Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh Graces the Closing of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024.
Flags Off Special Walkathon to Mark the Conclusion of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 at Sukhna Lake
Chandigarh, September 30, 2024: The month-long 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024, a national initiative aimed at promoting nutrition and eradicating malnutrition, concluded with a grand event at Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh. Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator of U.T. Chandigarh, along with the Lady Governor, graced the closing ceremony, which highlighted the collective efforts toward achieving a healthier, well-nourished India.
In his address, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his appreciation for the event’s success and reiterated the importance of collective efforts to combat malnutrition. He emphasized that the Poshan ka Mela had become a significant initiative for promoting nutritional health and well-being within the community.
The Governor highlighted the need for continued collaboration among various departments to ensure that every individual has access to improved nutritional knowledge and resources.
The state-level Poshan ka Mela, organized as part of the celebration, focused on enhancing public awareness and strengthening community-level interventions. The event commenced with a special walkathon on POSHAN, officially flagged off by the Hon’ble Governor. Around 100 Anganwadi Workers participated, carrying placards and banners promoting vital nutrition messages, emphasizing the role of proper nutrition in fostering healthy communities.
The Poshan ka Mela featured a wide array of health and nutrition-related stalls, set up by various departments of the U.T. Chandigarh Administration. These stalls showcased the shared responsibility of different sectors in driving positive change, offering insights into the importance of proper nutrition, and providing access to valuable resources for community members.
The Department of Education’s stall displaying indigenous toys was a highlight of the event, captivating attendees with educational games that promote Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). A special focus on anemia prevention was addressed at the stall set up by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, offering essential information and resources on combating this prevalent condition.
At the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) stall, the importance of safe food practices and food fortification was demonstrated, underscoring the role of fortified foods in addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The Department of AYUSH contributed to the event by displaying medicinal and herbal plants, educating the public on their benefits and home cultivation methods.
A unique stall, Hunar Ki Udaan, exhibited handmade art and craft items created by children from Child Care Institutions managed by the Department of Social Welfare. Additionally, the School of Public Health from PGIMER, Chandigarh, introduced an interactive Snake & Ladder game designed to promote the inclusion of millets in daily diets, linking nutrition with fun and learning. Another highlight was the Millet Recipe Stall, part of the Chandigarh Millet Mission, where Anganwadi Workers prepared and demonstrated delicious millet-based dishes, encouraging the community to incorporate this nutritious grain into their meals.
As part of the event, an Annaprashan Ceremony was held, symbolizing the initiation of complementary feeding for infants over six months of age. Parents were educated on the critical role of complementary feeding in child development. The Godhbharai ceremony followed, with pregnant women receiving Poshan ki Tokri—an iron kadhai containing premix khichdi, dalia, and nutrition packets—providing them with essential nutrients for a healthy pregnancy.
Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, Dr. Palika Arora, , Director of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, and other dignitaries from the Chandigarh Administration were also present during the event.
