Millets are small-grained cereal crops that are widely grown around the world, particularly in marginal or low-fertile semi-arid soils. There are many different types of millet, including sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, porso millet, barnyard millet, and little and Kodo millet. Millets are highly nutritious, gluten-free, and have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for people with dietary concerns. Apart from that, they are high in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Millets are called Nutri cereals as they provide nutrients for the normal functioning of the human body. 

The origin of millets is traced back to ancient times, as they were among the first crops to be cultivated by early humans. The millets originated in Asia and Africa, and evidence traces them back to 8000 BCE when foxtail millets were cultivated in China. They were also cultivated in other parts of Asia, including India and the Middle East, and were important sources for many ancient civilizations. 

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN, the global production of millet in 2020 was 30.48 million metric tons, with India being the largest producer followed by Niger and countries like China, Nigeria, Mali, etc.

Though India is the largest producer of millets, the share of millets in total food grain production has dropped from 40 to 10 percent, and the area has decreased. The production and consumption of rice and wheat over the years and becomes the staple food. Rice has replaced millet to be eaten directly, while wheat flour has replaced flours made from millet.

In India, millets are primarily cultivated in 21 states over an area of 12.53 million hectares, producing 15.53 million tons at a yield of 1237 kg per ha. The major reasons for the decline in millets over the years in India were found to be high remuneration given to other competing crops, subsidized supply of other cereals through PDS, a lack of subsidies for inputs, and changes in consumer preferences. The green revolution did have mixed effects on the millets.

However, millet’s popularity is slowly rising again due to its nutritive values, and efforts have been made to increase production through programs such as ODOP, Millet Mission, Millet Village Scheme, Mid-Day Meal, and Nutrihug-TBI. 2023 has been declared the International Year of Millet by the UN to raise awareness and pay attention to the nutritional and health benefits of millet and the indigenous crops.

Millets are versatile, grown with minimum inputs and can be used in a variety of dishes, including bread, porridge, and even beer. In recent times, the value-added products out of millets are increasing tremendously. They are superfood that has the potential to play a significant in addressing the global health and food security issues.

Here are some of the yummy traditional millet recipes: cumbu kool, ragi kali, samai pongal, ragi dosa, foxtail bisibelebath, and many more.

Cheers!

Check out the similar posts: #Decodeagri05: Hidden costs of the rice revolution! & other Agri posts

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Bioluminescence is derived from both Greek and Latin words, bio meaning “live” and lumen meaning “light.” Bioluminescence is the production and emission of light from living organisms. It is a form of chemiluminescence. It was initially referred to as “animal light” in ancient Chinese poetry, but Aristotle recorded bioluminescence in detail during his study as organisms were capable of self-luminosity.

It is seen in a wide range of living things, including bacteria, fungi, insects, sea invertebrates, fish, octopuses, and other aquatic creatures. Some articles state that certain mammals like platypuses glow under UV light.

Most organisms emit light because of the chemical reaction, and a few organisms have light organs called photophores. The reaction requires the substrate (luciferin) and the enzyme (luciferase or photoprotein). The substrate is oxidized into the products in an excited state (oxyluciferin) and emits extra energy in the form of light.

Some organisms synthesize luciferin on their own. While others absorb it from others in the form of food or through symbiotic relationships. Most of the reactions involve luciferin and luciferase; if not, they are catalyzed by photoprotein.

The major reasons for the evolution of bioluminescence are

• Defensive Adaptions: Protection and Survival
• Offensive Adaptions: Food and Prey
• Attraction: Potential mates
• To spread its spores (Fungi)
• Oxygen-Neutralizing defensive mechanism

It was interesting to read that an article stated that some lower organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, may be an evolutionary holdover from periods when the Earth’s atmosphere contained little oxygen and was toxic to primitive organisms. Even after adapting to an oxygen-rich environment, bioluminescence may represent a defense mechanism that neutralizes oxygen. However, it is still unclear where most bioluminescent systems came from in terms of evolution.

Cheers!

PS: Detailed instructions for photographing sea sparkle.

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Yes, it’s about writer’s block. I didn’t know even an amateur struggles with writing about a topic and I wasn’t aware of the term. I believe it wasn’t due to the search for new, original ideas but rather to having too many topics to write on and perfectionism. There are many factors to be considered while writing, such as finding an interesting topic,  building a story, keeping the audience engaged, sharing the information, etc.

