Uyaarthinai Foods Private Limited

In 2009, I began conducting self-funded annual medical camps in rural villages near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, and Karaikal, Pondicherry, hoping to raise awareness of nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices to prevent diabetes, obesity, and other non-communicable diseases. With the help of local NGOs Kudumbam and Thiruvalluvar Education Trust, we conduct these camps for 4-5 days every summer, providing free diabetes screening and treatment for 300-500 patients. To my surprise, I found insulin-requiring diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease frequently in these rural populations, despite the majority of them being underweight and only eating 1-2 meals per day. In digging deeper, I learned that their disease is caused by eating too much highly polished, low-fiber rice , which is provided to them for free or subsidized prices from the government via the Public Distribution System in lieu of fruits, vegetables, and unpolished high-fiber,high-protein grains such as millets. I was heartbroken to learn that people who do not have enough food to eat can still develop non-communicable diseases because of the lack of nutrition in the food provided to them and their sole dependence on these foods. Overconsumption of polished rice and other carbohydrates (making up more than 75% of the average person’s daily calories) is one of the greatest reasons for the increased occurrence of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases in Tamil Nadu. About 45 per cent of the population did not meet WHO recommendation for protein due to low intake of pulses, fresh foods and dairy products and more than half (57.1%) exceeded the limit of salt intake, 99% of the Tamil Nadu population is not meeting the WHO recommendations for protein, fruits, vegetables. To stop the vicious cycle of consumption of polished rice, we must eat more millet-based dishes and increase the demand for high-fiber, high-protein grains, to increase production and reduce the price of millets . Thus, Uyarthinai was created. By developing millet-based recipes for our everyday dishes, without any of the additives used at other restaurants, we demonstrate that with the right recipe, we can choose healthy and nutritious food without sacrificing taste, time, or affordability. We can encourage families to adopt millets in their everyday lives, prevent health problems, and promote a healthy yet delicious lifestyle in our communities. We can be the change . Thank you for supporting us in this ambitious cause.