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PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ Spotlight on Kalari Cheese Boosts Udhampur Pride

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Kalari cheese from Jammu and Kashmir in his 'Mann Ki Baat' radio programme. Known as the "Mozzarella of Kashmir," Kalari has already received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Udhampur residents expressed pride and gratitude, noting the mention boosts local business and employment. Other unique cheeses like Chhurpi and Surti Cheese were also discussed.

Key Points: PM Modi’s Kalari Cheese Mention in Mann Ki Baat: Udhampur Pride

  • PM Modi mentions Kalari cheese in 'Mann Ki Baat'
  • Kalari, known as "Mozzarella of Kashmir," has GI tag
  • Udhampur residents express gratitude and pride
  • Kalari trade boosts local employment and recognition
2 min read

PM Modi mentions 'Kalari' cheese in 'Mann Ki Baat'; Udhampur residents call it a matter of pride

PM Modi highlights Kalari cheese from J&K in Mann Ki Baat. Udhampur residents hail the recognition, calling it a matter of pride and a boost for local employment.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Kalari during the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. It has already received a GI tag. Currently, it has provided employment to many unemployed youths. - Asha Sharma"

Udhampur, April 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, made special mention of some unique cheeses from India, like Kalari cheese from Jammu and Kashmir, often referred to as the "Mozzarella of Kashmir."

The Prime Minister also discussed "Chhurpi", a cheese made from yak milk found in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh, and "Topli Nu Paneer," also known as "Surti Cheese," which hails from Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Speaking to the news agency IANS regarding the Kalari cheese, local residents of Udhampur expressed their views.

Commenting on the matter, Asha Sharma said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Kalari during the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. It has already received a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Currently, it has provided employment to many unemployed youths. It is a favourite product among the Dogra community. Kalari is prepared from milk."

She added, "I would like to express my gratitude to PM Modi, who has elevated this product (Kalari) to the status of a major achievement."

Gagan Sharma, a resident of Udhampur, stated, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about Kalari during the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. Kalari is our traditional local delicacy. When PM Modi visited here during the last election campaign, he had mentioned Kalari even then. The PM had remarked that whenever he visits Udhampur, he would eat Kalari. It has already received the GI tag. The Kalari trade has boosted our business and enhanced the popularity of Udhampur. We are now being recognised by the name of Kalari. I would like to thank PM Modi for bestowing this gift upon us."

Neetu Sharma, a resident of Udhampur, said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned Kalari during the 'Mann Ki Baat' programme. This is a matter of great pride for us. As a result, Kalari has gained fame across the entire country. Kalari has already been granted a GI tag. Unemployed individuals are also joining the Kalari business, thereby securing employment opportunities for themselves."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I appreciate the gesture, I hope this isn't just a photo-op moment. The real test will be if the government actually invests in cold storage chains and marketing support for these small cheese producers. Otherwise, it's just a nice mention with no lasting impact.
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Priya S
As a Dogra woman from Jammu, I felt so proud hearing Kalari being called the 'Mozzarella of Kashmir'! My grandmother used to make this at home. It's wonderful that our traditional foods are getting national recognition. Chhurpi and Surti Cheese also sound amazing—India's food diversity is incredible! 😊
M
Michael C
I've tried Kalari once on a trip to Katra and it's genuinely delicious—richer than paneer and perfect for grilling. Good to see the GI tag in place. But let's not forget the farmers and milk producers who struggle with low procurement prices. Hope this mention translates into better incomes for them.
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Rohit P
This is exactly the kind of thing that makes Mann Ki Baat special—connecting with local artisans and their crafts. Kalari cheese is a perfect example of how 'Vocal for Local' can work. I'm ordering some online right now! 🧀
K
Kavya N
Honestly, it's a nice sentiment, but I wish the PM would also talk about the unemployment crisis in J&K. Kalari business is helping some youths, but thousands still need jobs. Still, happy for Udhampur residents—they deserve this moment of pride. 😊

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