Cooking in any culture is based on family traditions that are handed down through generations. South Indian cuisine is mainly vegetarian and is based on the concept that food shapes the personality, mood and mind. A vegetarian diet fosters sathvic qualities, calms the mind and is essential for spiritual progress. Food was always cooked with a great deal of attention to cleanliness to the balancing of nutrition, flavour, texture and variety; and with the Divine as the first taster of the day's meal. For more information on the awards and the books by the author visit www.vijisamayal.org