By Ranjan K Baruah
We are aware of different career options and today, I would like to mention an option which is unique and many of us have not heard about the same. We are familiar with courses like hotel management or culinary arts but today we are talking about gastronomy. Well, let’s explore gastronomy and understand the same. At the same time we shall also mention why sustainable gastronomy is important and how one may choose it as his or her career choice.
Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating. One who is well versed in gastronomy is called a gastronome, while a gastronomist is one who unites theory and practice in the study of gastronomy. Generally it is associated with the practice and study of the preparation, production, and service of the various foods and beverages, from countries around the world.
It is sometimes called the art of food. It can also refer to a style of cooking from a particular region. In other words, gastronomy often refers to local food and cuisine. Sustainability is the idea that something (e.g. agriculture, fishing or even preparation of food) is done in 
a way that is not wasteful of our natural resources and can be continued into the future without being detrimental to our environment or health. Sustainable gastronomy, therefore, means cuisine that takes into account where the ingredients are from, how the food is grown and how it gets to our markets and eventually to our plates.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN General Assembly work to facilitate the observance of Sustainable Gastronomy Day ( 18 June), in collaboration with Member States, UN organizations and other international and regional bodies, as well as civil society, to observe the Day in raising public awareness of its contribution to sustainable development. The UN General Assembly adopted on 21 December 2016 its resolution A/RES/71/246 and designated 18 June as an international observance, Sustainable Gastronomy Day.
Choosing gastronomy as a career is easy but the challenge is to make it as sustainable gastronomy. All those who are interested in this 
field may choose a career like Hotel Management. Courses like hotel management include culinary arts and also cooking. There is specialization through which we could see expert chefs coming from the field of hotel management. The minimum educational qualification is Class XII passed but someone with less qualification may also excel as chef and culinary arts.
There are many shows like reality shows and other programmes which encourage aspiring chefs. One must be innovative who can make use of their ideas with food and culture and make the habit of sustainable gastronomy. When it comes to food and culture then young people from the North Eastern region have more advantage as they can innovate dishes and make them global around the world. The option is endless as food is essential and there is no limit for the qualified, innovative and passionate persons.
(The author is a career mentor and skill trainer and a contributor at The Shillong Times)
