By Geeta Padmanabhan
A lot of us cook millets (siru dhaanyam), like ragi, at home, but only a few of us do it with a deep understanding of the effects of a millet-based diet. When we roll out a millet chapati or pour down batter for a millet dosa, do we recognise that millets have been part of the Indian diet for thousands of years? That ancient civilisations across the world grew and ate millets in places where nothing else would grow? That millets supported and sustained civilisations and became civilisational markers? That shifting to a millet diet is one of the ways to combat climate change and arrest hunger? That millets can fight obesity and keep us fit?
These and other factoids were explained by Gowri of the Seeragam Store, in a programme organised by Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar, Marundeeswarar Nagar, Sivakamipuram, Malaviya Avenue (RMSM) Residents’ Welfare Associations, on a recent Sunday morning. Gowri also explained the history, tradition, medical benefits of millets and its references in ancient literature as ‘Gods’ food’. To show how it is easy to cook with millets, she made a quick salad with millet flakes that the audience found delicious. The participants carried home a beautiful box of millet products so they could try out their own recipes at home.
Members of RMSM shared their insights. Kalpana Sekar from Sivakamipuram said, “Today we got a clear picture about the importance and nutritional values of different types of millets. We learnt the real meaning of the phrase ‘Art of cooking’.” “The ‘Let’s Eat Millets’ programme was very good!” said teacher Suma Vijayan as she thanked the organisers. Sudha Suresh, retired Vice-Principal of a well-known school said, “This session with a demo on Ragi flakes salad crowned with a tasting session! Truly appreciable was the fact that all the articles used were environmentally friendly. Even the spoon (made of millets) was edible and tasty.” Kamakshi Raghuraman said, “This was an eye-opener for us and we shall indeed incorporate millets in our daily diet.”
Gowri stated that the workshop was their second and they are willing to do more. Geeta is a member of RMSM and can be contacted at 98405 57698.
