Khadar Valli: The Millet Man of India
Khadar Valli, a name now synonymous with the Millet Movement in India, is a remarkable changemaker whose journey is an inspiring testament to his unwavering dedication to promoting the use of small millets for improved health and sustainable living. Born in the town of Proddutur in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, Khadar Valli’s remarkable career has been characterized by a commitment to uncovering the traditional health secrets of small millets and disseminating their benefits to society.
Educated in Mysore and Bangalore, Khadar Valli embarked on a journey of higher studies in the United States, where he secured a comfortable job. However, the pervasive commodification and commercialization of every facet of life, including the food we consume, left him deeply perturbed. This inner turmoil fueled his decision to leave his well-established career in America behind, returning to Mysore, the place of his education, where he began shaping his ideas and dreams.
For over two decades, Khadar Valli has championed the idea that people can attain the wealth of health through the regular consumption of small millets, thereby nurturing a healthier society. This conviction has been the driving force behind his extensive studies, research, and educational initiatives to propagate the knowledge he has acquired. His tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the resurgence of small millets in Indian society.
Khadar Valli’s mission revolves around passing down the wisdom of traditional crops to the present generation. His words and actions have illuminated a path in India, rekindling the appreciation and utilization of small millets whose benefits had faded into obscurity. His departure from a comfortable job in the United States to return to India and foster health has transformed him into a true changemaker in this field.
Related Post: 11 Health Benefits of Millets
In recognition of his pioneering work, India conferred upon Dr. Khadar Valli Dudekula the prestigious Padma Shri award during the 74th Republic Day celebrations. As an independent scientist and food expert, he has revived five vanishing millet varieties, thereby becoming a leading advocate for millet cultivation and utilization.
Khadar Valli’s journey is a testament to his profound commitment to health, sustainability, and a healthier society. After completing his education in India and postdoctoral research in environmental science in the USA, he worked with prestigious organizations such as the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and DuPont, conducting groundbreaking research on the medicinal properties of grains, eventually naming them “Siridhanya.”
Notably, Khadar Valli’s dedication extends to his patients, whom he treats with recommendations for Siridhanya consumption, plant/tree leaf decoctions, and homeopathic remedies. He firmly believes that conventional staples like rice, wheat, and the consumption of certain foods, along with the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, are contributing to environmental pollution and the rapid spread of deadly diseases. Khadar Valli asserts that Siridhanya can facilitate the prevention and cure of various health issues.
Download: Siridhanya Protocols by Dr.Khadar Valli
His influence extends across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and beyond, where the populace reveres him. Beyond health, he passionately educates people about agriculture, farming practices, and environmental conservation. Khadar Valli’s dream is to cultivate a healthy and sustainable society.
In pursuit of his mission to provide Indians with the right food, Khadar Valli embarked on an inspiring journey to collect millet seeds from farmers in and around Mysore. He cultivated these seeds on land he purchased, showcasing to farmers that millets are not only more cost-effective than rice but also environmentally friendly.
Khadar Valli firmly believes that millets hold the key to addressing the world’s food crisis, as they can be grown in diverse locations, saving billions in transportation costs and significantly reducing carbon footprints. His efforts have undeniably transformed countless lives and solidified his status as a true changemaker in the millet movement. Khadar Valli’s remarkable story is a testament to the power of dedication, knowledge, and a visionary spirit in effecting positive change.
Author: Tapas Chandra Roy, A Certified Farm Advisor on Millets, ‘Promoting Millets from Farm to Plate’, and an Author of the book -” Millet Business Ideas-Empowering Millet Startups”. In a mission to take the forgotten grains- Millets to Millions. To remain updated on my blogs on Millets, please subscribe to my newsletter, and for any queries, please feel free to write to [email protected]
Really a inspiring story
Congratulations