Healthy cooking with humble plants
BY all accounts, Mohana Gill's journey has been extraordinary. Born in Myanmar, the author, based in Malaysia and now in her late 80s, continues to redefine what it means to live well and eat better. With Moringalicious, her latest cookbook, she invites readers into a world where tradition meets modern health wisdom and a simple plant such as moringa takes centre stage.
Life steeped in culture, change
Born Rose Mohana in Pathein, Myanmar, to Indian parents, Mohana's early years were marked by the warmth of close family and a landscape rich in natural abundance. Education took her to Canada in the early 1960s. By 1965, she had returned to Malaysia and began lecturing in economics at Universiti Malaya. Not long after, she met her husband and transitioned into full-time motherhood, a period she recalls fondly: 'Those were the happiest years, caring for the kids.'
It was not until 2006, with her children grown and leading lives of their own, that Mohana re-emerged in public life, this time in an entirely new role.
Reinvention at 70
A conference on anti-ageing in Las Vegas sparked her creative revival. While the event focused on pills and quick fixes, Mohana saw a different path forward, one that involved food and wellness rooted in culture.
Her first book, Fruitastic (2006), was a celebration of fruits from around the world, earning her a 'Best in the World' accolade from the prestigious Gourmand Awards.
'When you receive the best in the world award, you realise you are doing something right,' she said.
Vegemania followed in 2007, championing vegetarian meals, and soon, children's books such as Hayley's Fruitastic Garden and Hayley's Vegemania Garden brought colour and curiosity to young readers' plates.
Happylicious explored the emotional power of family meals, with Mohana lamenting, 'Kids are not eating with parents.' The message struck a chord globally, once again earning Gourmand recognition. And by 2019, Flowerlicious, a tribute to the edible flowers of her childhood added yet another accolade to her growing collection.
Birth of Moringalicious
The pandemic became a catalyst. Confined to home but creatively energised, Mohana found herself revisiting memories of moringa, the humble, leafy green from her youth. Noticing a lack of dedicated cookbooks on the subject, she did some research and culinary experimentation.
The result was Moringalicious, a labour of love that fuses health and home cooking. With 60 recipes, including Moringa Ice-cream and Drumstick Briyani, the book is equal parts recipe collection and wellness guide. Crowned 'Best Food & Nature Book in the World' at the 2023 Gourmand Awards, Moringalicious marked Mohana's eighth global win.
But accolades aside, Mohana's mission is clear: 'Grow moringa. Eat moringa.'
Far from just writing about it, Mohana is backing her words with action. Her plans include moringa-centric workshops for small groups and encouragement for schools, canteens and even pet food producers to make moringa part of daily life.
She is also working on four upcoming books that aim to instil healthy habits early. Featuring themes from major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, the stories combine traditional food with cultural respect.
Wisdom, wellness, gratitude
Now nearing 90, Mohana exudes peace and purpose. Her advice for a fulfilling life is: 'Be very contented. Do not compete. Be grateful. Be willing to share as long as I can.'
Despite her international acclaim, Mohana remains grounded and deeply connected to her community. She is often invited to speak at schools and events, sharing her journey to inspire others to embrace ageing with vitality and grace.
Known for her warm, articulate presence and ever-curious spirit, she is a firm believer in lifelong learning. Mohana never stops exploring, whether experimenting in the kitchen or researching new superfoods.
'There is always something new to learn,' she said, proof that passion, when rooted in purpose, only grows stronger with age.
Legacy planted
Moringalicious is Mohana's boldest. With it, she reminds us that no matter our age, it is never too late to sow seeds of purpose. Mohana is inviting us all to join her garden of wellness. And with each leaf, dish and story, she continues to nourish the world.
