4 November 2026, Hyderabad
ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), Hyderabad, organised a series of awareness and participatory activities as part of BRICS Sustainable Lifestyle Week 2026, being observed from 1–7 November 2026 under the theme “One Week, Seven Actions, One Planet.” The programme was organised in alignment with India's BRICS Chairship 2026 and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), emphasising the importance of translating sustainability awareness into practical actions.
Addressing the participants, Dr C. Tara Satyavathi, Director, ICAR–IIMR, highlighted the importance of adopting environmentally responsible lifestyles and making conscious choices in everyday life to protect natural resources for future generations. She emphasised the need for judicious and efficient utilisation of available resources, conservation of water and energy, minimising food losses, reducing waste and avoiding single-use plastics. She also stressed the importance of responsible consumption, healthy dietary practices and sustainable food systems in addressing present-day environmental and climate challenges.
Referring to the theme for 4 November, “Adopt Sustainable Food Systems,” she highlighted that sustainability extends beyond food production and also involves responsible use of natural resources, minimising post-harvest losses, improving storage and processing practices, promoting nutritious foods and ensuring efficient food distribution. She emphasised the significant role of millets in sustainable food systems, given their nutritional diversity, traditional importance and adaptability to diverse agricultural and climatic conditions. She encouraged participants to adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives and contribute collectively towards environmental conservation.
As part of the programme, participants took a pledge to adopt sustainable lifestyles and contribute towards the seven identified action areas, including healthy lifestyles, energy conservation, water conservation, sustainable food systems, avoiding single-use plastics and reducing waste and e-waste. A special “Cooking with Millets” demonstration was organised to familiarise participants with the versatility and nutritional potential of millets in everyday diets. Participants were introduced to the preparation of four millet-based dishes, namely Kodo Millet Coconut Rice, Little Millet Payasam, Jowar Roti and Ragi Laddu. The demonstration highlighted the potential of millets as nutritious and sustainable food choices while encouraging their incorporation into regular diets.
The programme also featured a cleanliness drive at the ICAR–IIMR GTC fields, wherein participants actively took part in maintaining a clean and healthy environment. A practical demonstration on compost making was also conducted to create awareness about biodegradable waste management, recycling of organic materials and converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Participants further visited the Shree Anna Processing and Training Unit at ICAR–IIMR, where they were familiarised with millet processing technologies, value addition and the potential of millets in strengthening sustainable food systems.
A total of 24 Self-Help Group (SHG) members and 40 students from Telangana participated in the programme and actively engaged in the awareness sessions, pledge-taking, millet cooking demonstration and environmental activities. Through these initiatives, ICAR–IIMR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable food systems, millet-based nutrition, responsible resource utilisation and environmentally conscious practices. The programme reinforced the message that small, conscious actions at the individual and community levels can collectively contribute to protecting the planet and securing a sustainable future for generations to come.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research, Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree Anna), Hyderabad)
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