In an unexpected twist, the song “Abundance in Millets,” featuring PM Narendra Modi, has earned a nomination at the 2024 Grammy Awards. The nod comes in the Best Global Music Performance category, showcasing the global recognition of this unique musical endeavour created by Falu & Gaurav Shah.
Competing in the same category are notable entries such as Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily with “Shadow Forces,” Burna Boy’s “Alone,” Davido’s “Feel,” Silvana Estrada’s “Milagro Y Disastre,” and Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain featuring Rakesh Chaurasia with “Pashto.” Additionally, Ibrahim Maalouf, alongside Cimafunk & Tank and the Bangas, is in the race with “Todo Colores.”
The Rise and Fall of Millets in India
The genesis of “Abundance in Millets” lies in the celebration of the ‘International Year of the Millets.’ The song sheds light on the significance of millets, a small-grained, warm-weather cereal once integral to India’s diet. Over the years, millets took a back seat, fading into obscurity after the Green Revolution emphasized higher yields of wheat and rice. The song’s purpose is clear: to revive awareness about millets as a potential solution to global hunger.
Falu’s website underscores the song’s origins, noting that the Indian government proposed the project, recognizing India as a primary producer of millets. This proposal gained support from 72 countries and the United Nations General Assembly. The initiative aims to spotlight millets, bringing them back to the forefront in the fight against world hunger.
Prime Minister Modi’s Vision for Millet Cultivation
The Twitter announcement by Falu earlier this year described the song as a collaborative effort with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, crafted to encourage millet cultivation among farmers and contribute to the global battle against hunger. The post also highlighted the United Nations’ declaration of the current year as the International Year of Millets, emphasizing the global significance of this initiative.
“Abundance in Millets” features vocals by Falu (Falguni Shah) and Gaurav Shah, who also took charge of the composition and lyrics. The creative team includes Kenya Autie, Greg Gonzalez, and Soumya Chatterjee, with Autie also producing the music video. The video, which captures millet cultivation in India, serves as a poignant visual representation of how this humble grain can be a vital weapon against hunger.
Millet Consumption: A Health Revolution
Beyond its agricultural impact, the song promotes millet consumption for everyone, touting its nutritional benefits and potential to enhance overall health. The inclusion of quotes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the song adds weight to the message, as he advocates for millets’ integration into our lifestyles, emphasizing the positive outcomes for the nation’s farmers.
“Abundance in Millets” transcends musical boundaries, using its global music platform to champion a cause. The Grammy nomination not only recognizes the song’s artistic merit but also acknowledges its role in spreading awareness about millets and their potential to alleviate hunger worldwide. As the world tunes in to the 2024 Grammy Awards, “Abundance in Millets” stands as a testament to the power of music in conveying essential messages and sparking positive change on a global scale.