Port Blair, Apr 02: The International Year of Millets was celebrated by the Food Safety Department by organizing a Walkathon today. The Joint Commissioner (Food Safety)/Additional District Magistrate, South Andaman District, Mr. Dilkush Meena, IAS flagged off the Walkathon from National Memorial Cellular Jail premises. The Walkathon passed through vantage points like Clock Tower, Head Post Office, IP & T junction, Fire Brigade HQ, Vikas Bhavan and culminated at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Stadium.
Students from Andaman Law College, ANCOL, Food Safety Officials, Officials from Revenue Department, Food Business Operators and tourists participated in the walkathon with great enthusiasm. Banners and placards with messages on promoting the use of millets were also carried by the participants.
Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Commissioner (FS) highlighted the importance of Millets in our daily life. He requested all the participants to include Millets in their daily diet at least once a day. He further briefed the motto of the event i.e. to promote the consumption of millets since millets are rich source of protein, dietary fibers, micronutrients and helpful for leading a disease free life. He further reiterated the significance of millets in promoting sustainable food systems and in ensuring food and nutritional security for all.
The Food Safety Department hopes that initiatives like this will inspire more people to embrace the use of millets in their diets and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future. The entire programme was organized under the overall guidance and supervision of the Commissioner Food Safety/Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman District.