Unity College remains steadfast in its commitment to exploring, selecting, and imbibing from every platform that enriches its students’ learning journey. As part of this endeavour, opportunities were created to engage with the diverse expressions of Lucknowi art, culture, language, and cuisine, with the aim of acquainting students with their rich heritage while broadening their horizons. On August 25, 2025, ten students from both Morning and Evening Shifts of the College, accompanied by their escort teachers, Ms Nisar Fatima Rizvi and Ms Waseem Fatima, visited Adde-Baazi at Sanatkada. The special event featured the release of the book 'Tehzeeb: Culinary Traditions of Awadh' by the distinguished Designer, Mr Adil Iqbal Ahmad, and a conversation with renowned Chef Mr Sadaf Husain. Organised by Ms MadhaviKukreja, the programme offered students an inspiring opportunity to interact with the author and gain insights into Lucknow’s living traditions.
Mr Adil, though not a chef or foodie himself, wrote Tehzeeb as a custodian of culture, preserving the refined lifestyle and genteel traditions of Lucknow. A beautifully photographed culinary and cultural chronicle, the book blends treasured family recipes with narratives of fine dining, flavours, and the timeless tehzeeb of Awadh. First published in 2014, Tehzeeb remains a healthy mixture of the past and the present, reflecting both history and continuity.
During the engaging conversation, Chef Sadaf posed intriguing questions such as whether the food and recipes came first, or the photographs and interiors. In response, Mr Adil explained that his intention was never to isolate food alone but to capture the broader canvas of Awadhi culture, where everything is intertwined. He described Tehzeeb as encompassing culture, food, lifestyle, and etiquette — all integral to the essence of Lucknow. Interestingly, while his own presence does not feature in the book, his home at Sanatkada, now a popular cultural space, is deeply reflected in its pages.
Among lighter moments, Mr Adil revealed his fondness for TuraiQeema, while Chef Sadaf shared that his first book carried thirty recipes simply because “a month has thirty days” and, as he put it, “it was time thirty.” Together, the exchange highlighted the seamless blend of history, heritage, and personal anecdotes that keep the cultural narrative of Awadh alive.
The students conveyed their gratitude to the College Secretary Mr Najmul Hasan Rizvi, Principal Mr Deepak Mervyn Mathews, and II Shift Principal Ms Shabana Ahmad for facilitating such an enlightening visit. The experience at Sanatkada not only deepened their appreciation of Lucknow’stehzeeb but also reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating one of India’s most refined cultural legacies.
