"The Millet Jatra: Crafting Stories with Masks and Grains"
The year 2023-2024 has been designated as the Year of Millets, both in India and Internationally. Millets are climate change-friendly crops for farmers who tolerate abiotic stresses and yield in challenging environments and conditions. Millets have numerous nutritional and health benefits for consumers. While we have a history of cultivation, crop diversity, and consumption, it is still scattered and unorganized. Consumer demand hence becomes a primary driver, incentivizing farmers towards more millet cultivation.
The students of Grade X at Amanora School hosted a cross-curricular event titled "The Millet Jatra: Crafting Stories with Masks and Grains," aimed at raising awareness about the benefits of incorporating millet into the daily diets of Indians. This engaging activity featured a variety of programs, including food tasting stalls showcasing millet-based recipes and culinary demonstrations that were thoroughly enjoyed by all attendees. The students took the initiative to highlight millet, a whole grain that has been an integral part of our culture and civilization for centuries but is often overlooked by the newer generations. Additionally, they infused the event with a sense of tradition by sharing the Hindi tale of " तताँरा-वामीरो कथा integrating The cultures and traditions of Maharashtra and Sikkim with the display of masks.
An unexpected insight was the role of millets in sustainable farming. Students found that millets are drought-resistant crops that require less water compared to other cereals, making them a crucial option for adapting to climate change.
Students discovered that millets have historical significance, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations. For example, they learned that millets were a staple food in ancient Egypt and were used in various traditional dishes across Asia.
Through this activity the students have learnt the various uses of millets and the regions they are found. This activity has developed the cross cultural integration and brought a feeling of togetherness with one another, the activity was highly successful in teaching students about millets and fostering a sense of unity. By exploring these aspects, students gained a deeper appreciation for millets beyond their immediate culinary uses, recognizing their importance in nutrition, agriculture, and cultural heritage.
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