New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has collaborated with Grammy Award-winning Indian-American singer Falguni Shah for a special song ‘Abundance in Millets’ to promote the benefits of millets and their potential to alleviate world hunger.
He took to Twitter to write, “Excellent effort @FaluMusic! There is an abundance of health and well-being in Shree Ann or millets. Through this song, creativity has blended with an important cause of food security and removing hunger.”
Excellent effort @FaluMusic! There is abundance of health and well-being in Shree Ann or millets. Through this song, creativity has blended with an important cause of food security and removing hunger. https://t.co/wdzkOsyQjJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2023
The song was performed recently across streaming platforms by the Mumbai-born singer-songwriter Falguni, who is known by her stage name Falu, and her husband and singer Gaurav Shah. The song, penned in English and Hindi, highlights the power of millets. Notably, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the ‘International Year of Millets’ (IYM),
‘Abundance in Millets’ was created to raise awareness of the super grain as another potential key to minimising world hunger,” said a statement on Falguni’s website. “It’s one thing to write for him and it’s one thing to write with him. In the middle of the song, you will hear the speech that he has written and narrated in his own voice,” she said, adding that she is “honoured” and “humbled” to collaborate with PM Modi on the millets song.
How are millets beneficial?
“A variety of millets, such as pearl millet, foxtail millet, and finger millet, offer a diverse range of nutritional benefits. These ancient grains are powerhouses of nutrients, rich in fibre, minerals, and antioxidants. Incorporating millets into your diet can promote digestive health, support weight management, and contribute to overall well-being,” Dr Esther Sathiaraj, AGM, clinical nutrition and dietetics, HCG Bangalore told Indianexpress.com.
Dr Bhavna Sharma, head, nutrition sciences, ITC Foods, told the publication about some of the little-known millets and their benefits for every age group:
Foxtail millets: A very popular variant of millet that is rich in protein and low in fat. It is an excellent source of energy and is easily digestible. It is recommended for infants and children as it aids in their growth and development. It also helps in maintaining healthy skin and hair.
Little millets: They are small-seeded millet that is rich in iron and calcium. It is an excellent source of nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers as it helps in the development of the baby’s bones and teeth. It also helps in preventing aneamia in pregnant women.
Kodo millets: They are nutrient-rich that is high in protein, fibre, and antioxidants. It is an excellent food option for the elderly as it helps in maintaining healthy bones and muscles. It is also beneficial for individuals with diabetes as it helps in regulating blood sugar levels.
Barnyard millets: They are an excellent source of energy and are recommended for convalescents as it helps in recovering from illness. It also aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Pearl millets: They are a popular millet variant that is rich in iron, calcium, and protein. It is an excellent food option for athletes and individuals with an active lifestyle as it provides sustained energy throughout the day. It is also beneficial for individuals with gluten intolerance as it is gluten-free.
Finger millets: They are highly nutritious, rich in calcium, iron, and fibre. It is an excellent food option for individuals with anaemia as it helps in increasing haemoglobin levels. It is also recommended for individuals with hypertension as it helps in regulating blood pressure levels.
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