Hi everyone, in this episode of Change Catalyst by Attitude Makeover, I am thrilled to be joined by Ashok Krish, an insightful and accomplished author of Masala Lab: The Science Of Indian Cooking, a book that seamlessly blends candid anecdotes with insightful culinary science. Ashok also serves as the Global Head of Digital Workspace at Tata Consultancy Services in Chennai.
The episode begins with a captivating journey through Ashok's early years, as he maneuvers through his experiences traveling from city to city, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of beliefs and customs that vary across India's diverse regions. Growing up in a family steeped in music and culinary traditions, Ashok developed an innate ability to identify and embrace the cultural influences that have shaped generations, shaping his own identity and perspectives.
Ashok further delves into the process of selecting myths to debunk, shedding light on the chasm between scientific research and public perception.
He also highlights the stark contrast between how lay people perceive scientific research and how professionals interpret it, emphasizing how this disparity often fuels the propagation of false beliefs and gives rise to conflicting narratives surrounding a single topic.
Additionally, Ashok also elucidates the pervasive influence of mainstream media, exposing how it often manipulates facts to create a distorted reality, therefore reinforcing the biases.
In India, where the Vedas are revered as religious scriptures and Sanskrit is regarded with unwavering reverence, Ashok challenges the notion of animal cruelty embedded within these sacred texts. He meticulously dissects the ancient Hindu scriptures, revealing how they often condone or even encourage the harming of animals.
Navigating the intricate web of Indian culinary traditions, Ashok unravels the myths that have long shrouded the practice of food production, even in vegetarian and vegan settings. He unveils the sobering truth that no form of food production is entirely devoid of animal cruelty, a reality often obscured by the comforting veil of religious fundamentalism. He astutely illustrates that Indians possess a remarkable ability to navigate the ethical complexities surrounding their dietary choices, often finding ingenious solutions that align with their religious beliefs and personal comfort zones.
In a thought-provoking conclusion, Ashok challenges the conventional wisdom that equates debate with the pinnacle of learning. He asserts that in today's information-saturated world, mere argumentation often fails to foster genuine understanding or shift deeply entrenched beliefs. Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced approach to discourse, one that emphasizes empathy, critical thinking, and a willingness to embrace new perspectives.
As Ashok champions the power of self-reflection in guiding informed decision-making, the entire episode emerges as a compelling testament to the transformative power of inclusivity in fostering personal growth and collective understanding.
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