Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia suggests carrying onions to beat heat amid heatwave conditions
Shivpuri, April 27
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said he avoids air conditioning even in extreme summer heat, describing it as part of having "Chambal skin," and advised people to carry an onion as a traditional remedy.
Addressing the public in Shivpuri on Sunday, Scindia said, "I don't use air conditioning in my car, nor do I sit in an air-conditioned environment. And when people ask me, even in the 51-degree heat of May and June, I say, 'This is Chambal skin.' And let me tell you something else: I look a little young, but my soul is very old. Keep an onion in your pocket."
"Nothing will happen to you. And in today's times, everyone is carrying boxes. The communication minister is carrying onions. These are old things. And as Ayurveda progresses, we shouldn't forget these things," he said.
Meanwhile on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department warned of heatwave conditions across several parts of the country.
IMD said that maximum temperatures are in the range of 40-46 degrees Celsius over most parts of the country, except the western Himalayan region, northeast Bihar and northeast India, where temperatures remain below 36 degrees Celsius.
The weather agency further informed that the highest maximum temperature of 46.9 degrees Celsius was recorded at Akola.
The India Meteorological Department forecasted heat wave to severe heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Himachal Pradesh on April 26 and heat wave conditions on April 27.
The weather department said heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated pockets over Jammu and Kashmir on April 26 and 27, and across Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Gujarat during the same period, with similar conditions expected over parts of Chhattisgarh till April 28.
Hot and humid weather conditions are also very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Tripura, coastal Maharashtra and coastal areas of Gujarat on April 26, while such conditions are expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema and Kerala during the specified period.
— ANI
Reader Comments
jyotiraditya ji's "chambal skin" comment is pure gold. Us North Indians with our "Delhi aqi-adapted lungs" and "Mumbai puddle-wading feet" understand beta. But on a serious note, these heatwaves are deadly. Last month in Rajasthan, dozens died. Traditional tips are fine, but we need better heat action plans and urban greening, not onion pockets for everyone. 🤦♀️
Scindia blabbering again? I'm from Chambal region and can assure you no one with any sense opts out of AC at 46°C. Onions might keep your pocket fragrant but won't prevent heat stroke. Meanwhile, commuters in Delhi are fainting on footpaths. @AkhileshYadav will have field day with this one.
As a foreigner married to an Indian, I find these desi hacks fascinating. My husband's family swears by raw onions in summer. There's some Ayurvedic logic to it—onions contain quercetin which helps regulate body temperature. But this advice from a top minister during record-breaking heat? Tone-deaf. People need public cooling centers, not vegetables. 🌡️
All these netas think they're common man and give gyaan. Last week it was "drink hot water in summer" from someone, now this onion stunt. Meanwhile, IMD predicts 46°C and poor laborers have no shade. Onion ain't paying their medical bills when they collapse. Focus on concrete solutions, ji.
T Tanya I Okay but We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.