Stir-fry the tofu until it acquires a golden tinge, add the essentials (which are known worldwide for their flavours and seasoning expertise) and stir-fry them. Add a batch of the key ingredients (Veg or Non veg) which give substance to the noodles, and stir-fry them again. Stir in some sauce…stock, let it simmer,…add the drained noodles and gently toss together to heat through thoroughly….I am emphaisizing the ”Stir-fry” bit here. His recipe could be different. I came across a very interesting concept – Sunday Nite Dinner , which may not be an enthusing one for most Indians, who are relatively more connected to their families, whose family dinners still remain intact, where everyday is completed with a hot and freshly made sumptuous dinner at home, and family get togethers – neighbours and close relatives over a loud, mirthful Friday Snack Binge (with some entertainment channel switched on the Family TV)…

 

Indians tend to idealise their families, (ask them who are their role models – they would quote someone from their families, unlike in the western world where celebrities or sports-giants rule the mind-space), they yearn for consistent interactions with their families, for the confirming presence of loved ones and the resultant psychological oxygen that they enjoy. What happens when they move away from their families in order to pursue their big dreams, career advancements? they, consciously, begin to form “Extended families”, i.e. friends, etc. which is more a western concept. In the book “The Indians – of a People” by Sudhir Kakar and Katharina Kakar, it is written that ”The high value placed on Connection does not mean that an Indian is capable of functioning, when he is by himself or that he not have a sense of his own agency. What it does imply is his greater need for ongoing mentorship, guidance, and help from others in getting through life and a greater vulnerability to feelings of helplessness when the ties are strained…” I am not sure, I would completely agree with this , but Young Indians are capable of being Individualistic (just like their western counterparts) – controlled moves, while respecting their roots/origins through consistently being in touch with their families,thus keeping the family bonding intact. I guess, Family ties, Family conversations etc make them feel more stable in a rather aggressive outer world that is increasingly becoming competitive.