The 177th Seminar of the Global Millets Foundation (GMF) and the Sustainable Development Forum (SDF) was held on 28th December 2025. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. K. M. George, who highlighted the objectives of GMF and SDF in promoting millets, wellness, and sustainable development. This was followed by the Presidential Address by Executive Chairman Dr. Mathew Abraham, who explained wellness as a holistic concept encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being.
Dr. Mathew Abraham emphasized that true wellness can be achieved only when the body, mind, and social relationships remain in harmony. He explained the importance of “Śabda OM” in ancient Indian culture, highlighting its role in mental balance, inner peace, and spiritual wellness. He also elaborated on the philosophy of the Four Agreements: do not take anything personally, do not make assumptions, always do your best, and be impeccable with your word, explaining how these principles improve emotional stability and social harmony.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by HG Dr. Thomas Athanasius. The keynote speaker, Dr. B. J. Meledom, Managing Director of Trans Synergy Qualisystems, was formally introduced by Dr. A. C. Peter, and a ceremonial Ponnada was presented to him by Mr. Pulikeel Thomas.
In his keynote address, Dr. Meledom delivered a comprehensive session on Food Quality and Food Security based on his extensive experience in government-supported food quality systems. He explained that food security is closely linked to the Right to Food, which includes the right to safe, nutritious, and healthy food. He traced the development of food safety regulations in India, beginning with the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (1954) and the Export Quality Control Act (1963), which strengthened export standards.
Dr. Meledom highlighted that food exports such as spices, seafood, cashew, and fish products increased significantly after 1994 due to improved quality control systems. He explained the evolution of food quality assessment from basic organoleptic tests to advanced microbiological testing, heavy metal analysis, antibiotic and residue testing, and aquaculture quality monitoring. He also explained the role of WHO and FAO in developing Codex Alimentarius standards, which later became part of WTO trade regulations.
He discussed the role and limitations of FSSAI in regulating food safety in India and stressed the need for strong public awareness to prevent food adulteration. He highlighted national campaigns promoting low salt, low sugar, and low fat diets, and to reduce oil consumption by five percent. He strongly emphasized the need for avoiding junk and ultra-processed foods, warning that unhealthy food habits could lead to a major public health crisis.
The keynote speaker emphasized the importance of millets, yoga, and meditation for nutritional security and ensuring wellness. He compared Indian food habits with those of Japan, noting that Japanese lifestyles prioritize more of fresh, foods and using minimally processed foods. He also stressed environmental responsibility, advising against dumping expired food in rivers and ponds, and warning against washing fish with chlorinated water, which can cause serious health hazards.
Dr. Meledom cautioned against pesticide exposure, explaining that contact with pesticide-contaminated water on open wounds could be carcinogenic. He also emphasized the need to protect the health and safety of employees working in food industries. He concluded by urging GMF and SDF to act as agents of change by leading a millet revolution through affordability, accessibility, policy recommendations, and collaboration with Local Self Government institutions.
After the keynote address, Dr. Meledom interacted with the audience and answered questions. The seminar was concluded with Take-Home Points by Dr. PO Abraham and a New Year Message delivered by Prof Dr. A P Eldose and the Vote of Thanks proposed by Mr. Sabu George. The seminar was highly informative and well appreciated by the participants, providing valuable insights into wellness, food quality, food security, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development.
Approved by Dr. KM George—Secretary General –GMF—2nd Jan 2026