My biggest mistake was scheduling the writing and wanting it to be perfect. Ideas usually come to me when I’m about to fall asleep or taking my dog for a walk, but when I sit down to write, they vanish. One more reason is that I had too many topics on my mind (the Elephant Whisperers, Dogs, and the Summary of The Obstacle is the Way, Ayali). The Internet and social media fed us with a wide range of information and focus becomes scarce.

Here are a few tips or exact words from my favorite writers that I came across while searching for a solution.

1. Novelist William Maughan said there are three rules to good writing. “Unfortunately no one knows what they are.”
2. Writer’s block is a myth. Until you have done fifty thousand words of bad writing, you have no idea if you’re a writer or not.
3. Write it instead of wanting it to be perfect.
4. While experimenting with ideas, stay in the middle between the writing style of your favorite writer and your unique style in the beginning and can scale it up.
5. Good ideas can’t be scheduled. There is no specific time to receive mail from Godin.
6. Write simply
7. Sleep on everything before hitting the publish button.
8. Get feedback from people who a) believe in you b) root for you c) be completely aware that what they’re reading isn’t your max potential but you experimenting, gaining confidence, and trying to figure out your voice.

Cheers!

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India’s population stood at 1.417 billion at the end of 2022, according to estimates from the World Population Review. As of January 23, the population stands at 1.423 billion, and it’s expected to reach the milestone in the latter part of the year. While China’s population is aging quickly and shrank in 2022 for the first time since the final year of the Great Famine in the 1960s, half of India’s population is under the age of 30. India is expected to have a large working population by the year 2100.

Though the population of India is growing, inequality in terms of income and gender also widens. Five percent of Indians own more than 60 percent of the country’s wealth, while the bottom 50 percent of India’s population possess only three percent of the wealth, according to Oxfam India’s latest report.

India ranks 123 and 135 globally according to the world inequality report and the gender gap index, respectively. Along with that, there has been a rise in unemployment over the years.

A few articles say that some younger Indians, aspiring to white-collar work, are deferring employment rather than laboring in a factory. About half of the potential workers under the age of 30 aren’t even looking for jobs. When asked about the differences between the Bay Area and India, Julie Zhuo stated that young people in India prefer a sense of stability and the prospect of working in a prestigious company over working in a startup. 

The Indian business elite is optimistic despite the changes. Startups and unicorns are becoming more common, and both groups are flourishing. According to the report, India is fundamentally doing very well despite the disruption in supply chains, the rise in oil prices, the inflation crisis, and the war crisis. Here is the ranking of the top 25 economies and the reference scenario in 2030, 2050, and 2100.

Leaving that behind, there was an interesting podcast on the behavior of Indian consumers. The major highlights discussed are

• Collective spending over individualistic spending
• Different Marshall hierarchy of needs (social status)
• The majority of annual income is spent on weddings, education, and health
• Less female labor participation compared to other countries like China, the US, South Korea, etc. (the percentage has even dropped after the pandemic).
• Trust is hyperlocal or hypernational
• Most of the financial products are held by men
• Best years for building a tech startup

Cheers!

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Thiruvalluvar, known as Valluvar is a Tamil poet and philosopher. He is the author of Thirukkural (திருக்குறள்), a collection of couplets on virtue, wealth, and love. Thirukkural consists of 1330 Kurals and each kural has only seven words. The above picture is a statue of Valluvar standing on an island in Kanyakumari. Thiruvalluvar day is usually celebrated on Jan 15 in the state of Tamil Nadu to honor him and his works on Tamil Literature. Here are a few kurals with English translations.

உடைமையுள் இன்மை விருந்தோம்பல் ஓம்பா 
மடமை மடவார்கண் உண்டு (8)

There are fools who choose to be poor despite possessing wealth, by not being hospitable to guests.

குழலினி தியாழினி தென்பதம் மக்கள் 
மழலைச்சொல் கேளா தவர் (66)

Only those who don't listen to their baby's sweet babble will claim that a flute or yazh sounds melodious.

புகழ்பட வாழாதார் தந்நோவார் தம்மை 
இகழ்வாரை நோவ தெவன் (237)

Why do those, who live no fame, instead of blaming themselves, blame those who revile them

புணர்ச்சி பழகுதல் வேண்டா உணர்ச்சிதான் 
நட்பாங் கிழமை தரும் (785)

Friendship is forged on shared feelings; physical proximity or long association is inconsequential. 

பகைநட்பாக் கொண்டொழுகும் பண்புடை யாளன் 
தகைமைக்கண் தங்கிற் றுலகு (874)

The one with the virtue of turning a foe into a friend, the world shall rest under the sway of his virtuosity.

