with the least external inputs. On the contrary, you cannot grow large quantities of rice and wheat naturally or without external inputs of additional water and fertilisers because their genomic content is smaller, and such practices are further deteriorating our health and environment. Sustainable food practices have been wiped out by such crops because of their corporatisation”, he added.
Elaborating on the health aspects of millets, Dr Khader Vali said, “Till rice and wheat came in our plates on a daily basis, no one had diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid, fatty liver, and so on because they make our blood thicker to reach all organs efficiently. Milk is also not needed by all the people all the time. Sugar is the most harmful to our bodies, and we shouldn’t have even a milligram of it. Many modern/lifestyle diseases that have increased over time are the results of the food choices we made in the last 100 years and the unnecessary use of medicines. These diseases were not there earlier because humans ate millets, which keeps our blood thin so that it reaches easily in all organs of the body; its rich natural fibre contents help our mitochondria burn unnecessary glucose; and ultimately, our gut microbes provide more immunity against infections. For a healthy body, the detox has to happen on a daily basis for each and every cell. And so, millets become a wonderful weapon in your blood to wipe out all kinds of diseases.”
In his concluding remarks, Dr Vali underlined, “If your food is right, no medicines are needed. If your food is wrong, no medicines will work. And the right food is millets.”
IITGN has also been promoting the use of millets in its mess menu in different ways. The Institute has already organised various competitions like slogan-writing and poster-making competitions to raise awareness among students about the advantages of millet and its many nutrients.