The Sustainable Development Forum (SDF) was established in 1998 as the River View Discussion Forum, focusing on sustainable development themes. In 2023, aligning with the International Year of Millets, the Global Millets Foundation (GMF) was launched as a specialized think tank under the SDF umbrella. Both entities operate as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), committed to fostering awareness and inclusive development.
Leadership:
• Executive Chairman: Dr. KPP Nambiar, former FAO INFOFISH Director, brings extensive global expertise to the organization.
• Secretary-General: Dr. KM George, a former UN professional and ADB expert in Microfinance, Monitoring & Evalution and Inclusive Development, leads with vast experience in implementing sustainable practices over 50 years in15,000 villages and nearly 120,000 stakeholders form India, Papua New Guinea, North Korea, Afghanistan, Rwanda and South Sudan.
Core Activities:
Since inception, SDF has conducted 167 monthly awareness seminars, covering a diverse range of topics, including:
• Millets and Wellness: Advocating the benefits of millets for sustainable food security and nutrition.
• UN SDGs: Promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals to foster global progress.
• COP Initiatives: Addressing climate change and environmental sustainability.
• Microfinance & Inclusive Development: Empowering marginalized communities through financial inclusion advisory services.
Vision and Values:
• Motto: “To know and proclaim, not to argue and win.”
• Philosophy: SDF & GMF believe in collaborative efforts, symbolized by the metaphor, “Together, we form the garden.”
• The organizations are fully secular, non-political, and non-religious, ensuring inclusivity and neutrality in all initiatives.
Global Reach:
SDF & GMF have regional chapters and are recognized for their excellence and impactful performance, drawing upon the diverse expertise of a distinguished governing board and members with rich experience in India and abroad.
Major Speakers
We are honoured to have nearly 200 distinguished thought leaders, practitioners, and world-renowned experts addressing us. This esteemed group includes:
• Dr. K.C. Chakravarthy, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Prof. Dr. George M. Varghese, an infectious disease expert from CMC Vellore.
• Dr. Prem Nair, Dean of Amrita Medical College.
• Leading medical professionals from Kottayam, Kolenchery, and Pushpagiri Medical Colleges.
• International practitioners such as Dr. K.P.P. Nambiar, Dr. T.A. Varkey, and Dr. K.K., Director at ADB Manila.
• Prof. Schwa Stone from the USA.
• Eminent figures like Mr. Joy P. Jacob, Mr. P.H. Kurian IAS, and Padma Shri Dr. Jose Periyappuram.
• Renowned social activist Madam Daya Bai.
• Wellness and Millets experts like Dr. P.E. Abraham.
• Agricultural professionals such as Mr. P.J. Joseph.
• Top urologists, including Air Marshal Dr. Madhusoodanan, Dr. Sunil George, Dr. Shall Kakkatil and Dr. George P. Abraham.
• Leading endocrinologists like Prof. Dr. Philip Augustine and Prof. Dr. R.V. Jayakumar.
• Inclusive development experts such as Dr. Christy Fernandez IAS.
• Dr. Kishore; Professor Dr. Mathew Parakkal; Professor Dr. Abraham Ittyacahan; Prof Dr. Sojan Ipe; Dr. Ajith: Prof Dr. PS John
• Ms Sofia MS
• Er Karthik
• Mr Nassar Ezhutenikkad
• Dr. EM Muralidharan
• Professor Dr. PO Ouseph
• Rev Professor Dr. Mulamoottil
• HG Dr. Koorilose
• HG Dr. Athanasius
• HG Gregorious Malankara Metropolitan
• Mr AM Muhammed IPS Rtd
This exceptional lineup reflects a diverse array of expertise, ensuring a truly enriching experience for all participants.
Milestones:
Milestones of the Global Millets Foundation (GMF)
There is one new GMF Regional chapter set up in West Bengal chirred by Professor Dr. Suparna Mukherjee. They have taken up Millet cultivation among the tribals.
- Awareness and Training Initiatives
• Organized special cooking lessons and millet awareness programs promoting wellness at:
o UC College, Aluva, Kerala
o Bharat Mata College, Trikkakkara
o Samwarthika Ayurveda Research Centre by Ms. Sofia and her team
o Cooking demonstration classes for women self-help groups in Trikkakkara and Kothamangalam by Mr. Nassar Ezhathinikkad and team - Recognition and Awards
• Ms. Sofia, our Millets Innovation Director, received the prestigious Innovation Award from the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), ICAR, Government of India. - Advocacy and Outreach
• Mrs. Fausia Azad, GMF Outreach Advisor, actively participated in seminars on millets and wellness held across New Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut, Thrissur, and Ernakulam. - Establishment of Millet Retail Shops
• Life members Mr. Ajikumar Nayar and team have established millet shops in Ernakulam, Pala, and Perumbavoor to provide quality millets at affordable prices.
• Mr. Benny Kurian and Mr. M.C. Kuriakose set up shops in Kolenchery and Ramamangalam, targeting rural customers. - Online and Global Accessibility
• Ms. Sofia and her team have launched online millet sales platforms, ensuring accessibility to needy customers worldwide. - Impact Metrics
• GMF has reached approximately 5,000 wellness customers through quality millet distribution during 2023 and 2024.
Way Forward for 2025 - Conduct Millets and Wellness Seminars
• Target: Organize nine seminars across different locations under the banners of SDF and GMF.
• Focus Areas: Highlight the role of millets in promoting health, nutrition security, and sustainable agriculture.
• Audience: Health enthusiasts, farmers, nutritionists, and policymakers. - Training on Millet Usage for Nutrition Security
• Target Groups: Needy schools and local self-government organizations like panchayats (target: 10 organizations).
• Key Objectives:
o Educate participants on incorporating millets into daily diets.
o Demonstrate millet-based recipes and their nutritional benefits. - Outreach to Other Regions in India, Africa, and Asia
• Goal: Extend millet propagation efforts to ensure affordability and accessibility for the underprivileged.
• Action Plan:
o Partner with local NGOs and community leaders in targeted regions.
o Focus on supply chain improvements to reduce costs.
o Introduce training modules on millet cultivation and consumption. - Establish New Chapters to Promote Wellness Through Millets
• Aim: Set up more result-oriented branches to build awareness about millet’s health benefits.
• Strategy:
o Train volunteers who are passionate about nutrition and wellness.
o Develop localized awareness campaigns tailored to community needs.
o Collaborate with healthcare providers and educational institutions.
The foundation have become trusted think tank in areas like sustainability, wellness, and inclusive growth, continuing to be sought-after for their pioneering approaches.
For inquiries, collaboration, or more information, feel free to reach out to Dr. KM George, Secretary-General, or any member of the governing board. ( 994 – 767-0887)