Deepak Foundation’s “Vivek Vidya” Program Enlightens Village Children about the Health Benefits of Millets

A special interaction program took place in the village of Angadh near Vadodara, organized by the Deepak Foundation as part of their Project Vivek Vidya. The primary objective was to raise awareness among village children about millets and promote healthy eating habits. During the program, the children had the opportunity to taste delicious muffins made from various types of millets and learn about the numerous health benefits associated with them, directly from a local hotel chef.

The Government of India has been actively engaged in initiatives to increase awareness about millets and advocate for their inclusion in daily diets. In fact, 2023 has been designated as the International Year of Millets by the United Nations, with the support of the Indian Government. In line with these efforts, the Deepak Foundation organized this special interactive program under their Project Vivek Vidya, aiming to educate children about the advantages of incorporating millets into their everyday meals. The chef from a local hotel played a crucial role in explaining the significance of millets in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By providing the children with a variety of millet-based dishes, including muffins, the concept was easily grasped and understood.

Chef Amar Kumar Dwivedi took the opportunity to enlighten the children about millets and their health benefits. He highlighted the various government initiatives aimed at educating the public about millets and their advantages. In line with these efforts, the program was conducted in the village, where the children were introduced to food items such as muffins made from different types of millets, enabling them to appreciate the health benefits associated with these nutritious grains. While the children were familiar with home-cooked meals, this program sought to broaden their culinary horizons and encourage the inclusion of millets in their everyday diets.

“The government is actively promoting the inclusion of millets in daily diets as part of our journey towards a healthier nation. The children in this village are accustomed to consuming rotla and sabzi prepared at home. Through this interaction program, we aim to introduce dietary variety, as the chef briefed them on the dishes prepared from millets and also distributed the food for tasting. Project Vivek Vidya not only provides remedial support for primary education but also empowers local women, ensuring uninterrupted educational opportunities,” stated Santosh Surve, Program Manager at Deepak Foundation.

This special interaction program served as a valuable platform for village children to learn about millets, their health benefits, and the importance of incorporating them into their daily diets. By fostering awareness and providing practical culinary experiences, the Deepak Foundation’s Vivek Vidya project is making significant strides in promoting a healthier and more nutritious lifestyle among the younger generation.