Introduction

We are all aware that due to the successful efforts of India's Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the year 2023 was declared as the International Millet Year. Millets refer to coarse grains or staple cereals, famously known as the "Shri Dhanya" group, which includes Bajra, Kodra, Kangni, Hari Kangni, Kutki, Sanwa, Jowar, Ragi, and China. Due to the immense nutritional benefits and environmental friendliness of these coarse grains, the honorable Prime Minister has named them "Shri Ann." In the Millet Year 2023, the Government of India made special efforts to promote and publicize millets. From the "Eat Right Summit" to the meetings of the United Nations Security Council, millets, and Shri Ann's campaign have gained momentum. These Shri Ann millets are incredibly beneficial for health, containing abundant nutrients and a beneficial fiber for the digestive system. According to scientists, doctors, and nutrition specialists, the disruptions in lifestyle and diet over the past few decades have had a significant impact on non-communicable diseases in India. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report 'India: Health of the Nation's States' in 2016, non-communicable diseases contributed to 61.8% of total deaths. These diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, are long-term conditions that do not spread from person to person. Studies have shown that these non-communicable diseases are rapidly increasing among students attending schools and colleges. Consumption of millet can provide relief from these diseases. If school students regularly consume millet, they can stay free from these diseases. In this regard, schools, educational organizations, and health service organizations can play a crucial role.

Besides health benefits, millets also contribute significantly to environmental conservation through their natural cultivation. Millet cultivation can play a vital role in soil, environmental, and water conservation. Millets can form the basis of our agriculture, food security, and prosperity due to their exceptional adaptability in natural farming.

Millet cultivation, along with processing at the village level, opens up numerous opportunities for employment and small-scale entrepreneurship. Therefore, organizations and movements working in the fields of farming and rural development are natural allies in the millet campaign. Inspired by the visionary thoughts of Prime Minister Modi, the Affordable Private Schools’ Association, Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi, and Kheti Virasat Mission have decided to organize a Millet Fair to promote millets among school students and guide them on environmental conservation activities, aligning with the revered Gandhian philosophy at Rajghat, Delhi. Organizing a Millet Fair in the capital city is a crucial and challenging task. Hence, we earnestly request various organizations and institutions to join as co-organizers, sponsors, or collaborators in this proposed Millet Fair.

We request to involve your organization/institution as a co-organizer, sponsor, or collaborator. Your organization's role will be aligned with its nature of work. This Millet Fair is dedicated to environmental conservation, health, agriculture, and sustainable development. To make this program successful and to plan its grand execution, a coordination and organizing committee is also proposed. We have requested the participation of some distinguished personalities involved in creative work to become protectors and advisors for this organizing noble work of humanity.

Millets

Millets are group of small grained cereal food crops which are highly tolerant to drought and other extreme weather conditions and are grown with low chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Most of millet crops are native of India and are popularly known as Nutri-cereals as they provide most of the nutrients required for normal functioning of human body. Millets are classified into Major Millets and Minor Millets based on their grain size. Pseudo millets are so called because they are not part of the Poaceae botanical family, to which ‘true’ grains belong, however, they are nutritionally similar and used in similar ways to ‘true’ grains.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has recognized the importance of Millets and declared Millets comprising of Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Minor Millets i.e., Foxtail Millet (Kanngani/kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki), Brown top millet and two pseudo millets i.e., Buck- wheat (Kuttu), Amaranth (Chaulai)) as “Nutri-Cereals” for production, consumption and trade point of view.

Millets are gluten-free and non-allergenic. Millet consumption decreases triglycerides and C- reactive protein, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease. All millets are rich in dietary fibre. Dietary fibre has water absorbing and bulking property. It increases transit time of food in the gut which helps in reducing risk of inflammatory bowel disease and acts as detoxifying agent in the body.

Positive Millets

Neutral Millets

• Kodo/Kodra
• Little/Kutki
• Barnyard/Sawa
• Foxtail/Kanngani
• Browntop/Green Kangani
  

• Jawar
• Bajra
• Finger Millet
• Proso millet
  

Positive millet grains have dietary fiber ranging from 8% to 12.5%.

Neutral millet grains have dietary fiber between 3% and 6%.

Based on Dr. Khadar Vali’s research and findings, below are the diseases and disorders cured by the positive millets (Siri Dhanyaalu)

1. Foxtail Millet Rice: nervous system, psychological disorders, arthritis, Parkinson’s, epilepsy

2. Kodo Millet Rice: blood impurities, anemia, weak immunity, diabetes, constipation, insomnia

3. Barnyard Millet Rice: liver, kidney, excess bad cholesterol, endocrine glands

4. Little Millet Rice: uterus, PCOD, male and female infertility

5. Browntop Millet Rice: digestive system, arthritis, hypertension, thyroidism, eye, obesity

For More Information related to millets kindly visit to Millet Mela

We will provide research-based information related to millets. In this Millet Mela 2023, Information related to millets, Workshops, and Cookery Classes will be provided. Our Mothers and Sisters will learn to make delicious food items for our children such as Millet wraps, Kheer, Pasta, Dosa, Burgers, Pan Cakes etc.

