PALGHAR, MAHARASHTRA | 30 DECEMBER 2025 (GPN / SACHIN MURDESHWAR 📞 8108510506): ISKCON’s Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), Palghar, hosted Celebrating Native Food Day as part of its ‘Meri Maati Meri Thali’ campaign under the Native Food Matters initiative, unveiling the Palghar Thali, a curated culinary experience rooted in the region’s biodiversity, cultural heritage and traditional food wisdom.

The event was graced by HH Radhanath Swami, Founder of Govardhan Ecovillage. Celebrated global author, speaker and purpose coach Jay Shetty, along with his wife Radhi Devlukia Shetty, a well- known plant based culinary expert and wellness advocate, attended the showcase as supporters of the initiative.

Widely recognised for his books, podcasts and global work on mindfulness and wellbeing and huge social media following of billions of views Jay Shetty has been a strong advocate of conscious and sustainable living. Radhi Shetty, through her culinary and wellness platforms, has consistently promoted natural, traditional and holistic food practices that align closely with the vision of Native Food Matters. The Director of ISKCON’s Govardhan Ecovillage and Strategic Head for the Native Food Matters initiative, Gauranga Das said “Jay Shetty and Radhi Shetty are generously supporting the ‘Native Food Matters’ initiative through their philanthropic contributions and this has added visibility to the initiative and underscored the relevance of reconnecting with India’s native food heritage.”

Located in the foothills of the Sahyadris, Govardhan Ecovillage has emerged as a recognised model of ecological living, supported by solar powered infrastructure, rainwater harvesting systems, biogas units and a rare seed bank. Through Native Food Matters, GEV is working to revive India’s traditional food knowledge and promote a conscious food system that is healthier, culturally rooted and environmentally responsible.

Global food systems are under increasing strain. Industrial food practices have weakened local ecosystems, displaced indigenous food cultures and intensified nutritional challenges worldwide. With 733 million people facing hunger globally (FAO, 2023) and agriculture contributing 26 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing recognition that indigenous food wisdom offers vital guidance towards resilient, plant-based nutrition and sustainable food systems.

Responding to these challenges, Govardhan Ecovillage has been working with knowledge partners Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad led by Prof Ranjan Kumar Ghoshand and team, and Symbiosis School of Culinary Arts and Nutritional Sciences led by Prof Atul Gokhale and team, to develop a holistic approach that integrates culinary heritage, community participation and policy level thinking.

“Food is not merely nutrition. It represents identity, ecology, equity and consciousness. Native Food Matters aims to translate this integrated understanding into action in public life,” said Gauranga Das, Director, Govardhan Ecovillage.

Gauranga Das, Director of GEV, described the initiative as part of a larger effort to address the environmental impact of industrial food systems. “Food is not only about health but also about ecology, equity, and culture,” he said, citing statistics from the World Wildlife Fund that estimate food systems account for over 25 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and 70 per cent of freshwater use.

A central highlight of the event was the Palghar Thali, developed after nearly a year of research on indigenous ingredients, traditional cooking techniques and seasonal food patterns of the region. Jay and Radhi Shetty, along with other guests, were among the first to experience the Thali, which reflects the campaign’s emphasis on local, nutritious and flavourful food traditions.

The Palghar Thali forms part of the larger Meri Maati Meri Thali movement, which celebrates India’s regional food diversity by rediscovering native crops and recipes across states. The Palghar pilot includes nutrition festivals, community outreach and awareness programmes, particularly engaging women and children from tribal and rural communities.

The event also marked the launch of the Palghar Coffee Table Book, documenting the district’s culinary heritage, traditional ingredients and recipes. Visitors to Govardhan Ecovillage can further experience regional cuisine through the Madan Mohan Thali at Govinda’s Restaurant every weekend, a curated offering highlighting the health and ecological value of traditional Indian food.

Native Food Matters has been active for over a year and is now preparing to expand its research, advocacy and implementation efforts across India, with the long-term goal of making conscious food a mainstream and aspirational lifestyle.

Key Launch Details-

Flagship Projects: The initiative includes programs like “Meri Maati, Meri Thali” (My Soil, My Plate) and “Poshan Sakhi” (Friends of Nutrition) to reconnect communities with local, seasonal, and traditional foods.

The Palghar Thali: As part of a pilot project, GEV introduced a special Palghar Thali at its community café, Srinathji’s. The thali showcases local crops and traditional recipes, including:

Saturday Menu: Jeera rice, toor dal tadka, horse gram sabji/rasam, cabbage pakoda, and sooji halwa.

Sunday Menu: Green peas pulav, ashwin rice kheer, mix veg paneer, val sabji, and gobi pakoda.

Indigenous Ingredients: The program promotes the use of traditional grains like millets (Shree Anna) and native ingredients such as horsegram, purple yam, and mahua flowers.