FSSAI and Herbalife Collaborate to Host Eat Right Millet Walkathon, Promoting Nutritious Eating Habits
In a remarkable alliance geared towards enhancing public health awareness, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) joined forces with Herbalife India, a global health and wellness company, to orchestrate an impactful mass awareness event – the Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023. This dynamic event, held in collaboration with the Government of Telangana, took place at Jal Vihar Parking, near Necklace Road in Hyderabad on August 25, commencing at 6:30 am.
Aligned with the spirit of the International Year of Millets 2023, the Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023 was conceived with the objective of fostering awareness about healthy eating habits and encouraging the public to incorporate millets into their dietary routines, thereby reaping the manifold nutritional advantages of this ancient grain.
The ceremonial inauguration of the walkathon was officiated by Ms. Innoshi Sharma IRS, the Executive Director of FSSAI, graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Sh. S. Sharad Rao IAS, Joint Director of FSSAI, Delhi, and Dr. Sushma, Director of Telangana Food Processing Society, Industry and Commerce Department, Government of Telangana.
Reflecting on the agricultural resurgence, Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, Chief Executive Officer of FSSAI, expressed, “We are witnessing an agricultural renaissance with the most ancient crop of the world becoming the present and the future crop.”
Beyond the immediate scope of the walkathon, the event embraced a broader mission – advocating holistic well-being by rediscovering traditional dietary practices renowned for their profound health benefits. To render this endeavor engaging and interactive, the occasion was enriched with activities such as invigorating Zumba and aerobic sessions, as well as spirited games, designed to make learning about nutrition both enjoyable and informative.
Millets, once integral to diets as a staple food source, are experiencing a renaissance as a wholesome and nutritious dietary foundation. Acknowledging their significance, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), aiming to spotlight their nutritional and health advantages, and advocate for policies that bolster millet cultivation in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife India, offered insight into the partnership’s aspirations. “Our collaboration with FSSAI is centered around two pivotal goals: promoting nutritional knowledge and ensuring the availability of safe and wholesome food.” Khanna emphasized that the walkathon aimed to sensitize Hyderabad’s residents to adopt healthy and balanced dietary habits enriched with essential micronutrients.
Highlighting the shared commitment to health improvement, the partnership between FSSAI and Herbalife dates back to 2021. Together, the organizations have embarked on initiatives that spotlight the significance of nourishing and safe eating practices across the Indian population.
In essence, the Eat Right Millet Walkathon 2023 stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between government bodies and private enterprises in championing a healthier and more informed way of life.
