Ampati, Sept 9: South West Garo Hills (SWGH) joined the rest of the country in the celebration of Poshan Maah 2021 or National Nutrition Month with an impressive launching programme in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, Ch. Ramakrishna on Thursday.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Converging towards a healthy walk through life” and based on that various events and activities have been planned for the month-long celebration at the district and block-level.
During the programme, the Deputy Commissioner distributed seeds to the beneficiaries, including pregnant and lactating mothers and also participated in the demonstration of kitchen gardening as part of Poshan Vatika. In his address he laid emphasis on the need and ability of the body to absorb essential nutrients from the food we consume; importance of drinking clean water and proper washing of hands to avoid all kinds of ailments and also urged upon all those who are yet to get vaccinated against COVID-19 to get themselves vaccinated to make the society free from the deadly virus.
Objectives of Poshan Abhiyan
DPO, Tura ICDS Cell, C. D. Arengh highlighted the objectives of Poshan Abhiyan to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children and its target to reduce the level of malnutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of various nutrition -related schemes.
District Horticulture Officer, Ampati P K Medhi highlighted on the number of locally available nutrition-rich plants, vegetables and fruits that can help reduce mal-nutrition, while Medical Officer, Ampati Dr. Mikrak Sangma highlighted the importance of nutrient-rich and protein-based diet for mothers and children who are the foundation of the society. A hand-washing technique was also demonstrated by the district Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) team on the occasion.
September observed as Poshan Maah
It may be mentioned that the month of September is being observed as Poshan Maah or Nutrition Month every year across the nation under Poshan Abhiyan or National Nutrition Mission.
Poshan Abhiyan is targeted at reduction of stunting, under-nutrition, low birth weight and anaemia among young children, women and adolescent girls.
The DPO also informed the gathering that this year the Ministry of Women & Child Development has planned a series of activities throughout the month with four weekly themes namely Poshan Vatika (plantation drive for nutrition rich plants), Yoga and AYUSH for Nutrition, distribution of Regional Nutrition Kit for Anganwadi beneficiaries and Identification Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children and distribution of nutritious food based on the weekly themes.
