Aahar Kranti (AK) campaign: Nivedita Trust holds interactive session to promote millets 

Chandigarh, October 5, 2023: Nivedita Trust, a non-profit organization,  held an interactive session under the Aahar Kranti(AK) campaign .The session focused on promotion of millets and was held at Government College of Commerce and Business Administration (GCCBA), Sector 50 here. 

Pradeep Joshi, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Sampark Parmukh was the keynote speaker. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, National Council for Vocational Education and Training and UT Adviser Dharam Pal also spoke at the session. Guneet Swani, a renowned city based social entrepreneur too shared her thoughts. Nivedita Trust has appointed Guneet Swani as its Brand Ambassador to promote millets under the AK initiative.

Speakers at the session said that millets, often referred to as nutria-cereals, hold not only a vital place in our diet but are also crucial in ensuring sustainable agriculture.  

Meanwhile, Guneet is making all out efforts to make Chandigarh India’s first health smart city, she has been instrumental in getting many restaurant owners from tricity to have one dish based on millets as a part of their menu.

 “Today, we have brought over 15 restaurant owners together, who have taken a pledge to promote at least one millet dish and support our drive on millets to make Chandigarh a ‘health smart city’,” said Guneet.

Some of the well-known restaurants who are now actively promoting millets include Olive Café & Bar, Back to Source, JC's, Scola, Cottage, Virgin Courtyard, Kakuna, House of Lords at The Altius Boutique Hotel, Tahiti, Wild Thyme, So Delhi, AU Four, Qizo, Organic Fresco , Nabobs, Hedgehog Café, and Wildwood.

 “Now one won’t need to hunt for special restaurants serving millet based cuisines as ‘millet dishes’ will now be available in different restaurants of the city,” added Guneet.

It is noteworthy that Nivedita Trust is working with dedication and compassion to champion people’s cause and their well-being in a sustainable manner. The Trust is spreading awareness about millets under the AK campaign. It is pertinent to mention here that Dr. Varinder Garg who was also present at the event, is an inspiration for Team Nivedita as he passionately supports  all of Nivedita's noble  initiatives.

The year 2023 is being celebrated as the International Year of Millets. Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate. “Millets are good for health as they are anti-ageing, good for the heart, maintain sugar levels, are collagen rich and high on fiber. What’s more, they are good for the environment as well. More consumption of millets will mean more income for our farmers as well,” Guneet said further.

 “In an era of increasing health consciousness and environmental awareness, the revival and promotion of millets in our diets and agriculture are vital for a healthier, more sustainable future,” said Guneet.

Under AK, people are being made aware of the consequences of the food they are eating today. The mission aims to teach the importance of millets in our diet which are not only beneficial for the body but also for mother earth. The program is not only providing knowledge about millets, utensils, slow cooking, A2 milk, Ayurveda and super foods but is also giving demonstrations, delivering lectures and providing written provisions for procuring raw materials to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This will expedite the process of managing as well as reversal of some non-communicable diseases as well.

“After making Chandigarh a ‘Health Smart City’ we have a plan to also do the same in other cities of Punjab and North Indian states,” concluded Guneet, who has also been actively promoting the goodness of a millet based diet through her social media handles.

Restaurants and the millet dish they have added to their menu:

Olive Cafe & Bar - Millet Salad.

Scola - Pizza.

JC's -Salad.

Virgin Courtyard - Cottage Salad.

So Delhi: Kashmiri Kesar and Mawa Stuffed Millet Gujiya.

AU Four - Ragi (Finger Millet) Sourdough, Ragi (Finger Millet) Cookies.

Qizo: Millet Salad.

Organic Fresco- Cafe Cookies.

Hedgehog Cafe- Millet Salad.

House of Lords at The Altius- Edamame, Broccoli , Thai Millet Dish