From Office To Oven: Mumbai Cheesemaker Mausam Narang Earns PM Modi’s Praise

India’s debut at the prestigious Brazilian World Cheese Championship brought home four medals, including a Super Gold for Eleftheria’s Gulmarg brie. PM Modi congratulated Mausam Narang and fellow cheesemaker Thenlay Nurboo, calling it a milestone for India’s artisanal dairy sector.

From HR To Cheesemaking

Narang began experimenting with cheese in her mother’s kitchen in 2013, driven by a craving for authentic artisanal products. By 2015, she quit her corporate HR job to pursue cheesemaking full-time, founding Eleftheria in Mumbai. Her dedication transformed a weekend hobby into a globally acclaimed brand.

Global Recognition

At the Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026, Eleftheria won across three categories:

Super Gold for Gulmarg, a Brie-style cheese.

Gold for Brunost, a Norwegian-inspired whey cheese.

Silver for Kaali Miri, an aged cheese ball coated in Kerala black pepper, Himalayan pink salt, and garlic.

The blind-tasting competition featured 2,700 entries from 30 countries, judged solely on flavour, texture, and appearance.

Prime Minister’s Praise

PM Modi’s tweet congratulating Narang elevated her achievement into a national moment of pride. Narang described the recognition as “phenomenal” for India’s artisanal craft cheese industry, noting that it validated years of perseverance and innovation.

Industry Impact

India’s cheese market is projected to grow significantly, and Narang’s success highlights the potential of artisanal producers to compete globally. Her story inspires entrepreneurs to innovate while staying rooted in local culture and ingredients.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Mausam Narang left HR career to found Eleftheria Cheese in Mumbai

•⁠  ⁠Won Super Gold, Gold, and Silver at Mundial do Queijo do Brasil 2026

•⁠  ⁠PM Modi praised her achievement as a milestone for India’s dairy sector

•⁠  ⁠Eleftheria’s Gulmarg, Brunost, and Kaali Miri impressed international judges

•⁠  ⁠Success signals India’s growing presence in global artisanal cheese markets

Sources: The Indian Express, MSN, News18