கள்ளுண்ணாப் போழ்திற் களித்தானைக் காணுங்கால் 
உள்ளான்கொல் உண்டதன் சோர்வு (930)

While sober, will he not think of his crapulence, 
when he sees others sloshed under the influence?

உழுவார் உலகத்தார்க் காணியஃ தாற்றா 
தெழுவாரை எல்லாம் பொறுத்து (1032)

Farmers are the linchpin of the world, 
All others not farming, it does hold.

இன்றும் வருவது கொல்லோ நெருநலும் 
கொன்றது போலும் நிரப்பு (1048)

Did not my privation kill me yesterday?
Does it have to be back again today?

ஏதிலார் போலப் பொதுநோக்கு நோக்குதல் 
காதலார் கண்ணே உள (1099)

We give each other such distant looks, like we're strangers. 
Only Lovers can do that.

கண்டுகேட் டுண்டுயிர்த் துற்றறியும் ஐம்புலனும் 
ஒண்தொடி கண்ணே உள (1101)

The five senses of sight, aural, taste, smell and touch come alive 
only with this girl of gleaming bangles.

மதியும் மடந்தை முகனும் அறியா 
பதியின் கலங்கிய மீன் (1116)

The glistening moon that wanes and waxes is marred by vacant spaces. Is there a single taint on my maiden's face?

உடம்பொ டுயிரிடை என்னமற் றன்ன 
மடந்தையொ டெம்மிடை நட்பு (1122)

What is the soul to the body? 
Such is the bond between me and my lady.

Cheers!

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One such solitude led to the discovery of multiple versions of myself. This isn’t about resolutions or achieving the highest productivity using mental models for the best version of oneself. A little more introspection.

We are different when we are with family, friends, relatives, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers, and especially with ourselves. Our relationships with our family and coworkers are not the same. The most would have been witnessed by family and close friends, the best and most humble version by coworkers and superiors, and the worst by haters. Might be because of the expectations, culture, social norms or social conditioning. Enough that, when we’re by ourselves, are we truly ourselves? That, in which the brain highlights every mistake made since childhood, will be the worst.

Are we fake around people or multi-faced? Or Can we define ourselves as a whole irrespective of people and situations? I am not quite certain about it.

Our behavior is a function of our decisions, not our conditions. –– Stephen Covey

How can one make wiser choices? There are a lot of mental models for making better decisions. So far, I’m learning from the mistakes that I have made.

People have unique personalities and may behave differently depending on their characteristics and tendencies. We are complex evolving individuals with many facets, layers of experiences, and feelings that cause us to behave in various ways depending on the situation. It is better to embrace different versions than to defend against them.

The best part is that enhancing ourselves and exploring who we truly are is an iterative process.

Ending this with a quote from

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man – Heraclitus

Cheers! Lets root for the best of 2023!

Check out the previous post: Who am I

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There are a lot of female-centric movies coming up in the cine industry. The focus of the aforementioned films is domestic violence, or more specifically intimate partner violence.

When it comes to Darlings, the main character takes help from her mother to teach him a lesson. The most likable part is when the main lead narrates the story of a frog and a scorpion at the end. The scorpion asks the frog for a piggyback ride across the river, but the frog has trust issues. Eventually, the scorpion stays true to its nature and stings the frog.

Ammu revolves around a traditional family where domestic violence is considered to be normal. The main lead is married to an inspector who pretends to be against domestic violence. His true nature and intentions were exposed within the four walls. She seeks help from a murderer to set a trap for the abuser.

Though both movies enlighten on the issue faced by married women, the protagonist seeks support from others. I am not quite sure about getting assistance from others in real life. Yes, I understand; it’s a film.

JJJJH was quite different from the above and was realistic in some parts. The film starts with her childhood, when her parents appeared to be liberal but were actually a normalized patriarchal, conservative middle-class family. Being brought up in a family where her brother gets all the attention, she falls in love with a professor in college who fakes feminism to gain credibility. The story begins when she is married to a person who runs a poultry business. Most of the female characters in this movie (be it mother, MIL, or SIL) normalize intimate violence. Having realized that there is no one to rescue, including her parents, she learns self-defense.

Most of the women would have related to many parts of this story. It would be much better if the writer gave more importance to her thoughts and her agony, along with the male lead, who is more concerned about his bruised ego than getting beat up. The movie also brings out how the male lead relatives tame the heroine by suggesting the idea of impregnation. When she struggles to find work after moving away from her family, the value of education is emphasized. It’s hard to bring about a change when the partner (male or female) normalizes the intimate violence.

