Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir State Level Contest of “Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein – Season 8” culminated in a vibrant and memorable finale at Jammu Club, Jammu, on November 2, 2025.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from talented home chefs, food enthusiasts, and professionals across the Union Territory.
Sakeena Begum was declared the Jammu & Kashmir State Winner, followed by Kanta Smailpuri as the 1st Runner-Up, and Gunkirat Kour securing the position of 2nd Runner-Up. Consolation Prizes were awarded to Arjun Sharma and Siya Sharma for their commendable performances.
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Special recognitions went to Pooja Suri for Best Presentation, Madhvi Abrol for Best Attire, Nausheen for Best Drink, and Preety Sharma along with Atul Kumar for Best Dessert (Upcoming Chefs). A special mention was also made for Neeru Gulati under the Senior Citizen Participation category.
Organized by Let’s Give Back, a registered NGO, in association with Studio KAVA and Jammu Club, this unique national cookery contest aims to revive and promote traditional Indian recipes while spotlighting the country’s diverse culinary heritage.
The initiative was founded by the late Babeetta Saxena in 2016 and continues to thrive under the guidance of Co-Founder Retd. Col. Atul Saxena, following her passing on May 16, 2021.
This season’s theme, “My State, My Plate,” highlighted the importance of preserving regional culinary traditions.
The contest is supported by Padma Shri Awardee Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Bollywood actress Ms. Suchitra Pillai, both of whom continue to champion the spirit of this initiative.
The event was graced by Gaurav Gupta, Honorary Secretary of Jammu Club, who attended as the Chief Guest and distributed prizes to the winners.
He lauded the participants for their creativity and congratulated the organizers for providing a national platform that blends culinary talent with a spirit of social contribution.
The competition is being held across 20 states, including Delhi/NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The top three winners from J&K will represent the Union Territory in the Grand Finale to be held in NCR, January 2026, where a total prize pool of ₹1,50,000 awaits the national winners.
The event was graced by distinguished chefs and dignitaries from the hospitality sector. Special thanks to Jammu Club for hosting the event, to Studio KAVA for its creative collaboration, and to the esteemed jury panel — Chef Vinod Saini, Chef Kaushal, Chef Dr. Sanjay, and Dr. Hemla Aggarwal — for their expert evaluation.
The successful execution of the J&K State Round was led by State Coordinator Ms. Kalpana Vinay, under the guidance of Co-Founder Retd. Col. Atul Saxena. Sincere appreciation was also extended to Ms. Reena Mukherjee, Chief Coordinator of the National Event, for her leadership. Gratitude was expressed to gifting partners, media partner Jammu Media, and all supporters for their valuable contribution.
The event reaffirmed the mission of “Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein – Season 8” — to celebrate talent, preserve India’s culinary diversity, and promote the joy of giving back to society.
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