RSS think-tank to hold discussion on planning nutritious meals

If the RSS has its way, Indians would soon be having a "nutritious thali" that is being devised by its think-tank Deendayal Research Institute (DRI) in adherence to the "holistic Bharatiya philosophy".
The thali, which is being planned to "nourish body, mind and soul", can also be used in mid-day meals served in schools.
The DRI, which has been designated as the knowledge partner by the Union Culture Ministry, will submit a proposal to the Centre for this thali which will be named as 'Nanaji Thali', after its founder Nanaji Deshmukh.
For finalising the ingredients of this thali, the DRI is going to organise a two-day seminar on the theme 'Devising and Ensuring a Nutritious Thaali for every Indian' in Shillong starting from June 23.

"In the seminar there will be deliberations on devising and ensuring a nutritious thali, which is made up of indigenous ingredients, based on the Bharatiya philosophy, and can nourish body, mind and soul," DRI general secretary Atul Jain said.
He said the purpose behind the exercise is to select food items from across the country and combine them into a thali which ensures "nutritional security".

The seminar will be attended by nutritionists, agriculture scientists, social activists, policy makers, among others.
So far, three workshops have already been held to discuss this subject, Jain said.
The main focus of the exercise is to ensure a balanced- diet for every Indian which should include grains, pulses, coarse grains, vegetables, spices, milk and dairy products, fruits, etc, he said.

The programme is being organised by the DRI, while Central government's agriculture research body ICAR will host it.