Chandigarh.2nd September,2021:The Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2021 was launched on September 1, 2021 to embark upon the quest of eradicating malnutrition from the U.T. is a fortnightly affair, distinctly marked by diverse events and competitions complementing the celebration of a Poshtik Month. The Department has taken it upon itself to realize the vision of a malnutrition free Chandigarh, consistent with the launch of Rashtriya Poshan Maah, 2021.
The launch ceremony was chaired by officials of various Departments in Chandigarh to accentuate the idea to the public and begin the eventful journey of awareness about a nutritious and healthy lifestyle. The ceremony began at 5 PM at Sukhna Lake with the speech of Secretary Ms. Nitika Pawar, IAS, and Director Smt. Navjot Kaur, PCS, in presence of many other officials.
Catering to the SAM and MAM children (Severely Acute Malnourished and Moderate Acute Malnourished), this event launches a comprehensive series of activities for awareness and educating the public about the importance of nutrition. The nutritional value of various vegetables and fruits can help improve the diet of beneficiaries. To propel the vision, a ‘Poshan ka Ped’ was launched in the event, wherein the nutritional value of various fruits and vegetables was hung to inform the audience and onlookers.
During the day, a number of activities was organized to mark the first day of the Poshan Maah. A Prabhat Pheri was organized by the Anganwadi workers to inform the people in the outskirts of the city about the importance of the daily nutrition for a healthy body and mind. In another event at Ramdarbar, a God Bharai event was organized wherein the expecting mothers were given important information about the nutrition management for the infants and teach them about shortcomings due to the lack of proper nutrition. Appropriate handwashing technique was also demonstrated to the audience. Deputy Director, Social Welfare was present during the event and handed various condiments to the beneficiaries. Deputy Director, Social Welfare was present during the event and handed various condiments to the beneficiaries. A “My Milk Moustache” competition. The participants of the rally were asked to drink milk and demonstrate its benefits for their health. Adding a fun note to it, they were asked to post a selfie with their milk moustache using the hashtags #mymilkmoustache and #meraposhitchandigarh.
The nursing mothers were given nutritional plants in a door-to-door home visit, to utilize the herbal benefits of the plants and ensure education about nutrition for breastfeeding the infants. Such measures to revive Chandigarh out of the dangers of malnutrition shall ensure success in the U.T. area. The people shall be made aware of the importance of health and nutrition in a diet with different aids such as rallies, rangolis, prabhat pheris, etc. which have already begun from the very day of theRashtriya Poshan Maah. Poshan Vatikas are being introduced to people so that they can plant nutrition-rich plants to stay nourished.
On the outset of the second day of POSHAN Maah; Healthy baby show at Daddu Majra, Rally on POSHAN Vatika at Mauli Colony,Slogan Writing Competition on importance of Plants in Behlana was organised to impart the message among the masses.
Various other events like Youth group meeting, Lecture on diarrhoea, Counselling of parents of SAM children, Height and weight of children between 0 months to 6 years by Anganwadi workers, Home visits on preparation of birth 7 months to 9 months pregnant women, Home visits regarding Immunisation, Demonstration of ORS, Awareness about menstruation among adolescents girls, Kitchen gardening, Height and Weight were organised at all 450 AWCs.
Other departments also contributed in the mission, Talk on healthy nutritious food intake during pregnancy and lactation by ANM at Paediatrics GMSH 16, Home science college demonstration on healthy recipes using millets was organised.
At the end of the 2nd Day of POSHAN Maah, with increased spirit, devotion and making a promise to POSHAN Maah a successful event to combat malnutrition in UT Chandigarh.
