To all biryani lovers across the globe,

I am biryani. And I have been wronged.

With 43 orders per minute, 2000 online orders a day and an army of delivery executives waiting just to collect me, I am currently the most sought after dish. There’s not been one year when I haven’t topped the food charts. In fact, last year ended on such a high note for me that there were more than 20,000 orders dispatched on 31st December alone. India loves me so much that now there’s even a stamp in my honor.

True, these are commendable accomplishments. Especially for a mere rice dish such as myself. But I’m the victim of a greater dishonor. I still don’t have an emoticon. My western cousins - pizza, taco and burger - have been part of your chats since forever. But, even after being one of the most sought after dishes in the country, I feel like I don’t truly belong.

I am biryani, the country’s greatest emotion, but unfortunately not an emoticon. It’s up to you to change that! Fight for me, fight for your love. Sign the petition and help me become an emoticon!

PS: For every 10 signatures, we will feed one child from our partner NGO Robinhood Army. I told you, I serve love!

Your loyal and delicious friend,

Biryani