Focus on heritage and health as awareness initiative educates Paraja children about the importance of indigenous food practices.

Jeypore, April 22: An awareness program focusing on indigenous food practices, food security, and nutritional outcomes among Paraja tribal children of Koraput district was successfully organized at the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in Jeypore.
The program was conducted as part of a research project led by Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar, and supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New Delhi.
The event began with a welcome address, followed by an introduction to the theme. Project Director and Coordinator Dr. Suryamani Patra presented detailed research findings, highlighting the crucial role of indigenous food systems in improving child nutrition and food security among tribal communities.
The Chief Guest, Sub-Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Jeypore Yadumani Nayak, emphasized the gradual disappearance of traditional millet-based foods and dishes like pakhala bhata, stressing their nutritional value and cultural importance.
Former CDMO of Koraput Dr. Arun Kumar Padhi, as Guest of Honour, spoke about health indicators and underlined the importance of traditional diets in combating malnutrition and diseases. Renowned tribal culture expert Dr. Rajendra Kumar Padhi highlighted the scientific basis behind traditional agriculture and food systems and stressed the need for their revival.
Other dignitaries, including District Agriculture Officer Bhavani Shankar Mahapatra, ICDS Program Officer Sandhya Rani Patra, and agricultural scientist Dr. Kartik Charan Lenka of MSSRF, also addressed the gathering.
The program was chaired by MSSRF Jeypore Director Prashant Kumar Parija, who emphasized the strength of traditional agricultural and food systems and the need to revive them. Research scholar Namrata Behera delivered the vote of thanks.
As part of the program, tribal representatives such as Raimati Ghieu Piuria, Chandrama Balia, and Laichan Majhi were honored for their contributions to preserving indigenous food traditions. Informational booklets on Paraja culture, child nutrition guidelines, and the importance of millets were distributed among participants.
A live demonstration of millet-based complementary food preparation attracted special attention, especially among tribal mothers.
The event witnessed active participation from members of tribal communities, students, teachers, and scientists of MSSRF, making it a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and awareness.