‘Sattu’ originated in Bihar: AIU president

Patna: “Bihar has not only led the world in education and traditional knowledge but also introduced one of the superfoods called ‘sattu’,” said Vinay Kumar Pathak, president of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) while addressing a conference of East Zone university vice-chancellors here on Monday.Pathak highlighted that the state has produced eminent scholars who pioneered concepts like the decimal system, zero, and the value of pi. “Alongside these intellectual contributions, Bihar gave the world ‘sattu’—a nutritional powerhouse—long before fast food became synonymous with junk food,” he said.Once considered a poor man’s meal, sattu is now recognized as a high-protein, energy-rich superfood. Historically, it fueled warriors in battle and sustained traders along the Silk Road.

With global interest growing in India’s wellness traditions—from yoga and Ayurveda to healing foods—‘sattu’ is finally gaining its due, noted another participant.Pathak also recalled that Aryabhatta, the great astronomer and mathematician from Pataliputra, explained the value of pi first to a woodcutter. “Our ancient scholars understood sustainability, as reflected in age-old texts,” he added.