani, Barmer/Jaisalmer Share via Copy link Prime Minister Narendra
Democracy At The Dining Table: How Everyday Staples Quietly Shaped India’s Progress
Democracy At The Dining Table: How Everyday Staples Quietly Shaped India’s Progress
India's democracy was not built only in courtrooms, Parliament, or polling booths. It was shaped just as quietly in kitchens, fields, and grain stores through the everyday staples that sustained its people. Long before conversations around economic growth or global influence entered the mainstream, food security laid the groundwork for stability, dignity, and participation. A nation that eats securely can think clearly, work productively, and engage meaningfully with its democratic institutions.
As Kunal Sharma, Vice President, Marketing and Organised Trade, KRBL Limited, reflects, India's democratic journey has always been closely tied to its agricultural backbone. “Democracy did not grow in isolation from its fields, it grew alongside them," he notes. For millions of farmers, agricultural progress strengthened their economic voice. For consumers, it meant access, choice, and dignity. And for the nation as a whole, it helped build a resilient food ecosystem that supported social cohesion and long-term stability.
Staple foods like rice, wheat, flour, pulses rarely dominate headlines, yet their impact is foundational. Full plates created healthier communities. Food availability reduced vulnerability. And stability, in turn, gave democracy the space to mature. At KRBL, Sharma says, staples are not viewed as commodities alone, but as enablers of national progress. Carrying this responsibility forward means supporting farmers, strengthening food security, and responding thoughtfully to India's evolving nutritional needs.
This idea of food as a democratic force is echoed across generations of Indian consumer companies that have grown alongside the nation. In a message from the desk of Manish Mimani, Managing Director & CEO, Ganesh Consumer Products Ltd, the role of everyday staples is framed as both historical and deeply personal.
“From independence to the present day, everyday foods like atta, maida, sooji, and besan have been the quiet backbone of millions of Indian households," observes Mimani. At a time when the nation was finding its footing, these staples offered continuity and reassurance. Over eight decades, Ganesh Consumer Products has not merely manufactured food, he says, but acted as a steward of trust in Indian kitchens.
What distinguishes staples from discretionary consumption is their universality. They are not aspirational luxuries or branding-led indulgences, they are essential, everyday needs. As India marks more than seven decades of democratic life, Mimani argues that access to reliable, high-quality staples must be treated as a democratic necessity, not a privilege. When millions depend on these foods daily, consistency, purity, and affordability become non-negotiable.
Together, these perspectives underline a larger truth: democracy is sustained not only by institutions, but by systems that quietly support everyday life. Food security may not be debated loudly, but its absence is felt immediately. When citizens are nourished, they are better equipped to participate economically, socially, and politically.
In an era of rapid change, global uncertainty, and evolving consumer expectations, the role of staple food companies carries renewed significance. Their responsibility extends beyond supply chains and balance sheets to the broader promise of national well-being. Ensuring that food remains accessible, safe, and dependable is not just good business, it is a civic contribution.
India's democratic strength has always rested on simple, enduring foundations. Among them, the daily meal remains one of the most powerful. Quietly, consistently, and across generations, staples have helped hold the nation together proving that sometimes, the strongest pillars of democracy are built at the dining table.
Source: News18
Related Posts: SHANTI Bill bulldozed in Parliament not only for How the Smart Cities Mission represents another nail in the coffin of local democracy in India India strengthened democracy through people-centric policies India’s democracy is its greatest shield against a Nepal-style revolution How South Korea's democracy rallied after the president tried to impose military rule Journalist Vinod Jose ‘disinvited’ from delivering speech on democracy at Kerala college CEC Is Protecting People Who Have Destroyed Indian Democracy Bihar voter list revision is ‘greatest threat’ to democracy The illusion of digital democracy Why the controversy about Modi’s degrees is a test for Indian democracy
The sacred fast of Mohini Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, April 27, 2026, by devotees of Lord Vishnu across India. This auspicious Ekadashi is believed to cleanse sins and grant spiritual upliftment, with devotees also seeking blessings from Goddess Lakshmi
1 days ago
The Mexican government says two US agents who died last weekend in a car crash had not been authorised to operate in the country. The officials, who reportedly worked for the CIA, had taken part in a raid on suspected drug labs in the northern state of Chihuahua before their vehicle skidded off a
1 days ago
Perhaps clay hasn’t been kind to him this time. But Carlos Alcaraz is already looking ahead. In a significant blow to the clay-court season, the World No. 2 has officially withdrawn from the French Open due to a wrist injury sustained during the opening round of the Barcelona Open
1 days ago
![Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 26 (ANI): Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a lone hand with a resilient unbeaten 74 as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) managed to](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/gaikwads-gritty-74-leads-csk-to-158-vs-gt-after-rabadas-3-fer.webp?height=520)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 26 (ANI): Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a lone hand with a resilient unbeaten 74 as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) managed to post a competitive 158/7 against Gujarat Titans (GT) at Chepauk in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match on Sunday
1 days ago
Sri Lanka is seeking investors for Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. The airport has been a financial drain since opening in 2013. A previous lease agreement with an Indo-Russian venture did not materialize. The government highlights the airport's potential for tourism and strategic
1 days ago
From screen time to sleep: 6 everyday habits that may be fuelling your stressStress doesn’t develop all of a sudden. Certain daily habits can quietly accelerate it without you even realising. Here are the habits to watch out for. Published on: Apr 26
