Annual Convention of Ragi-Growing Farmers at Sathya Sai Grama Highlights Transformative “Soil to School to Society” Vision

In his deeply inspiring keynote address, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai spoke extensively about restoring dignity and respect to the farming community, emphasizing that farmers are the very embodiment of selfless service, much like nature itself which gives unconditionally without expecting anything in return. Reflecting on former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s timeless slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” He observed that while society rightly honours those who protect the nation, equal respect and gratitude must be extended to those who feed the nation. He expressed immense happiness that farmers had voluntarily embraced organic and natural farming, recognizing that the nutritious ragi they cultivate directly nourishes over one crore children across the country.

In a landmark announcement, Sadguru introduced a pioneering Farmer Certification Program through Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence, through which farmers will, for the very first time in India, receive formal recognition and certification for their traditional agricultural knowledge under a rigorous evaluation framework.

Reaffirming the organization’s unwavering commitment to child nutrition, He further shared the collective resolve to expand the Morning Nutrition Program from 1 crore children to 2 crore children, reminding everyone of the mission that “Everything can wait, but a hungry child cannot.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shobha Karandlaje appreciated the initiative as a powerful and timely model for India’s agricultural future. She highlighted how India has increasingly recognized the importance of millets, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural practices, particularly after the global focus brought by the International Year of Millets. She emphasized that Indian farmers remain the backbone of the nation’s food security and economy, and appreciated the efforts being undertaken to promote sustainable farming while simultaneously addressing malnutrition among children.

Captain Dr. K. Rajendra, Director of Agriculture, Government of Karnataka, spoke about the growing concerns surrounding excessive dependency on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and unsustainable farming practices that have negatively impacted soil health over time. Referring to recent policy directions encouraging natural farming, he stressed the need for gradual but determined transition toward sustainable agricultural practices. He appreciated the institution for building a model where improved nutrition outcomes for children are directly linked with farmer welfare and environmental sustainability, while reaffirming the Agriculture Department’s willingness to support such impactful initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. V. Suresh, Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore, described the initiative as a first-of-its-kind value-based organic farming movement. He reflected on how modern farming practices and overdependence on chemicals have gradually depleted soil quality and affected long-term public health. Stressing the nutritional importance of traditional millets such as ragi, he remarked that natural and organic farming is not simply an alternative but represents the future of agriculture. Inspired by the movement, he shared that the university itself is now introducing new academic programs focused on natural farming practices.

Shri Guruparadeshi Kendra Swamiji of Rangapura Mutt praised the institution for undertaking such a noble mission that not only serves children but also guides farmers toward a path rooted in values, sustainability, and service to society. He observed that very few institutions today actively work to provide farmers with direction and moral guidance while prioritizing societal welfare over material pursuits. Urging farmers to gradually move away from modern farming methods dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides, he encouraged them to embrace natural and organic farming as a more sustainable and spiritually aligned way of living and serving society.

Representing the farmer community, Shri Ananda Aa Shri, Chairman of Subhiksha Organic Farmers, reflected on the deeper spiritual symbolism of farmers offering ragi seeds for blessings. He described how seeds, which have increasingly become commodities in modern times, were now becoming instruments of transformation — improving soil health, promoting organic cultivation, reducing child malnutrition, and reconnecting farming with its sacred purpose of serving society.

The convention served as a powerful reminder that what began as a child nutrition movement focused on addressing hunger has now evolved into a much larger people’s movement bringing together farmers, communities, sustainability, technology, public health, and service into one interconnected ecosystem of transformation.

As this mission continues to expand, the larger vision remains clear — to build a future where healthy soil creates healthy harvests, healthy children, stronger communities, and ultimately, a healthier world for generations to come.