Mohana's award-winning books are available for purchase on Lazada, Shopee and Amazon. Discover the health benefits of moringa or explore vibrant plant-based recipes in her books.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
3 days ago
- The Sun
Healthy cooking with humble plants
BY all accounts, Mohana Gill's journey has been extraordinary. Born in Myanmar, the author, based in Malaysia and now in her late 80s, continues to redefine what it means to live well and eat better. With Moringalicious, her latest cookbook, she invites readers into a world where tradition meets modern health wisdom and a simple plant such as moringa takes centre stage. Life steeped in culture, change Born Rose Mohana in Pathein, Myanmar, to Indian parents, Mohana's early years were marked by the warmth of close family and a landscape rich in natural abundance. Education took her to Canada in the early 1960s. By 1965, she had returned to Malaysia and began lecturing in economics at Universiti Malaya. Not long after, she met her husband and transitioned into full-time motherhood, a period she recalls fondly: 'Those were the happiest years, caring for the kids.' It was not until 2006, with her children grown and leading lives of their own, that Mohana re-emerged in public life, this time in an entirely new role. Reinvention at 70 A conference on anti-ageing in Las Vegas sparked her creative revival. While the event focused on pills and quick fixes, Mohana saw a different path forward, one that involved food and wellness rooted in culture. Her first book, Fruitastic (2006), was a celebration of fruits from around the world, earning her a 'Best in the World' accolade from the prestigious Gourmand Awards. 'When you receive the best in the world award, you realise you are doing something right,' she said. Vegemania followed in 2007, championing vegetarian meals, and soon, children's books such as Hayley's Fruitastic Garden and Hayley's Vegemania Garden brought colour and curiosity to young readers' plates. Happylicious explored the emotional power of family meals, with Mohana lamenting, 'Kids are not eating with parents.' The message struck a chord globally, once again earning Gourmand recognition. And by 2019, Flowerlicious, a tribute to the edible flowers of her childhood added yet another accolade to her growing collection. Birth of Moringalicious The pandemic became a catalyst. Confined to home but creatively energised, Mohana found herself revisiting memories of moringa, the humble, leafy green from her youth. Noticing a lack of dedicated cookbooks on the subject, she did some research and culinary experimentation. The result was Moringalicious, a labour of love that fuses health and home cooking. With 60 recipes, including Moringa Ice-cream and Drumstick Briyani, the book is equal parts recipe collection and wellness guide. Crowned 'Best Food & Nature Book in the World' at the 2023 Gourmand Awards, Moringalicious marked Mohana's eighth global win. But accolades aside, Mohana's mission is clear: 'Grow moringa. Eat moringa.' Far from just writing about it, Mohana is backing her words with action. Her plans include moringa-centric workshops for small groups and encouragement for schools, canteens and even pet food producers to make moringa part of daily life. She is also working on four upcoming books that aim to instil healthy habits early. Featuring themes from major festivals such as Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas and Chinese New Year, the stories combine traditional food with cultural respect. Wisdom, wellness, gratitude Now nearing 90, Mohana exudes peace and purpose. Her advice for a fulfilling life is: 'Be very contented. Do not compete. Be grateful. Be willing to share as long as I can.' Despite her international acclaim, Mohana remains grounded and deeply connected to her community. She is often invited to speak at schools and events, sharing her journey to inspire others to embrace ageing with vitality and grace. Known for her warm, articulate presence and ever-curious spirit, she is a firm believer in lifelong learning. Mohana never stops exploring, whether experimenting in the kitchen or researching new superfoods. 'There is always something new to learn,' she said, proof that passion, when rooted in purpose, only grows stronger with age. Legacy planted Moringalicious is Mohana's boldest. With it, she reminds us that no matter our age, it is never too late to sow seeds of purpose. Mohana is inviting us all to join her garden of wellness. And with each leaf, dish and story, she continues to nourish the world. Mohana's award-winning books are available for purchase on Lazada, Shopee and Amazon. Discover the health benefits of moringa or explore vibrant plant-based recipes in her books.
Hype Malaysia
10-06-2025
- Hype Malaysia
Under Armour, TUMI, Birkenstock & More: Fresh Fashion Drops To Zhuzh Up Your Lewk!
Looking to up your style game with fresh kicks and cool watches? These new drops blend street vibes with serious sparkle and bold designs – perfect for standing out whether you're cruising around KL or chilling with your crew. Under Armour Under Armour is switching things up with UA ECHO – a fresh silhouette that fuses performance innovation with street-ready style. Designed with sculpted lines, translucent overlays, and a breathable mesh upper, it's a head-turner that's just as functional as it is fashionable. The standout feature? SlipSpeed™ heel tech that lets you wear it like a sneaker or a slide – perfect for fast transitions and even faster lifestyles. Retailing at RM699, the UA ECHO is available at all Under Armour Brand Houses nationwide and online. Marks & Spencer Step into effortless style with M&S's Womenswear Spring Style 2025 collection. Effortlessly stylish and comfortable, it features everything from flowy trousers and off-shoulder tops to playful bubble hems and sleek denim jackets. Whether you're layering a fresh knitted vest or rocking the ruched spot bandeau dress, M&S gives modern femininity a versatile upgrade. The collection is now available at all M&S stores across Malaysia and online. TUMI Travel just got easier with TUMI's 19 Degree Lite collection, their lightest hardside luggage yet. Featuring featherweight zippers, smooth-rolling wheels, and a minimalist design, these suitcases are built for effortless mobility whether you're jetting off to a weekend getaway or navigating busy airports. The collection includes multiple sizes like the International Carry-On and Extended Trip Packing Case, available in versatile colours such as Blush, Titanium Grey, and Black Graphite, with seasonal options like Amber and Cobalt. Find the 19 