Ms Garima Poddar
Garima poddar London
I would like to tell you more about how I reached where I am today. A major turning point in my cooking career was participating in the IIHM Young Chef India Schools, 2014. Like many other achievers, I would say the same, “It was no piece of cake”. But I had my mind set to it, because cooking is my bread and butter.
3000 schools, 30000 students from all over India took part in The Young Chef India Schools organised by IIHM under Ministry of Tourism Government of India, which had its finals in London. The finals saw seven finalists representing different regions of India, and after a lot of hard work I was selected as the finalist representing the Eastern Region.
Chef Garima Poddar
These young chefs were recognised by renowned chefs, such as Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Chef Gordon Ramsay.
I had a bee in my bonnet about winning this competition and so I did. Making India proud, I became one of the youngest chefs and also, the Finalist of the Official Young Chef India Schools in London title. I managed to put up 10 dishes in 3 hours, which was rather challenging, but it helped me discover my potential and I succeeded. My spread was appreciated by all the judges. Chef Shaun Kenworthy, Chef Andy Varma, Chef Dipna Anand and Chef Romy Gill decided on the best and declared me to be the young chef winner. I was felicitated by Dr.Suborno Bose and Mr.Virendra Sharma (MP,Ealing area, London).
I won a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh, but more than that I won the appreciation and blessings of my loved ones and overcame the self-doubt which many talented and exceptional women in our country are being held down by.
Honoured by Dr. Bose
At the age of 17, when I was being honoured by Dr. Bose, as he draped the national flag across my shoulders, I could sense the pride and responsibility that was being bestowed upon me. That’s when it dawned on me that cooking is also a life skill, and everyone needs to learn how to cook for their survival. I want to share everything that I have learned in my cooking career with the world, and in turn help in globalising India. As the competition I participated in, was held in London, I want to be that Indian Chef who popularised Indian food and all its exceptional flavours worldwide.
Garima Poddar Community Service
1. Participated in THE PEACE MISSION organised by St. Thomas’ Boys’ School
2. Has actively been a part of HelpAge India to create awareness and assistance in raising funds for the care of the elderly.
3. Was a part of “Opening the door to Non-Violence” conducted by Oxford Junior
4. Teaching cooking skills to mentally ill children at Adlife Caring Minds, I Can Fly – Vocational Training Centre. (Bakery Consultant at Adlife)
5. Teaching children from CINI (Child In Need Institute), basic cooking skills.
6. Constantly participating in social ceremonies for underprivileged children.
Garima Poddar Awards and Achievements
1. Merit Certificate and All Rounder Medal in School in Class 7
2. Certificate and Prize for Best Handicraft at The Statesman Voices VIBES 2011
3. Certificate and Medal for second position at the event Hat Designing at Interface 2011 organised by Ballygunge Shiksha Sadan
4. Medal for securing the position of MIXED DOUBLES RUNNER in West Bengal State DARTS Championship 2012
5. Medal and Certificate for securing Fourth Position in Jr. Girls Coxed Four Events at BRC Students’ Rowing Championship 2011
6. Prize for Standing First in Poster Demonstration on the topic ‘Environment of Kolkata and You’, organised by We – The Forum For Human Unity 2011
7. Medal and Certificate for standing Second in Fun Skating Event in the 1st Roller Skating Championship 2005.
8. Certificate for securing Second Position in Draw Threesome Event at BRC Summer Darts Open Championship 2013.
9. Award and Certificate for being The Young Chef Finalist organised by IIHM, for the event IIHM Young Chef India Schools 2014.
10. Medal and certificate for securing first position in golf skills test held at Tollygunge Club.
11. Certificate for securing second position in the Super Chef Competition organised by Calcutta Swimming Club
12. Judge for the cooking event at Rhapsody Fest organised by Calcutta Medical College
13. Judge at YOUNG CHEF REGIONAL COMPETITION, 2015.
14. Torch bearer at 2015 Young Chef Olympiad, Opening Ceremony.
15. Started Pirates Deck in partnership, a Café for teenagers. It being the first dart café in Kolkata.
16. Part of World Economic Forum, Global shapers, Kolkata.
Website links
1. http://tadpoles.in/presenting-indias-best-young-chef/
2. https://mobile.twitter.com/garimaCalYC14?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
3. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141020/jsp/calcutta/story_18942710.jsp#.Vj7H3YaXenM
4. https://garimacalyc14.wordpress.com
5. http://www.cghschool.org/photo-gallery-Garima.html
6. http://www.addlifecaringminds.com/about-us/i-can-fly-team/270-garima-poddar-bakery-consultant
7. https://m.facebook.com/IIHM.YoungChef/posts/692828287483093
8. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Chef_Olympiad
9. http://www.financialexpress.com/article/fhw/management-fhw/a-winning-streak/50859/
10. http://www.prnewswire.co.in/news-releases/young-chef-india-schools-2015---indias-biggest-culinary-competition-for-class-xi-and-class-xii-school-students-520239661.html
11. http://m.indiawest.com/food/restaurants/kolkata-hosts-inaugural-international-young-chef-olympiad/article_cb2bb364-b6f9-11e4-a578-8b5b985e42cb.html?mode=jqm
12. http://iconosquare.com/garimmapoddar
13. http://www.bongrong.com/hangout/the-pirates-deck-bongrong/
14. http://article.wn.com/view/2014/10/20/City_wins_teen_chef_crown_Calcutta_Girls_student_tops_it_KAR/
Enclosed:
• PDFs of Newspaper clippings
• Pictures of Medals and Awards recieved
