Though India produces as much as two times the amount of calories that it consumes, unfortunately, many in the country are still malnourished, mainly because of a lack of nutritional awareness across sections in the society.
Now, to spread the message of the need for a nutritionally balanced diet and to help make people understand the importance of access to all local fruits and vegetables, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr Harsh Vardhan will launch a mission called ‘Aahaar Kranti’.
“There is a need for a nutritionally balanced diet also in the context of the current Covid-19 pandemic. A healthy body would be able to handle the infection much better with greater immunity and higher resilience,” said a statement from the Science and Technology Ministry.
Vijnana Bharati (Vibha) and Global Indian Scientists’ and Technocrats’ Forum (GIST) have come together to conceptualize the mission with the motto of Uttam Aahaar Uttam Vichaar (`Good Diet-Good Cognition’).
The United Nations has also declared 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, which vibes very well with Aahaar Kranti. Fruits and vegetables make a large part of a balanced diet. Further, UN sustainable goal # 3 that emphasises on human well-being reads, “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” This goal too makes Aahaar Kranti more meaningful. Diet and well-being are inseparable partners,” said the statement.
India has the unique advantage of having the knowledge of Ayurveda. It is time to also apply this rich knowledge of Ayurveda-based nutrition to practice. The movement will work on this too.
The movement proposes to address the current situation of hunger in abundance by working to rouse the people to the values of India’s traditional diet, to the healing powers of local fruits and vegetables, and to the miracles of a balanced diet. It will renew the focus on nutritionally balanced diets replete in locally sourced fruits and vegetables.
The programme will focus on training teachers, who, in turn, will pass on the message to the multitudes of students, and through them to their families and finally the society at large, said the statement.