Mangaluru: The Departments of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Food Science and Food Processing and Engineering jointly celebrated “World Food Day” on October 16 in the campus.
The chief guest of the programme was Former Head, College of Fisheries, Mangaluru, Prof. Dr. Shamsundar B.A., Principal of St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ, presided over the programme. Participants from various Colleges affiliated to Mangalore University participated in the event.
Dr. Shamasundar in his address applauded the management and staff for organizing such a meaningful programme. He explained the importance of “World Food Day” which had come into existence in the year 1980 with a theme to elevate hunger problem.
He said, “The food production growth during the year 1951 was 50 million tons and now it has been raised up to 285 million tons. India stands first in the production of milk, jute and rice and No.2 position in sugar, wheat etc.
“While economy collapses, the agriculture production also reduces. 30% of the population is going hungry due to insufficient supply of food”, he added. He urged the students to learn with dedication and work towards a zero hunger world.
Dr. Shamsundar said, “Every year, the FAO presents the World Food Prize and so far six Indians have received the prize. Father of Green Revolution M.S. Swaminathan, is the first person to receive this award”.
Principal Rev. Dr Praveen Martis SJ congratulated the PG departments for organizing such a wonderful programme.
He said, “Due to the inventions of the scientists, the food production growth rate has risen. But there is still 30% of the population, surviving without food. In many instances, food is wasted and doesn’t reach the needy. We could make it possible to have the food reached to the needy and eliminate hunger”.
Meantime, he also urged the students to become entrepreneurs and join hands for this great movement.
There were 2 sessions namely, “Food Industry entrepreneurship and contributions of the food industry towards zero hunger of the world” by Director, Ace Food Pvt. Ltd, Mangaluru, M Annappa Pai, and “Artisan cheese making: Art with Science” by Product Innovation Head, Akshayakalpa Farms and Food Pvt. Ltd, Tiptur, Mukund Naidu.
Besides this, there was a demonstration on ‘Cheese production in Industry’ by Mukund Naidu of Akshayakalpa Farms.
Registrar Dr A.M. Narahari, Rev. Dr Leo D’Souza, HoD of PG Studies and Research in Food Science Dr Raghavendra, Dr Adarsha Gowda from DDU Kaushal Kendra, St. Aloysius College Convenor Shilpa Lekha were present on the dais.
Student of II M.Sc Namrah. compered the programme. Director, DDU Kaushal Kendra Dr Richard Gonsalves, welcomed the gathering. Danilla L. Chyne introduced the guests. Lecturer of PG Studies and Research in Food Science Shilpa Lekha, proposed the vote of thanks.