Millet Man of India’ uncovers Kolkata’s first ever exclusive Millet Kitchen ‘Meal-O-Millet’
Kolkata, 15th September 2024: Millet, a grain that has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. With its impressive nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen, millet is rightfully earning its title as a superfood. Recognizing the immense health benefits of millet, Dr. Khadar Vali, the renowned “Millet Man of India” and Padmashri awardee, has taken a significant step towards promoting this ancient grain. Dr. Khadar Vali, dedicates Meal-O-Millet, an exclusive kitchen on millet and organic food for the people of Kolkata. This initiative aims to introduce and popularize millet as a healthy and sustainable dietary choice.
To celebrate the launch of the Meal-O-Millet kitchen, a National Workshop – “Aahar Se Arogya” (Health through Food) was held in Kolkata. Organized by Bengal Naturals, a brand committed to natural, chemical-free millet products, the workshop brought together experts from various fields. Prior to the technical sessions, esteemed guests including Shri S. Suresh Kumar, Chairman of DVC; Dr. Rintu Banerjee, Deputy Director of IIT Kharagpur; Dr. Arpan Dutta Roy, Clinical Pharmacologist; and other food and nutrition specialists were present. The event also marked the unveiling of the new branding for Bengal Naturals.
About Meal-O-Millet:
Meal-O-Millet is a pioneering cloud kitchen and food brand dedicated to showcasing the versatility and nutritional benefits of millet. As a part of Bengal Naturals and managed by Cygnus Culinary Services, our mission is to make millet-based dishes both delicious and accessible, encouraging people to embrace this ancient grain as a healthier alternative to conventional grains like rice and wheat. Our menu features a variety of millet-based dishes that highlight the grain’s resourcefulness and nutritional value. Here are a few examples:
Millet Dosa: Enjoy the classic crispness of dosa without the need for oil. This healthy and delicious dish is perfect for nourishing your digestive tract.
Millet Fried Rice: Our flavourful fried rice is made with millet rice, sautéed vegetables, cold-pressed oil, rock salt, and jaggery powder. It’s a delicious and satisfying option.
Millet Noodles: Satisfy your cravings with our wholesome millet noodles, a perfect choice for the younger generation.
Millet Payesh: Indulge your sweet tooth with our millet payesh, a delicious dessert made with jaggery powder and millet rice or vermicelli. This traditional sweet treat is guilt-free and perfect for those with diabetes.
Meal-O-Millet, Bengal’s first millet kitchen, proudly launches a ground-breaking initiative aimed at promoting healthy, sustainable eating. The visionary behind this endeavour, Shri Tirthankar Paul, has over two decades of experience leading Cygnus Advertising (I) Pvt. Ltd. With Meal-O-Millet, Mr. Paul expands his expertise into the culinary world, creating Cygnus Culinary Services (CCS), which manages the vibrant cloud kitchen “Maati” and now takes on the exciting challenge of introducing millet-based dishes to Bengal.
Driven by a deep commitment towards societal well-being, Shri Tirthankar Paul launched Meal-O-Millet as part of his broader vision to raise awareness about millet and organic products as a nutritious, eco-friendly alternative to conventional grains.
About Dr. Khadar Vali:
Dr. Khadar Vali, often referred to as the “Millet Man of India,” is a renowned scientist and advocates for the nutritional benefits of millets.
His unwavering dedication to promoting these ancient grains has earned him widespread recognition and the prestigious Padmashri award. A native of Proddutur, Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Vali completed his Masters in Science from the Regional Institute of Education, Mysore, and earned his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore, for his work on steroids. He furthered his research as a postdoctoral fellow in environmental science at Beaverton, Oregon, USA. Upon returning to India in 1997, Dr. Vali embarked on a mission to revive the cultivation and consumption of millets, which had been largely overshadowed by more modern grains like rice and wheat. His extensive research has highlighted the numerous health benefits of millets, including their ability to manage diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle diseases. Dr. Vali’s advocacy has been instrumental in raising awareness about the nutritional value of millets and encouraging their inclusion into daily diets. He has authored several books and articles on the subject and actively engages in public speaking and workshops to educate people about the benefits of these ancient grains.