Lahore: Two-time Gourmand Award winner, and Pakistan’s leading independent publishing house, Markings Publishing, has launched ‘Pakistan Heritage Cuisine – A Food Story’ by Sayeeda Leghari at a ceremony held at the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Karachi. The book explores how the cuisine of a country is intricately woven into its social fabric and is shaped by the history and characteristics of the region and its people. Traditions and cultures overlap in the subcontinent, which is a region of shared history. In this book, Leghari has tried to give readers an insight into the incredible journey of Pakistani cuisine, its grandeur as well as its simplicity, its finesse as well as its ruggedness and the historical influences that have shaped it. This is Leghari’s first published title as an author. Leghari’s desire to give back to Pakistan and her love for food prompted her to introduce the world to the country’s rich, diverse culture through food, and the pride which she takes in her culinary heritage. Leghari has traced back the origin and myths attached to some dishes enjoyed by most Pakistanis, with the hope that the insight given will be enjoyed by the reader as well. All proceeds from the book sales will be donated to the Child Aid Association in Pakistan. The event opened with an introduction on the evening by Tuba Arshad at Markings, where she invited on stage Art Curator Sameera Raja who moderated a panel discussion featuring the author Sayeeda Leghari, who spoke about her journey and effort in compiling the book; former Pakistan Ambassador to the United Nations and Sindh Assembly Speaker, a businessman and social activist Hussain Haroon, spoke to the audience about Pakistani culinary heritage. Renowned art critic, author, curator and painter Marjorie Husain spoke about food as culinary art. Food connoisseur Mulaika Sayeed, spoke about family favourites and community cuisines and President Child Aid Association, Dr. Nizam-ul-Hassan, spoke about his organisation and the royalties being donated by Leghari from the book sales. Rasikh Ismail at Koel Café restaurant created customised hors d’oeurves giving the attendees a taste of Pakistani Heritage cuisines. The event was managed by Sara Chapra at Carbon with public relations by Lotus. ‘I decided to document Pakistan through a book depicting its rich heritage and culture to highlight the flavours and taste that keep us in unison. Despite the notion that Pakistanis could differ in opinion on almost all topics, when it comes to our food culture we stand united. Our geographical boundaries may have divided the sub-continent into separate countries, but we will always remain tied by our heritage, food, and culture’ — Sayeeda Leghari Born, bred and raised in Karachi, Sayeeda Leghari completed her post-graduate degree from Richmond University in England. She has a vast and diverse experience of working and leading various business segments such as construction, garment retail and export, beverages, health and public administration. With an aim and a vision of community development in Pakistan, Leghari has also adopted five government schools in Karachi and two in Sukkur, which have about 5,000 students. ‘Pakistan Heritage Cuisine – A Food Story’ features Ali Yousuf as the food expert, Farida Mirza as the book editor, Izdeyar Setna as the photographer, Amna Zuberi, Kohi Marri and Mobeen Ansari with book layout, and design by Amber Arshad, Samia Fatima and Tuba Arshad at Markings. The book also features food commentaries by Hussain Haroon, Fatima Surayya Bajia, Marjorie Husain and Khawar Butt. – Published by Markings, the limited edition book is available at Liberty Books outlets across Pakistan, Book Mark and online at www.kitabain.com for PKR 5,000 Published in Daily Times, November 22nd 2017.