Patents taken out by Western corporations and individuals are robbing ancient cultures of their traditional knowledge. A Texan company once had a patent for basmati rice - a staple food crop of India. The Indian Government is fighting back!

In South Africa you can find just about any food you wish for. In just one street in a town in South Africa you can find Italian, Moroccan, Chinese, Portuguese and Indian food, amongst others. You can even have anything from a hamburger to sush!

For the few of you that weren't there, you probably heard the echoes of Indian music and smelled the vibrant food emanating throughout the MUB on Sunday night. The elaborate singing and dancing, ethnic fashion shows, and traditional meals were all part of Diwali, the "Festival of Lights."

The global market for fortified foods and nutritional supplements is heating up, with more and more marketers jumping into the fray. Traditionally Indians have continued to rely on home cooking where fresh foods dominate and many ingredients are bought loose. Processed and ready-to-eat food and beverages are still the new entrants in this market.

Cuisine of India is characterized by its sophisticated and subtle use of many spices and herbs. Considered by some to be the world's most diverse cuisine, each family of this cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Though a significant portion of Indian food is vegetarian, many traditional Indian dishes also include chicken, goat, lamb, fish, and other meats.Food is an important part of Indian culture, playing a role in everyday life as well as in festivals. In many families, everyday meals are usually sit-down affairs consisting of two to three main course dishes, varied accompaniments such as chutneys and pickles, carbohydrate staples such as rice and roti (bread), as well as desserts.Diversity is a defining feature of India's geography, culture, and food. Indian cuisine varies from region to region, reflecting the varied demographics of the ethnically diverse subcontinent. Generally, Indian cuisine can be split into four categories: North Indian, South Indian, East Indian, and West Indian. Despite this diversity, some unifying threads emerge in the art of Indian cuisine. Varied uses of spices are an integral part of food preparation, and are used to enhance the flavor of a dish and create unique flavors and aromas. Cuisine across India has also been influenced by various cultural groups that entered India throughout history, from regions as diverse as West Asia, Central Asia and Europe.