Mangaluru’s Mohammed Aashiq becomes first South Indian to win MasterChef India
In a remarkable achievement, Mohammed Aashiq, a 24-year-old chef from Mangaluru, has claimed victory in the latest season of MasterChef India. The popular reality show, known for showcasing exceptional culinary talents, premiered on Sony Liv from October 16, featuring home cooks from across the country.
Aashiq's triumph not only fulfills his personal dreams but also marks a milestone as the first winner of the competition from South India.
Despite initial aspirations of building a career in hotel management, financial constraints within Aashiq's family redirected his path. Undeterred by challenges, he entered the entrepreneurial world by launching a juice shop named ‘Kulki Hub’ in Mangaluru, demonstrating creativity in crafting unique recipes.
Having faced disqualification in the previous season, Aashiq returned this season with renewed determination, eager to overcome setbacks and display his skills on a national platform.
"This season, I return with newfound determination, ready to overcome past setbacks and make my mark. I am here not just to win but to stand for every dreamer who has dared to defy the odds," Aashiq was earlier quoted as saying by Outlook.
MasterChef India Season 8, exclusively streaming on Sony Liv, featured a panel of judges, including celebrity chefs Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar, and Pooja Dhingra. The show aired new episodes from Monday to Friday at 8 p.m.
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Anti-Dalit mindset: Rahul Gandhi slams BJP after leader 'purifies' Rajasthan temple
Ahmedabad (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the BJP of having an "anti-Dalit mindset" after its leader sprinkled Ganga water at a Ram temple in Rajasthan's Alwar to "purify" it following Congress' Tikaram Jully's participation in the consecration ceremony there.
He also asserted that the country will be run by the Constitution and its ideals, not by 'Manusmriti' "which considers Bahujans as second class citizens".
The Congress on Tuesday had accused the BJP of being "anti-Dalit" and demanded an apology from its top leadership after a party leader sprinkled Ganga water at a Ram temple in Alwar to "purify" it following Jully's participation in the consecration ceremony there.
Referring to the incident, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X, "Another example of BJP's anti-Dalit and Manuvadi thinking! BJP has been continuously insulting Dalits and attacking the Constitution."
"That is why it is important not just to respect the Constitution but also to protect it. Modi Ji, the country will be run by the Constitution and its ideals, not by Manusmriti which considers Bahujans as second class citizens," Gandhi, who is here to attend the AICC aession said.
Congress leaders, including Jully and former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, have termed Gyandev Ahuja's act an insult to Dalits, but the BJP leader denied the charge.
Maintaining that there was no caste angle to his act, Ahuja, however, defended his action, saying Congress leaders have "no moral authority" to attend such ceremonies as the party's leadership had questioned the existence of Lord Ram and "boycotted" the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya last year.
The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in a residential society of Alwar was held on Sunday on the occasion of Ram Navami and Jully was in attendance.
On Monday, Ahuja said the consecration ceremony was a "good programme", but there were some "discrepancies".
"I went there today and sprinkled Ganga water to purify the temple premises," he told reporters in Alwar.
"The Congress' former president Sonia Gandhi had got affidavits submitted in court, calling Lord Ram mythical. Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi boycotted the historic Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. So the party leaders have no moral authority to attend such programmes," he said.
When contacted, Ahuja told PTI that he took the step because of Congress leaders' view and approach towards Lord Ram and not because Jully is a "Dalit".
Jully, on the other hand, claimed that Ahuja's act was indicative of the BJP's mentality towards Dalits. He claimed it was not only an attack on his faith but also an effort to promote the crime of untouchability.
