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Hans India
11 hours ago
- Health
- Hans India
Health Minister podcasts on state's food safety drive
Bengaluru: AkshayakalpaOrganic, has released a new and impactful episode of its video podcast series Good Food Talks. In this latest episode, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare joined the discussion for an in-depth conversation on the state's recent initiatives aimed at strengthening public health. The discussion goes beyond surface-level policy and addresses tangible steps Karnataka is taking to improve food safety standards, actively combat anaemia, and empower communities to play a more central role in overseeing food quality. 'Good Food Talks' is envisioned as a podcast series where thought leaders, industry experts, and health enthusiasts can express their opinions on the changing world of food and wellness. Each episode brings audiences closer to understanding how mindful consumption, local produce, and transparent food systems can shape a healthier future for all. In this latest episode, Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasizes that Karnataka is moving decisively from simply raising awareness to driving on-the-ground impact. Gundu Rao talks about the state's action against food adulteration, use of harmful chemical additives and need for local level food testing. He explains the government's recent ban on dangerous food colours like Rhodamine-B. Tartrazine, Carmoisine, and Sunset Yellow that are found in items like cotton candy, kebabs, gobi manchurian and even cakes—chemicals which have become common in street and processed foods. He also talks about the state's initiative to set up free food testing stalls across malls in Karnataka where ordinary consumers can bring in their food samples and test them for quality and adulteration. The Minister also spoke about substandard tea powders in Karnataka—many of which failed quality tests in recent sample tests. The government's quick action in issuing alerts and taking enforcement measures shows its seriousness in protecting consumers from low grade and unsafe products. Anaemia is another critical issue that the state is fighting with and speaking about it Gundu Rao spoke about the state-led screening programs being rolled out in schools and rural areas to not only identify health concerns but also educate families about nutritional balance and diet. He also gives small but powerful examples—like using clean cotton cloth instead of plastic sheets in idli preparation—as everyday examples of safer and healthier choices. Speaking in the podcast, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao stated, 'Real transformation begins when citizens start asking hard questions about what they eat. Whether it's banning unsafe food additives or installing local food labs, we want to build a culture where food safety becomes everyone's priority. Strong policies matter—but people's awareness and participation will ultimately drive change.' Expressing deeper appreciation for the Minister's willingness to speak openly and constructively about these critical issues, Co-Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, Shashi Kumar stated, 'India stands at a critical point where health, food, and sustainability are all deeply linked. Gundu Rao's leadership shows how state-driven policies and citizen responsibility can work hand-in-hand. At Akshayakalpa Organic, we believe that once people understand where their food comes from and what goes into it, they make better decisions—for themselves and for future generations.' The latest episode of Good Food Talks reinforces Akshayakalpa Organic's commitment to enabling transparent, fact-based discussions around food and health. As Karnataka continues to take bold and community-driven steps toward food safety reform, this podcast serves as a timely platform for spreading awareness and inspiring more conscious choices across the country.
Hans India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
BJP MLA calls Minister Gundu Rao victim of ‘reverse love jihad'
Mangaluru: In a fresh escalation of political rhetoric in coastal Karnataka, BJP MLA Harish Poonja has accused Congress leader and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao of being biased against Hindus, even going so far as to describe him as a victim of 'reverse love jihad' — a controversial and politically charged term often invoked by right-wing groups. Poonja, who represents Beltangady in Dakshina Kannada district, was reacting to recent remarks made by Gundu Rao, who had reportedly labelled the BJP legislator a 'serial offender.' The Congress minister is also the district in-charge for Dakshina Kannada. 'If I am a serial offender, he is someone who underwent reverse love jihad,' Poonja said, referring to Gundu Rao's interfaith marriage. 'Love jihad is when Muslim men marry Hindu women to convert them. In his case, it's the reverse — a Muslim woman married him,' the MLA alleged, suggesting that such personal choices reflected the minister's ideological biases. Accusing Gundu Rao of being more sympathetic towards Muslims than Hindus, Poonja further claimed: 'He sees Hindus as third-class citizens. That is our misfortune.' The BJP legislator also hit out at the Congress government for what he described as 'targeted' legal action against him. 'After this government came to power, nine cases were filed against me. But I am ready to face anything for the Hindu cause. My people elected me with over two lakh votes. I don't need validation from anyone else.' The comments come amid growing tension in the region following the murder of Hindu activist Suhas Shetty — a case that BJP leaders allege has ideological links and which they believe should be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Poonja's remarks are likely to intensify the ongoing war of words between the BJP and Congress in Karnataka's coastal belt — a region often at the centre of communal and ideological flashpoints in the state.
News18
29-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Congress Minister's PM Modi ‘Using Pahalgam Attack For Elections' Remark Draws Sharp Rebuttal From BJP
Last Updated: Dinesh Gundu Rao, while addressing the controversy over a poster released by the Congress, ended up creating another. Senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday sparked fresh controversy by claiming that the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, is 'using" the Pahalgam terror attack for electoral purposes with an eye on the upcoming Bihar elections. Gundu Rao was speaking to news agency ANI on another controversy that has engulfed the Congress where the party tweeted a controversial poster criticising the Prime Minister. While explaining the context of the poster, Gundu Rao said: 'The people who put out the poster were in a way questioning Mr Modi (asking) 'Where is Mr Modi? Is he addressing the media? Is he clarifying anything?'" 'He goes to Bihar and takes part in an election rally and all the other political leaders are called for an all-party meeting… So, is the election more important for him, or the security of the country," the Karnataka minister questioned. He said that any other leader would have taken questions and answered them. 'When Pulwama happened he was in Jim Corbett, shooting and continued with the shoot. When this happens in Pahalgam, he hangs around in Bihar and there he gives a fiery speech, to make use of that for his political gain. Pulwama helped in Lok Sabha elections, Godhra helped him in Gujarat elections and this he is using for Bihar elections," Gundu Rao said, adding that is why the poster was put out. 'You should think of the country first. This is why the poster was put out. We want him to come and talk to the people," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the attack on tourists in Pahalgam by Pakistan-based terrorists on April 22 cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to the country. He then addressed a rally in Bihar's Madhubani where, in a rare occurrence, he spoke in English and vowed to punish the perpetrators even if it required him to reach the 'ends of the Earth". Reacting to the Congress leader's statement, Shehzad Poonawalla, a spokesperson for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Congress of supporting Pakistan and said the party may distance itself from statements by its leaders but it is giving a clean chit to Pakistan. 'Gundu Rao, a minister from Karnataka, a Congressman, says Pulwama helped in Lok Sabha elections, Pahalgam will help in Bihar elections. (Such statements) are akin to giving clean chit to Pakistan. Blaming Indians and Indian agencies for Pulwama and Pahalgam terror attacks, which Congress party has been doing. Waddetiwar, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Saifuddin Soz – what will Congress do about it? Congress is PP, which means, Pakistan Party," he said. First Published:
