In the present world where challenges often seem overwhelming and dreams appear obscure, there emerge individuals whose stories defy the odds and inspire generations. One such personality who has become the sensation this year here in Kashmir due to her emergence to the final of the number one cooking reality show on television, MasterChef India, is Dr. Rukhsaar Sayeed.
Dr. Rukhsaar Sayeed’s roots are from Lalpora, Tangmarg. Her family moved to Hyderpora, Srinagar in 1980’s where she was born. She has done her schooling from Presentation Convent and Mallinson School.
After schooling, Rukhsaar earned her bachelor’s degree in food technology from Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora in the year 2012. Her passion for food and innovation fuelled her academic journey, where she delved into the science and artistry of food production and technology. With this enhanced enthusiasm in food, she further went on to gain her master’s degree and Doctorate in Food Technology from Amity University, Noida. During her higher education she got married and now lives along with her family and kids in Pampore, a beautiful town famous for the saffron fields of Kashmir.
After her Doctorate, Dr. Rukhsaar gained valuable experience in various aspects of food industry. Her expertise in food technology allowed her to contribute to the development of new and innovative food products. During this time, she also discovered her entrepreneurial spirit and dreamed of creating her own venture in the field of food processing. With a vision and determination, Rukhsaar, in 2019, founded her own food startup, “Khalis Foods (Frozen Food Venture),” which focused on creating artisanal and health-conscious food products. Even though she was fully enthusiastic with her start-up but with the abrogation of article 370 and a long-lasting internet gag, the venture could not coupe up and stopped without any positive achievement. She started it again in November 2020 yet again there was a setback to this venture and this time due to COVID. These obstacles did not stop Rukhsaar from making her dream project a reality and in 2021 she started it once more for the third time. This time her venture gained traction swiftly, earning recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation. In these few years, Khalis Foods has become a household name, with a range of products available in major stores and online platforms.
Dr. Rukhsaar’s culinary journey took an unexpected turn, when this year she decided to partake in the popular cooking competition, MasterChef India 2023 with the aim to present Kashmiri cuisine to the judges and with the goal of promoting the local food of the valley. Dr Rukhsar became the first contestant from Kashmir to participate in India’s biggest food reality show. Armed with her technical expertise and creativity, she showcased her culinary skills and innovative approach to cooking. In June, she auditioned for the show, successfully navigating several stages to reach to the final twelve.
Week after week, she impressed the judges with her unique flavour combinations and attention to detail. Her journey culminated in a spot in the final among the other three participants, where she competed fiercely for the coveted title. Dr Rukhsar was declared as the second runner up of the show and won Rs 5 lakh for securing the second runner up position in the show which is really an achievement.
Although Rukhsaar may not have won the MasterChef title, her journey inspired many aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs. She continues to expand Khalis Foods, her dream project, by collaborating with renowned chefs and influencers. Dr. Rukhsaar Sayeed’s story serves as a testament to the fusion of education, entrepreneurship, and a passion for food processing which is a way forward to many such inspiring youth of Kashmir.
Being an Alumni of IUST, Awantipora, the IUSTians are proud of her.
BY DR. OWAIS YOUSUF
Dr. Owais Yousuf teaches in the Department of Food Technology at IUST, Awantipora