West Bengal had filed an application and has received a certificate for “Banglar Rasogolla” today.
Source: ipindia.nic.in |
Geographical Indications (GI) Registry is a Quasi Judicial Authority. This impartial authority grants GI status on the basis of details and supporting documents.
Application Number- 533 refers to “Banglar Rasogolla”.
It has been available from 14th July 2017.
Today, on 14th November 2017, West Bengal has got the GI certificate for “Banglar Rasogolla”.
It may be noted that Odisha Govt. is yet to file any application for Rasagola.
There is a mind-boggling choice as many varieties of Rasagola are available in Odisha. Each region has its unique preparation and specialty e.g. Pahala, Salepur, Jatni, Kukudakhandi, Nuapatna etc.
If and when the Odisha Govt. files for similar application(s) for Pahala Rasagola or any other variety, and the GI body receives the documents, Odisha's case will be considered.
Odisha will then earn similar GI tag(s) for the number of applications filed as there are so many distinct Rasagolas available in Odisha.
West Bengal has now got the GI tag for “Banglar Rasogolla”.
In this case, “Banglar Rasogolla” means “Bengal's Rasogolla or Rasogolla of Bengal”; and certainly NOT “Rasogolla originated in Bengal (and not in Odisha)”.
Source: ipindia.nic.in |
It is pretty disappointing to read the incorrect and misleading headlines in most media.
“West Bengal wins ‘Rasgulla War' against Odisha” – TOI
“Rosogolla originated in West Bengal, rule GI authorities, rejecting Odisha claim” – hindustantimes.com
“Finally, Bengal wins ‘Rosogolla war' over Odisha” – wionews.com
“Rosogolla Belongs to Bengal, State Wins GI Tag Battle Against Odisha”- news18.com
“West Bengal wins the ‘sweet' battle over Rasgulla” – theweek.in
I spoke to the official sources at Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, and shared the above news-reports with them. They expressed their shock and wanted to know why such “controversy has been unnecessarily created”.
There is documentary evidence that the sweet Rasagola indeed originated from Odisha.
Many are yet to know that Rasagolas have been associated with Puri Jagannath's Ratha Jatra for centuries.
On Niladri Bije, the last day of the Ratha Jatra, devotees offer Rasagolas as ‘bhoga/prasad' to Lord Jagannath. Also, Lord Jagannath is allowed to enter the Temple only after He offers Rasagolas to His wife, Goddess Lakshmi. She and Lord Jagannath have a conversation called ‘Bachanika'.
Gifting sweet Rasagolas sets things right even for the Lord of the Universe!
Niladri Bije connection with Rasagolas |
Panel seal on Rasgulla's Odia origin– The Telegraph, 14 July 2016 |
True to the official authorities, most of the media reports about the present GI status of “Banglar Rasogolla” have been controversial in nature and have misquoted them.
As per GI officials, the reports seem to be motivated by vested interests and “brand creating strategy”.
What else can we expect from the media now when “Fake News”, a term popularised by U.S. President Donald Trump, has been named as the word of the year 2017 by Collins dictionary due to its widespread use around the world!
It is pretty immature, unprofessional and unethical when journalists seem swayed by passions of a different type and do not bother to clarify or intentionally present facts in a biased and unfair manner.
Interesting to note that today happens to be Children's Day in India!
I guess love for Rasagola and claim for Rasagola brings out the child in all!!!
P.S- More than 100 pages document with all documentary and historical proof of Rasagola's Odisha origin has been submitted to the Department of Industries, Govt. Of Odisha, by researcher Shri Asit Mohanty last year. The facts should soon come to light.
How can we stop fake news? Do you like Rasagola? Did you know about the traditional Rasagola connection with Odisha? Have you celebrated RasagolaDibasa online? Do share in the comments below.