Degree Lite collection now at TUMI stores worldwide and online because your next adventure deserves luggage that's as light and stylish as you are. Birkenstock The Arizona CosNy in Nylon by BIRKENSTOCK 1774 gives the classic silhouette a high-fashion glow-up with padded nylon straps, sleek hook-and-loop closures, and a fully leather-covered footbed. Crafted with premium Italian nylon and German precision, these sandals prove comfort and cutting-edge style can walk hand in hand. The Arizona CosNy collection is available on and selected retailers. Orient Sporty-chic with a fresh ocean breeze vibe, Orient celebrates its 75th anniversary by turning heads with three limited-edition Mako models and three new colourways for the Mako 40. Picture sky-blue dials, vintage cursive logos, and subtle sunburst patterns that bring summer straight to your wrist. These everyday dive watches are made for stylish go-getters. Each limited-edition Mako and Mako 40 model is limited to 6,000 pieces, while the Mako Chronograph is limited to 1,000 pieces. They are available at authorised Orient retailers. Louise Bourgeois x Sandro Sandro's Spring/Summer 2025 capsule brings the poetic world of Louise Bourgeois to life – not through sculpture but fabric, memory, and movement. Inspired by Bourgeois' iconic spirals and patchwork, the collection embraces soft deconstruction: billowy dresses, parasol skirts, and breezy linens in Mediterranean blues. Each piece is a wearable ode to the artist's emotional landscape, where childhood memories swirl and fabrics whisper stories beyond style. The Louise Bourgeois x Sandro capsule collection is now available at selected Sandro boutiques and online. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Free Malaysia Today
06-06-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
UM lecturers use picture books to teach children about money
Lecturers Shalini Nadaswaran (left) and Vandana Saxena teach kids financial literacy through picture books. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : An eight-year-old boy from an orphanage sat quietly after a picture-book reading, then raised his hand. 'One day,' he said, 'I want to work, make money, and build a house. Not just for me but for my parents, my siblings, and my uncle, so we can all live together.' He wasn't just echoing the lesson of the book, in which children give their savings to their parents; he was going further. The boy envisioned financial independence not as a personal goal, but as a way of uplifting his entire family. This powerful moment unfolded during a financial literacy workshop by Universiti Malaya (UM) lecturers Shalini Nadaswaran and Vandana Saxena, who use picture books to teach seven- to nine-year-olds about saving, spending and planning. 'It's personal for both of us,' said Shalini. 'We're mothers, and we see how children today are surrounded by advertising. They know how to spend but don't necessarily understand the value of money.' Shalini, whose academic work centres on African women's literature, and Vandana, who specialises in children's and young-adult fiction, saw how picture books could bridge economic theory and lived experience. While the current materials are western picture books, Shalini and Vandana aim to curate more localised content. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle) 'When we read picture books through the lens of literary criticism, especially around economics, we started seeing connections,' Vandana, an Indian national, explained. 'We wanted to bring this into real communities – especially with children from vulnerable backgrounds.' Their 1.5-hour workshop began with a simple question: what would you do with RM100? 'Some wanted cars, jewellery, designer clothes. Others said ice cream. And some, especially from more vulnerable backgrounds, had no idea how money is earned,' Shalini recalled. Then came the read-aloud session – 'The Berenstain Bears' Let's Talk About Money'. The story follows two bear siblings who spend recklessly, and learn to earn and save. But it's what happened after the story that really matters. The same RM100 question was posed again – and this time, there was a shift. 'One girl who initially wanted to buy jewellery suddenly said she would make her own and sell it,' Shalini shared. 'Another boy said he'd now save his money in a bank – because otherwise, he might lose it.' By the end of each session, participants show a new understanding of money. (Shalini Nadaswaran pic) The children begin to grasp not just the idea of money, but the principles of earning and saving. 'You could see the wheels turning in their minds. They were beginning to think about money in ways they hadn't before.' So far, Shalini and Vandana have conducted just two workshops – one at a school and another at an orphanage – since they started early this year. A recurring challenge, they pointed out, is the lack of locally relevant picture books. 'There are certain things that are very Asian, like charity and giving to the poor,' Vandana explained. 'We do not see these in the books we use, even though these are different kinds of value systems we need to pay attention to.' So, they're laying the groundwork to write and curate their own content – 'something more localised for children so that, when they read the books, the setting is familiar and the understanding becomes easier'. But why teach children about money at all? 'It's an everyday reality,' Vandana noted. 'We need to mould them to have an understanding of money. Our children can't be stooges of capitalism.' Shalini and Vandana believe financial literacy should start at home. (Dinesh Kumar Maganathan @ FMT Lifestyle) This is where storytelling becomes key: it's not just about understanding money – it's about the experience of listening, and of imagining different choices. 'The children were spellbound when we read out loud,' Shalini said. 'You get kids with different levels of understanding. So, you must meet everyone's needs.' They hope to scale the project to more schools, orphanages, NGOs, and Orang Asli communities. Acknowledging their limits, Shalini and Vandana are creating free digital resources – lesson plans, story-based activities, and teacher guides – so others can run the programme even without them. Both lecturers ultimately believe financial literacy starts at home. 'Be open. Talk about spending, saving, earning. Children understand more than we give them credit for,' said Shalini. But this openness doesn't mean saying 'yes' to everything. 'Even simple lines like 'that's expensive, let's revisit this later' can build habits. It moves children away from instant gratification.'
