Suposhan: Reviving Ancient Wisdom for Modern Nutrition and Food Safety

A Samskruti Foundation Initiative to Promote Healthy Food Habits and Nutrition Awareness

Good health begins with good food , a truth India has known for millennia. In our scriptures, food is seen not just as nourishment for the body but also as a vital source of energy for the mind and soul. Drawing inspiration from this ancient wisdom, Samskruti Foundation launched Suposhan , a campaign designed to promote healthy eating, nutrition awareness, and food safety, particularly among students and young communities through its Cultural Leadership Centres (CLCs).

The Suposhan Handbook, authored by Dr. Vasanthi Siruguri, former Senior Scientist at the ICMR National Institute of Nutrition, serves as a comprehensive guide to balanced diets, food safety, and the relevance of traditional Indian dietary wisdom in today’s world.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Over 5,000 years ago, Indian texts such as the Bhagavad Gita and Charaka Samhita documented the importance of food, cleanliness, and balance in maintaining good health.The Gita emphasizes moderation in food, sleep, and activity lessons that align perfectly with modern nutrition science.

Understanding Nutrition: Macro and Micro Needs

The handbook highlights that nutrition is the cornerstone of health and longevity. It classifies nutrients into two categories:

Macronutrients Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats that provide energy and structural support.

Micronutrients Vitamins and minerals required in small amounts but crucial for immunity, growth, and mental clarity.

Deficiencies in micronutrients such as iron, iodine, vitamin A, and folic acid continue to affect millions of Indians. Simple dietary changes , like including more green leafy vegetables, fruits, pulses, and fortified foods , can make a remarkable difference.

The Balanced Diet: Simplicity and Diversity

A balanced diet, according to the Suposhan Handbook, means combining a variety of foods to meet energy and nutrient needs.

The key message:

“No single food can provide all essential nutrients , dietary diversity is essential.”

The Indian Food Pyramid and My Plate for the Day (developed by the ICMR National Institute of Nutrition) provide easy visual tools for building balanced meals. They recommend:

Half your plate with fruits and vegetables

One fourth with cereals or millets

One fourth with pulses, milk, or other protein sources

Limited use of fats, oils, and sugars

A diet built on these principles not only improves immunity and energy but also prevents chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.

Processed Foods: A Double Edged Sword

The report discusses the rising consumption of processed and ultra processed foods , snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, and packaged meals , which have become dietary staples among youth.

While some level of processing ensures food safety and convenience, ultra processed foods are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, leading to obesity and other lifestyle diseases.

“Eat processed foods in moderation. Choose home cooked, fibre rich, and traditional foods whenever possible.”

The guide encourages awareness about reading food labels, understanding expiry dates, and recognizing harmful additives.

Food Safety: From Kitchen to Table

Food safety is as critical as nutrition. The Suposhan Handbook reinforces the Five Keys to Safer Food as advised by WHO:

Keep Clean Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly.

Separate Raw and Cooked Foods Avoid cross contamination.

Cook Thoroughly Proper heating kills harmful bacteria.

Keep Food at Safe Temperatures Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.

Use Safe Water and Raw Materials Always cook with clean water and fresh ingredients.

It also highlights the persistent problem of food adulteration in India, cautioning against harmful substances found in loose oils, sweets, spices, and dairy products.Consumers are advised to purchase from reliable sources and always look for FSSAI certification and expiry details.

The Suposhan Message: Back to Basics

The Suposhan campaign by Samskruti Foundation serves as a bridge between India’s timeless food philosophy and modern health awareness.Its goal is to educate and empower students to make informed food choices and become ambassadors of safe and sustainable nutrition within their communities.

“Healthy eating is not a privilege , it’s a responsibility we owe to ourselves, our families, and our nation.”

Through participatory outreach and education, Suposhan aims to create a generation that values food not just as consumption, but as culture, health, and consciousness.

About the Campaign

Suposhan is a student driven outreach initiative of Samskruti Foundation’s Cultural Leadership Centres (CLCs).It is sponsored by Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) and guided by experts such as Dr. Vasanthi Siruguri and Dr. Ramesh V. Bhat, international food safety specialists.

Together, they envision a movement that reconnects India’s youth with the essence of healthy living , combining science, culture, and sustainability.