Patna: Bihar’s beloved summer staples — the humble sattu drink and its famed mango varieties — received a national spotlight on Sunday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted them in the 134th edition of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast, bringing the state’s culinary heritage to listeners across the country.While speaking about traditional summer beverages consumed in different parts of India, Modi referred to sattu, a drink made from roasted gram flour mixed with water and other ingredients, and highlighted its popularity in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh. He mentioned its value in helping people cope with intense summer heat and heatwave conditions.The PM also made a special mention of three mango varieties associated with Bihar — Zardalu, Malda and Chausa. Recalling the distinct quality of Zardalu mangoes, he said, “Its special fragrance is such that it can be recognised from a distance.”The broadcast was heard by BJP functionaries, office-bearers and workers in the party’s 54 organisational districts in Bihar. Party workers at several district headquarters adopted resolutions to promote the state’s culture and region-specific products.In Patna, CM Samrat Choudhary listened to the programme at his official residence. Agriculture minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, accompanied by national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain and MLC Arvind Sharma, attended a group listening event at the party’s state headquarters.State BJP president Sanjay Saraogi listened to the broadcast at the Valmikinagar Convention Centre in West Champaran along with party workers, locals and members of the intelligentsia.Highlighting the significance of the PM’s remarks, Samrat said, “In mentioning these regional products, the PM has given recognition to these regional products of the state in the domestic national and international market. It definitely gives a moment of pride to the people of Bihar.”Both Vijay and Saraogi echoed similar sentiments, saying the recognition would help showcase Bihar’s traditional products to a wider audience.
