It is an interesting story of a young housewife who turned into a successful and famous cooking trainer. Ramni Ralhan is a renowned cookery trainer in the M Block Market Greater Kailash-1, running her popular cookery school under the name of “Ramni Ralhan’s Perfect Cookery Classes Training Center.” It was a pleasure meeting her to know how she became a cookery expert.
Ramni Ji, tell us about your journey.
I belong to the rich business family of Phagwara, a small town in Punjab. My parents married me to a business family in Jalandhar when I was only 18 years old.
Were you good at cooking when you got married? I had no idea about cooking and had never gone to the kitchen since we had many servants at home. Even after marriage, I did not do any cooking for the family.
How did you develop an interest in cooking? I had no interest in cooking. The idea of starting cookery classes began with my desire to be economically independent and an accidental course that I attended on cookery in Mumbai when I was visiting my brother.
How did you pursue the idea? I started gathering information about cooking from chefs. Whenever I went for dinner with my family to a restaurant, I would speak to the chef to learn about the recipe, about the dish we had ordered, and how he made it. I used to choose new items for dinner on every visit. This gave me insight into what goes into cooking restaurant-quality food.
How did you convert this learning into business? In 1985, once my children joined the hostel, I had a lot of time to spare. I started by announcing one cookery course for which to attract students. I put up posters in Morning Store (a popular general store of M Block Market). Gradually the confidence was built, and I started offering multiple courses.
What kind of courses do you offer now? Currently, I offer both physical and online courses. My courses range from two hours to one year in duration. These are certificate courses in bakery, Indian/ continental/ Chinese cake design, ice cream, smoothies, etc.
Did you get any awards or recognition? I have received eight awards during the last 40 years and have written three books on cookery. I have a strong presence on social media, having a dedicated YouTube channel.
Ramni Ji, how do you feel when you look back? I am very happy and satisfied with what I have achieved as a housewife in a short time in Punjab. I have trained over 50,000 students during this journey.
What is your message to women? Have confidence in yourself and follow your interests to do what you like.
Ramni Ralhan is a great role model for women who desire to be economically independent or pursue their interests to remain professionally engaged for self-respect.
