In the two-day web symposium concluded on Wednesday, a clear message- ‘Sthaniya Aaharam Sampannam Poshanam’ (Local Food For Wholesome Nutrition) was given. The symposium was jointly organised by Indian Council of Medical Research- National Institute of Nutrition and Tata Sampann. While inaugurating the symposium, Dr Hemalatha R, Director, ICMR- National Institute of Nutrition said, “The National Institute of Nutrition (Indian Council of Medical Research), has been a strong proponent of dietary diversity and food based approach to tackle the problems of undernutrition, overnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Inadequate consumption of different food groups including fruit, vegetables, milk, protein rich foods could lead to a lot of health issues including micronutrient deficiencies which could in turn lead to inflammation, overweight, obesity, NCDs as well as undernutrition." She also alluded to the need to be vocal for local foods. A stellar line-up of speakers brought to the fore India’s rich and varied food wisdom and diversity in four panel discussions that covered a) Local food for Total Nutrition b) In pursuit of health, factors influencing food choices of today c) Can convenience, taste and nutrition co-exist? d) The journey of Indian food and nutrition through history. The eminent speakers addressed many questions that baffle consumers around food, while busting myths and sharing age-old wisdom and advice. The takeaway was that the grains, pulses, legumes, vegetables, fruits etc that one gets across regions in India, are packed with more than a punch to address nutritional demand of Indians. Richa Arora, President, Packaged Foods, Tata Consumer Products, India said that the Tata Sampann brand is committed to nutrition by bringing traditional Indian food wisdom to the modern Indian plate. "Right from where we source, to how we deliver, we are focussed on delivering wholesome and complete nutritional superiority in every product, and nothing but the best to the people of India. We are delighted to partner ICMR-NIN in the ‘Sthaniya Aaharam Sampannam Poshanam’ symposium that highlights the role of local Indian ingredients and their wholesome health benefits. The knowledge exchanged in this forum, on traditional food wisdom and the science behind it, is a great resource for consumer’s too to make the right food choices, full of nutrition and health," she added. With some of the best minds in health, food and nutrition coming together in engaging conversations, the symposium established that Indians need to look no further than that food eaten across ages in our country for wholesome and complete poshan. Going back local foods and traditional, wholesome Indian thali can mean a return of the much-needed food diversity in our meals, which is a great way to address not just malnutrition, but also hidden hunger that is a growing concern for health in India.

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