In the picturesque valleys of Uttarakhand, where the air is crisp and the mountains echo tales of tradition, a silent revolution was underway. It wasn’t led by politicians or industrialists but by the hands of women and youth, guided by an organisation known as Himalayan Flavours, affectionately called HimFla. It emerges as a beacon of socio-economic transformation in the picturesque landscapes of Uttarakhand, It is a platform empowering women and youth, while also rekindling the glory of a traditional Himalayan treasure—the parahari salt.
HimFla The Mission To Revive Parahari Salt
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/rUGNCeMSNE
— Himfla (@Himflantl) October 5, 2022
Established in the year 2013-14 under the visionary leadership of Sandeep and his childhood companions, Sourabh Pant and Yogendra Singh, and dedicated to sustainable development, HimFla was a beacon of hope for the rural and semi-urban communities of Uttarakhand. Their mission? To transform lives, uplift spirits, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
At the heart of their endeavour lay a simple yet profound idea: to empower women and youth by harnessing the rich resources of the land. This wasn’t about charity; it was about creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity. Thus, HimFla embarked on a journey to build micro-enterprises, starting from the grassroots, in the form of cottage industries.
Nestled in the serene surroundings of Kakdighat, HimFla’s unit/factory became the hub of innovation and empowerment. Here, regional women took the reins of production, crafting something as humble as flavoured salt. But this wasn’t just any salt; it was Parahari Salt, infused with the essence of the Himalayas and the ingenuity of its people.
Inside The Himalayan Flavours Movement
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— Himfla (@Himflantl) February 13, 2023
What began with five flavours burgeoned into a symphony of tastes. Now, it boasts an impressive repertoire of 52 distinct flavours. From the garlic variations to the exotic timur sourced from the heights of Uttarakhand’s Himalayas, each flavour tells a tale of meticulous sourcing and dedication to quality. Central to this endeavour is the parahari salt, once a forgotten gem, now revitalised by HimFla’s innovative approach.
Parahari salt, infused with the essence of the Himalayas, holds a special place in HimFla’s repertoire. Sourced meticulously from Pakistan, it forms the base upon which the flavours of Uttarakhand are delicately layered, according to The Better India.
But HimFla’s impact transcended economic boundaries. Beyond the factory walls, they ventured into the realms of environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Their commitment to preserving Uttarakhand’s social, cultural, and spiritual heritage was evident in every endeavour.
As the aroma of Himalayan Flavours’ salt spread far and wide, so did their impact. They didn’t just create jobs; they created futures. With a projected 50,000 jobs in the next decade, HimFla and its founders aren’t just transforming livelihoods and shaping destinies.
As we sprinkle Parahari Salt on our meals, let’s remember the hands that crafted it, the minds that envisioned it.
Cover Image Courtesy: HimFla/X