Magnificent Millets - Utsav & Dialogue: Kheti Virasat Mission’s initiative to revive and promote millets in everyday diet

Younger generation should learn about our Millet -Heritage Says Justice Surya Kant Chandigarh, January 21, 2019: To make millets popular across the Punjab region and revive traditional food habits, Kheti Virasat Mission (KVM) organized ‘Magnificent Millets - Utsav & Dialogue’, a 3-day event on January 18th, 19th & 20th, 2019, to encourage the consumption of millet-based foods among citizens of the Tricity. This effort is in continuation of the various heritage grain revival programmes KVM has been leading for the past five years. The festival culminated in a ‘Dialogue on Millets ’ that was organized by the University Institute of Hotel & Tourism Management (UIHTM), Panjab University and KVM. The session was inaugurated by Justice Surya Kant, Hon’ble Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court. The panelists included Prof. Raj Kumar, Vice Chancellor, P.U., Mr. Shankarji Jha, Director University Instruction, Mr. Prashant K. Gautam, Director, UIHTM, Mr. Rambabu, Millet Expert, Dr. Sachin Gupta, Oncologist, Max Hospital & Mr. Umendra Dutt, Executive Director, KVM. Around 200 students of UIHTM attended the session, along with members of the public. Honourable Justice Surya Kant expressed his happiness at KVM’s millet revival efforts and encouraged students to give millets-based dishes a modern touch, while getting back in touch with their roots. In his keynote address, Mr. Rambabu reminded students of the need to reconnect with the source of the food, the farmer and the soil to truly understand the essence of cooking. He said this would lead to making the food both an ‘amrit’ and an ‘aushadhi’. Dr. Sachin Gupta talked about the prevailing cancer and other diseases in the Punjab region and pointed out the chemical laden food which is one of the contributing factor. He emphasised the need to consume organic food, and introduce millets in everyday diet to balance nutritional requirements. Dr. Vinay Chamoli used the analogy of the rivers Ganga and Jamuna that combine to form Saraswati to illustrate that the coming together of colleges, the University and Kheti Virasat Mission to conduct festivals such as these shall give rise to a new kind of consciousness, motivating youngsters to take this millet movement ahead. He also mentioned that students must be made aware of the organic farming movement, with a special focus on millets, by including a dedicated chapter in the coursebook, and making it a part of the curriculum. Shri Umendra Dutt spoke about the vision of Kheti Virasat Mission in Punjab, which included promoting sustainable farming to bring the soil back to life. He also talked about the ‘Millet revival program’ of Kheti Virasat Mission, which is now in its 3rd year. One of the primary goal of this food festival was to introduce millets to common people. A goal, which was successfully met in the end. Mr. Rambabu, chef, author of ‘Miracle Millets’, and millet expert from Hyderabad, lead the cookery workshops in which participants learned to make dishes like Foxtail Millet Carrot Pulao, Bajra Soup, Jowar Power Bar, Beetroot Millet Halwa and Millets Salad. Rambabu also cooked a completely organic, millet-based menu for the food festival that ran alongside for visitors to savour. Members of ‘Bebe De Rasoi’, a women’s empowerment initiative by KVM, also offered traditional dishes like Makki Roti, Saag, Bhoot Pinne & Moth, Bajra Khichdi and Rabri. The event featured cookery workshops, a millet-based food festival, and conversations with prominent members of the Chandigarh Administration, and eminent public figures on how to promote healthy eating amongst citizens, revive millets, and support for farmers who wish to grow these crops. Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, growing organic millet crops were also invited to display their produce at the festival. To spread awareness about healthy eating and educate children about the goodness of millets, the Chandigarh Administration had sponsored visit for 600 students from city schools, at the festival. Students also took part in a special ‘Millets Quiz’ at the venue. The event featured cookery workshops, a millet-based food festival, and conversations with prominent members of the Chandigarh Administration, and eminent public figures on how to promote healthy eating amongst citizens, revive millets, and support for farmers who wish to grow these crops. Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, growing organic millet crops were also invited to display their produce at the festival. The event featured cookery workshops, a millet-based food festival, and conversations with prominent members of the Chandigarh Administration, and eminent public figures on how to promote healthy eating amongst citizens, revive millets, and support for farmers who wish to grow these crops. Farmers from Punjab and Haryana, growing organic millet crops were also invited to display their produce at the festival. To spread awareness about healthy eating and educate children about the goodness of millets, the Chandigarh Administration had sponsored visit for 600 students from city schools, at the festival. Students also took part in a special ‘Millets Quiz’ at the venue. A dedicated exhibition area was set up to showcase the story of millets to educate visitors about the history and significance of millets in Indian cuisine and culture.