Our favourite food in the world? Biryani, of course. The spice-laden, soul-soothing dish can transport you straight to food heaven with just one bite. And if it comes with crispy, golden-brown chicken fry on the side? Well, nothing can top that. The aroma of slow-cooked rice infused with saffron and ghee, the tender meat falling off the bone, the burst of spices on the tongue—it’s pure magic. Whether it’s a celebration or a simple craving, biryani is the answer to everything. So imagine longing for that delicious plate of goodness but being served something entirely different. That’s exactly what happened to little Shanku.
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Little Shanku, like many of us, has a deep love for biryani. However, his anganwadi (government-run childcare centre) serves upma instead. Disappointed but hopeful, he wished aloud for “birnani” (his adorable mispronunciation of biryani) and “poricha kozhi” (chicken fry). His mother, amused by his earnest request, captured the moment and shared it on social media. And just like that, the Internet fell in love with Shanku.
In the now-viral video, little Shanku is seen wearing a tiny helmet, seemingly in the middle of a play session with his bike. But even in the midst of his adventures, his priorities were clear: “I need ‘birnani’ and ‘poricha kozhi‘ in the Anganwadi instead of upma.”
The video went viral, with social media users swooning over the child’s innocent plea.
View on InstagramMany not only found his request adorable but also backed it wholeheartedly, even tagging the state government to take action. And guess what? Someone important took notice.
Kerala’s Minister for Health, Women, and Child Development, Veena George, was among those who saw the video. Charmed by little Shanku, she announced that the Anganwadi menu would be reviewed and biryani would be included. Ms George also extended her warm wishes to Shanku, his mother and the Anganwadi staff. “The menu will be reviewed, taking Shanku’s suggestion into account,” she affirmed.
Also Read: Video Of Miniature Chicken Biryani Gets Over 38 Million Views, Internet Compares It To “Ghar Ghar”
The minister explained that the primary goal of Anganwadi meals is to provide children with nutritious food. She pointed out that under the current government, a scheme offering eggs and milk through Anganwadis has already been successfully implemented. Additionally, local bodies, in collaboration with the Department of Women and Child Development, strive to provide diverse and wholesome meals to children.
His mother later shared that ever since the video gained traction, numerous people reached out, eager to fulfil Shanku’s wish. “People saw the video and called us, offering biryani and chicken fry for Shanku,” she told a news channel.
And just like that, what started as a child’s simple wish turned into a movement. One small request, a wave of support, and now, the possibility of biryani gracing Anganwadi menus—proof that sometimes, all it takes is a little voice (and a lot of love for food) to make a big difference.