1 days ago
On an August day in 2013, WhatsApp, the messaging app now owned by Meta, made an announcement. With relatively little fanfare, they revealed the voice note, the messaging feature that lets you send a clip of your own voice to friends and family
1 days ago
Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh refutes reports of Punjab MLAs being in touch with Raghav Chadha. He labels these claims as misinformation spread by the BJP. Protests are ongoing in Punjab against Chadha and other Rajya Sabha MPs who joined the BJP
1 days ago
An Indian government notification on April 17 tapped ethanol to make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Aviation has been hard to decarbonise because aircraft can’t use batteries or hydrogen at commercial scale yet, leaving SAF to be the primary way to comply with international emissions frameworks
1 days ago
Did you know soluble fibre intake can help with irritable bowel syndrome? Maryland doctor explainsAdding more soluble fibre to the daily diet can help manage IBS symptoms better. Dr Kunal Sood explains how. Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:43 PM IST By Debapriya Bhattacharya Share via Copy link
1 days ago
I am an educator committed to nurturing critical thinking among learners and strengthening social cohesion in our diverse nation. The Hindu Education Plus / education / school / teaching and learning / teachers / language / English / Hindi / university / universities and colleges / careers /
1 days ago
Dhanush recalls being mocked for his physique, says Polladhavan turned things around: ‘I got claps for my body’Dhanush showed off his six-pack abs during a pivotal scene in Polladhavan. The film was released in 2007. Apr 26, 2026, 17:33:02 IST By Santanu Das Share via Copy link Dhanush is
1 days ago
NTA to issue NEET UG 2026 admit cards today. Step-by-step guide to check websiteNEET UG Admit Card 2026: Candidates are required to carry a valid original ID proof, since entry will not be allowed without an ID proof. Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 1:21 PM IST By HT News Desk Share via Copy link The
1 days ago
Double Dhamaal: From Toxic to Ramayana, upcoming Indian films starring actors in two rolesThese upcoming films promise double the fun with! Published on: Apr 26, 2026 5:31 PM IST By Mahima Pandey Share via Copy link Double roles and dual roles are a popular and much-loved trope in Indian cinema
1 days ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (April 26, 2026), expressed relief over the safety of U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. U.S. Secret Service agents bundled the U.S. President from the stage as shots rang out Saturday (April 25, 2026) evening at a media gala
1 days ago
Signal, an end-to-end encrypted messaging app long considered one of the most secure in the world, has recently faced attacks from hackers accused of links to Russia.Top German officials on Saturday blamed Moscow-backed groups for phishing attacks targeting senior politicians on the messaging app
1 days ago
In a major setback for Indian solar photovoltaic manufacturers, the US has announced to impose a 123 per cent anti-dumping duty on solar imports, which will badly hurt their businesses. Following the investigation, the US Department of Commerce (DoC) has concluded that solar cells imported from
1 days ago
How to think about foreign policy in the new geoeconomic eraMiddle powers need to tread skilfully around the biggest blocs, writes Yvette Cooper Published on: Apr 26, 2026 3:46 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link WITH EVERY day of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, the economic damage mounts
1 days ago
Chennai, Apr 26 (PTI) Scoreboard of IPL match between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans here on Sunday. Chennai Super Kings: Sanju Samson c Buttler b Rabada 11 Ruturaj Gaikwad not out 74 Urvil Patel c Holder b Rabada 4 Sarfaraz Khan c Buttler b Mohammed Siraj 0 Dewald Brevis c Shubman Gill b
1 days ago
PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat said that ongoing Census exercise is not just a government task but a responsibility of all citizens and participation of everyone is vital. PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India’s growing achievements across sectors ranging
1 days ago
Police in Kolkata found approximately 100 crude bombs at a residence in Bhangar. The house belonged to an individual reportedly affiliated with the TMC. This discovery occurred just days before the second phase of the West Bengal assembly elections
1 days ago
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and discussed the evolving regional situation. During the telephonic conversation on Saturday (April 25, 2026) evening, which coincided with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Islamabad
1 days ago
The man arrested after shots were fired inside the hotel where the White House Correspondents' Dinner was being held on Saturday night has been named to the BBC's US news partner CBS by law enforcement sources as Cole Tomas Allen. The 31-year-old suspect is from Torrance in the Los Angeles region
1 days ago
Can Raghav Chadha, others lose RS seats over BJP merger? AAP seeks their removal amid legal complexitiesSeven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs exited the party on Friday and merged with the BJP, citing the 2/3rds exception to the Anti-Defection Law. Updated on: Apr 26
1 days ago
People in the UK could face higher energy, food, and flight ticket prices for at least eight months after the end of the US-Israel war with Iran, a senior minister has said. Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, told the BBC the government was "looking at all of those things" as it
1 days ago
Srinagar Khel Sankalp document outlines national vision to strengthen sports cultureSrinagar Khel Sankalp document outlines national vision to strengthen sports culture Updated on: Apr 26, 2026 4:38 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Srinagar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday released
1 days ago
Dhoni isn’t part of the Chennai unit for the game against GT, amid reports that he does not want to meddle with the team composition that seems to be working. Chennai Super Kings take on Gujarat Titans at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday in a blockbuster encounter between the sides
1 days ago
![New Delhi [India], April 26 (ANI): Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, on Sunday, shared adorable fam-jam pictures. As his daughter Anaiza turned nine](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/gautam-gambhir-s-daughter-anaiza-turns-9.webp?width=120&height=70)
