Several organisations in Kerala have come together to organise a series of activities on August 30, 2026, as part of the World Millets Day Movement, with programmes focusing on millet awareness, nutrition, traditional foods, health education and community participation.
The initiative is being coordinated by Santhigram – Millets & Wellness Mission, in collaboration with organisations including Swadeshi-GCRD, Pathayam, Ammayyuttu, Hi-Life Ayurveda Hospital, Jeevaneeyam Organics, Darshanam Samskarika Vedi and Helping Hearts.
The programmes are being organised in response to the wider call to observe August 30 as World Millets Day and encourage institutions and communities to undertake meaningful millet-focused activities.
State-Level Inauguration in Kozhikode
The state-level programme will begin at 8:00 AM at Hi-Life Ayurveda Hospital, Mukkam, Kozhikode.
As part of the inauguration, organisers will distribute Siridhanya Ambili, a traditional fermented millet porridge also known as millet pazhankanji.
The programme is being conducted in collaboration with Karassery Grama Panchayat and organised by Hi-Life Ayurveda Hospital, Jeevaneeyam Organics, Darshanam Samskarika Vedi and Pathayam Healthaurant.
The activity aims to create awareness about the inclusion of millets in everyday diets and traditional food practices.
Millet Food Distribution in Thiruvananthapuram
A separate Millet Food Distribution Programme will be conducted in Thiruvananthapuram at 6:30 AM near the Mother & Child Statue, SAT Hospital, Medical College.
The programme is being organised by Helping Hearts in collaboration with Ammayyuttu.
Through this activity, organisers aim to take the millet awareness message directly to the public and encourage people to explore healthier and more diverse food choices.
State-Level Online Seminar
A state-level online seminar will also be conducted at 8:00 PM through Google Meet under the theme:
“Good Food – Millets for a Disease-Free Life”
The keynote address is scheduled to be delivered by Padma Shri Dr. Khadar Vali, widely known for his work in promoting millets and traditional food systems.
Mrs. S. Sreelatha Teacher, Patron of Helping Hearts, will chair the programme.
The seminar will also feature individuals sharing their personal journeys and experiences related to dietary changes and improved wellbeing.
Participants scheduled to share their experiences include:
- Dr. Jacob Pulickan, Director, Swadeshi-GCRD
- Mrs. Sindhu Raghunath, MD, Ammayyuttu
- Mr. C. D. Somashekharan, MD, Somi Mills
- Mr. James P. C., MD, Wonder Grains
- Mr. K. T. Abdulla Gurukkal, MD, Hi-Life Ayurveda Hospital
- Mr. T. Balakrishnan, MD, Jeevaneeyam Organics
- Dr. Gangadharan Chinnangath, Pathayam Healthaurant
The session will be moderated by Mr. V. K. Sreedharan, Secretary, Inspire India, Thrissur.
Call for More Millet Awareness Activities
As part of the initiative, Santhigram has also invited organisations, institutions, community groups and individuals across Kerala and elsewhere to organise millet awareness and educational activities on August 30.
The organisers have emphasised that even small activities can contribute to a wider public movement around millets, food awareness, farmers, nutrition and sustainability.
Individuals interested in sharing their personal health-improvement journeys during the programme have also been invited to submit their details to the organisers.
Expanding the Millets & Wellness Mission
Santhigram is also using the occasion to invite volunteers, partners and entrepreneurs interested in participating in its broader Millets & Wellness Campaign.
Training and orientation programmes are planned for those who wish to take a more active role in millet awareness, community programmes and related initiatives.
According to L. Pankajakshan, Director, Santhigram, the World Millets Day activities are intended to strengthen public participation around healthy food choices, traditional millet foods and community-led awareness.
The organisers are encouraging institutions and individuals to participate in the wider movement and contribute through local programmes, public education and collaborative action.
World Millets Day Movement – August 30, 2026
Knowledge • Farmers • Nutrition • Health • Sustainability
The Kerala initiative reflects the growing participation of institutions and community organisations in making August 30 a day of meaningful millet action, bringing together food, health, awareness and sustainability under one common platform.