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ABOUT US 
"A Journey Through Food, Identity, and Justice"

avishi's story- why this project matters

"Food is more than just sustenance—it carries history, identity, and stories of resilience. My name is Avishi, and
I created 'Dalit Kitchens of Kolkata' to preserve and honor the culinary legacies of marginalized communities whose contributions have often been overlooked."

Growing up, I noticed that the most vibrant and flavorful dishes in Kolkata often came from the small roadside vendors, local home cooks, and street chefs—many of whom came from Dalit backgrounds. Yet, their stories remained untold, their recipes undocumented, and their legacies unrecognized.

the problem (data driven insight)

80% of street food vendors in Kolkata belong to marginalized communities, yet they lack visibility and financial security.
Dalit-run food businesses are severely underfunded, despite being key contributors to the city’s food culture.
Traditional Dalit recipes are at risk of disappearing as younger generations move away from cooking heritage foods.

The Mission

"Dalit Kitchens of Kolkata is not just a food project—it’s an effort to archive, empower, and celebrate the food stories that define an entire community."

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