Mysuru: Renowned millet expert and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Khadar Vali, popularly known as the ‘Millet Man,’ inaugurated Ganeshotsava at ‘Sri Madhava Krupa’ on JLB Road in city on Monday.

Meanwhile, well-known Physician and Star of Mysore columnist Dr. K. Javeed Nayeem inaugurated the exhibition showcasing the journey of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Several members of the Muslim community were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javeed Nayeem said communal harmony had been his dream since childhood and called upon people to work together to strengthen it.

“Unity is our strength and harmony is essential for the progress of the society,” he said adding that greater awareness about the Sangh Parivar would help dispel misconceptions and promote better understanding among communities.

“It is not right to criticise the Sangh Parivar without understanding its work. Once we understand its service activities, we can appreciate its importance, strength and role in nation-building,” he opined.

Describing the RSS exhibition as significant, Dr. Javeed said, “The message conveyed by this exhibition is extremely important. Communal harmony is the strength of the nation and is essential for its progress.”

Role of Millets

Dr. Khadar Vali, who also spoke, stressed the need for sustainable agriculture and food practices.

Explaining the health concerns associated with excessive consumption of meat, he said millets and plant-based proteins could play an important role in promoting healthier lifestyles.

“There should be a wider discussion and debate on sustainable food practices. Millets have a major role to play in a sustainable lifestyle,” he opined.

Dr. Vali also said the practices and traditions of Sanatana Dharma had universal values and that many traditional practices had scientific reasoning behind them.

“If people understand the scientific reasons behind these practices, it can add greater meaning to life,” he stated.

Chamarajanagar University Vice-Chancellor Prof. M.R. Gangadhar, Ganeshotsava Committee President Dr. Balakrishna Gowda, Darshan Raj, R. Vasudev Bhat and others attended the celebrations.