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On December 24, 2023, CREATE, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Science Forum and the Consumer Protection and Women Development Association, organized a one-day program in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, to sensitize over 350 women volunteers from the “Illam Thedi Kalvi” (ITK) initiative. ITK, initiated by the school education department of the Government of Tamil Nadu during the Covid-19 pandemic, involves volunteers who have passed 12th standard or are graduates in rural areas, providing education to students through door-to-door campaigns.
Recognizing these volunteers as ideal messengers for promoting safe food and a toxic-free environment, CREATE, along with the Tamil Nadu Science Forum and the Consumer Protection and Women Development Association, organized this workshop.
The Prof. Dr. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, inaugurated the workshop, addressing the increasing incidence of food poisoning and the rise of foodborne diseases due to changes in production systems and post-harvest processes.
The ITK volunteers had the opportunity to hear from three eminent speakers on the promotion of organic agriculture, health and nutritional aspects of traditional paddy varieties, and self-reliant kitchen gardens. Dr. E. Somasundaram, Director of Agribusiness Development at TNAU, emphasized the importance of healthy and nutritious foods, including traditional rice varieties, to control and cure non-communicable diseases.
Dr. Bakkialakshimi, Assistant Professor at Bon Secours College for Women, Thanjavur, presented her research on traditional paddy varieties and their phytochemicals, highlighting their role in controlling major life-threatening diseases. Mrs. Priya Rajnarayan shared her practical experience in establishing a self-reliant nutritious health garden, emphasizing the use of traditional seeds and waste management for soil enrichment.
As a highlight, more than 30 individuals from organizations like CREATE, Tamil Nadu Science Forum, and Consumer Protection and Women Development Association were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to promoting organic food production, consumption, and conservation.
Mr. Suresh Kanna, Project Director, spoke about the workshop’s objectives, and Mr. A. Elamurugan, APO, School Education, Coimbatore, presided over the event. Mr. U. Masthan, Secretary, Consumer Protection Council, welcomed the gathering, and Ms. K. Mahabhunisha, State Secretary, Tamil Nadu Science Forum, proposed the vote of thanks.
