A nomadic farmer from Ladakh’s high-altitude pastures is overjoyed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi name-checked his community’s ‘Yak Chhurpi’ on ‘Mann Ki Baat.’ Thenle Nurbu, who tends to yaks in the remote Changthang area, hailed the PM’s gesture as a monumental boost for local producers.
In his radio broadcast, Modi celebrated the cheese’s recent glory at the World Cheese Awards in Brazil. Competing against the best from over 30 nations and thousands of entries, India’s entry—including Ladakh’s Yak Chhurpi—bagged four coveted medals. Nurbu recounted the excitement: ‘This is our first time on such a global stage, and the win fills us with pride.’
Yak Chhurpi, a staple made from yak milk, embodies the hardy spirit of Ladakhi herders. Modi’s endorsement aligns with the push to take Indian products from local markets to world podiums. He also spotlighted Kalari from Jammu-Kashmir, now GI-tagged and sparking employment, and Gujarat’s unique Topli nu Paneer.
For Nurbu and fellow herders, the international nod means heightened demand and recognition for their traditional skills. ‘PM Modi’s words in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ have put our Himalayan cheese on the map,’ he added. This story highlights how national platforms can transform rural innovations into global successes, empowering communities and safeguarding heritage amid changing times.