This kind of situation reminds me of a conversation between Tae oh and In kyu from the world of the married. It goes as

You want to ruin her and make sure that she doesn't go anywhere. ...... You probably want to destroy her and make her admit that you're the only man in her life. 

Will it bring a change in the minds of victims and abusers after watching movies/series based on domestic violence? Or will it be just a film that entertains people for hours?

Cheers!

 PS: Link for Darlings, JJJJH and Ammu

ChatGPT3 is groundbreaking, and it’s trending on social media. It is a conversational AI assistant that provides answers to the user’s questions. The database has been cut off until 2021 and doesn’t crawl the internet to search for new information. This is made by OpenAI and programmed to write and simulate human conversation. It’s free for now.

ChatGP3 is not the first AI bot, there have been Tay, Xiaoice and others. Its not surprising to see that AI is evolving, but that’s happening so soon.

This reminds me of a reel shared by Joe Rogan on Instagram. I am not very sure how it’s going to be in the future. There are possibilities for jobs to be taken by AI, and I wonder where humans can gain the upper hand. Some may have been discouraged by AI writing tools, and here is the response I received from ChatGP3.

“It’s unlikely that AI will ever fully “take over” humans. While AI systems can perform certain tasks more efficiently than humans, they are still limited in many ways and are not capable of replacing human intelligence or consciousness. AI systems are designed to assist humans and make our lives easier, but they are not capable of replacing us or making decisions on their own. It’s important to remember that AI is a tool, and like any tool, it is only as good as the person using it. As long as AI is used responsibly and ethically, it can be a valuable asset to humanity”.

And, of course, there is concern about the evolution of AI. Perhaps they will take over. Who knows! ChatGP3 takes a few minutes to respond, yet it was fun and interesting.

There was an article written by Seth Godin titled, “And what if you can’t tell?” As the AI tools get better, it’s harder to differentiate them. I believe sapiens still have the advantage of creativity and consciousness.

So far, humans have written content, which has been crawled by robots and indexed in search results. Later, the stuff will be created by AI bots and indexed by them. Isn’t it funny? Are we participants in an unknown game with unpredictable rules and regulations?

Lol. Maybe I am hilarious right now!

Let us keep on playing the game.

I’d like to conclude this conservation with a quote from Richard Feynman.

...... drink it and forget it all!

Cheers!

PS: It was written by ME and reminds me of HER.

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I was on the train just like this old man, staring out the window, lost in my thoughts for the last weekend’s travel. It’s usual for thoughts to attack us with gun-pointing truths. This question, in particular, stayed with me for a longer period, and I was convincing myself of the best possible answer.

This is one of the unanswered questions. I am not quite certain whether it should be defined as qualitative or quantitative. I believe there is no universal definition, and people’s perceptions of themselves and others differ. Here is the conversation that I had with myself.

Is it appropriate to say “career” when the question is posed? Adulthood is spent working for the career we choose. Can a person be defined in this single bracket of being called a doctor, scientist, engineer, nurse, salesman, or day worker? What if the person changes their path to becoming something else? Then, it appears to be an ineffective metric.

How about the wealth and money possessed by an individual? Well, people who own a Porsche, LV, Chanel, Gucci, or Rolex, as well as a beach house or stocks, cannot be compared to those who are below the poverty line. This only addresses one aspect of life with money-making abilities and more materialistic possessions. Then, it can be included as a metric of survival or competitiveness, not for the above one.

Next, would it be better to adopt the trait of doing good to others? But here comes the paradox: There are no good or bad things in the world. Everything varies from person to person. Can I consider education or the degree possessed? There are people who are privileged to study what they want; some are forced by their parents; some are underprivileged. That, in my opinion, is an inappropriate option to include.

Recently, I’ve noticed people defining themselves by the number of followers they have on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, where only the highlights/better side of their lives are displayed. Can that be included as a metric? I’m not certain either. 

Wouldn’t it be better if someone defined themselves by their actions, thoughts, feelings, passion, or dreams? They are all, however, in the past or the near future. They are susceptible to changes.

All of the above that is mentioned here is prone to change, and I am not here to say that change is permanent and blah, blah. What defines it if none of the above apply? When someone asks me the above question, a lot of things come to mind that I’m not entirely sure about. 

Perhaps the way a person reacts in the present defines him, her, or them. Actions or reactions at the moment can be used to say whether that person has had a certain number of experiences. Whether positive or negative, one’s experiences shape and define one. I am not quite certain about it either yet convincing.

Henceforth, there is no specific definition as such. Even, though I’m trying to express my definitions based on current perceptions yet not definite one. Find your definition using your terms, and following this up is not advised

Good Luck on finding yours! Cheers!