Affordable Private Schools Association (APSA), representing 250 schools in Delhi, has been actively organizing various programs. In 2023, APSA orchestrated a three-day Athletics Meet at East Vinod Nagar Stadium, Delhi, attracting 5000 participants from 40 schools in the region. Furthermore, in September of the same year, APSA hosted the Smt. Savitri Bai Phule National Award ceremony at Maharashtra Sadan, New Delhi, honoring and acknowledging the contributions of 250 educators.

Kheti Virasat Mission has successfully assembled a robust team of volunteers hailing from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, homemakers, academics, doctors, engineers, IT professionals, lawyers, businessmen, and individuals involved in politics and administration. This extensive list reflects the broad spectrum of support the movement has garnered. Notable personalities and organizations, such as Padam Shri Dr. Khader Valli (the Millets Man of India), Sh. Rambabu (the Millets Maharaj from Hyderabad), Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN), and Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture (ASHA), are proud associates of KVM.

Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi, an all-India group committed to environmental improvement, boasts a considerable organizational structure comprising thousands of members. Their mission revolves around effecting positive changes in the environment through proactive activities and the creation of awareness. This collective effort signifies a commitment to making a tangible difference in the world we live in.

Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, a national organization dedicated to diverse aspects of education and Indian society, has been pivotal in developing a curriculum focused on Character Building and Personality Development. Their initiatives span Vedic Maths, Value-based education, Environmental Education, Education in Indian Languages, Autonomy of Education, Indian Languages Forum, Indian History, Indian Management, Indian ethos in Technical Education, Quality in Research, and Competitive Examinations.

Invitation to Schools for Participation

Essay Writing Competition Guidelines

Topics:

1. “The Nutritional Benefits of Including Millets in Children's Daily Diet.”
   
2. “Millets and the Future: A Vision for Sustainable and Healthy Living.”
   
3. “Millets and the Fight Against Malnutrition: A Path to a Healthier Childhood.”
   
4. “Millets and Biodiversity: Preserving Agricultural Diversity for Future Generations.”
   

Instructions:

1. Eligibility:
   
• The competition is open to students from classes sub-junior (up to class 5th), junior (up to class 8th), and senior (up to class 12th).
  
• Schools are responsible for organizing the competition at their respective levels. Best three Essays will be displayed at the program.
  
2. Language Categories:
   
• Separate categories will be maintained for English and Hindi essays.
  
3. Word Limit:
   
• The essay should not exceed 1000 words.
  
4. Submission Format:
   
• Essays must be handwritten and submitted in PDF format.
  
• The document should include the student's name, class, school name, and contact information.
  
5. Evaluation Criteria:
   
• Essays will be evaluated based on creativity, research depth, coherence, and adherence to the chosen topic.
  
• The judging panel will consist of subject matter experts and educators.
  
6. Prizes:
   
• Prizes will be awarded for the top essays in each category, including certificates and recognition.
  
7. Certificates:
   
• All participants will receive participation certificates.
  

Important Dates:

• Essay Submission Deadline: 10th December 2023
  
• Result Announcement: 18th December 2023
  

Link for submission of Essays

Quiz Contest Guidelines

Objective:

Foster a spirit of healthy competition while educating participants about millets. The Quiz Contest will cover a range of topics, including nutritional aspects, historical significance, and contemporary uses of millets.

Competition Details:

1. Eligibility:
   
• The quiz contest is open to students from all classes.
  
• Participants can form teams or compete individually, depending on the format chosen.
  
2. Format:
   
• Depending on the number of participants, consider organizing preliminary rounds to determine finalists for the quiz contest.
  
• The final round can be conducted in an engaging and competitive format.
  
3. Quiz Categories:
   
• Designate categories such as Nutritional Aspects, Historical Significance, and Contemporary Uses of Millets.
  
• Include a mix of multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, and short-answer questions..
  
4. Moderator/Quizmaster:
   
• Designate a quizmaster or moderator who will read out the questions and manage the flow of the contest.
  
5. Timing:
   
• The 30-second time limit for answering each question to maintain a dynamic pace.
  
6. Scoring:
   
• Establish a clear scoring system, ensuring that correct answers are appropriately rewarded.
  
• Consider negative markings for incorrect answers to add an element of strategy.
  
7. Judging Criteria:
   
• Judges should be well-versed in the subject matter and impartial in their evaluation.
  
• Consider involving teachers, experts, or individuals with knowledge of millets.
  
8. Result Announcement:
   
• The result will be announced at the end of the event.
  
9. Prizes:
   
• Prizes will be awarded to the top-performing individuals or teams in recognition of their millet knowledge.
  
10. Certificates:
    
• All participants will receive participation certificates.
  

Contact us: milletmela23@gmail.com

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