Port Blair, Aug. 5: An “Annaprasan Ceremony” was organised today at Bathubasti by Community Food & Nutrition unit as part of Breast Feeding Week Celebration in coordination with the Directorate of Social Welfare. On the occasion Annaprasan was given to fifteen children of various Anganwadi Centres. Shri.Sanjay Meshack up-pramukh Port Blair Panchayat Samiti was the Chief Guest on this occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Meshak spoke about exclusive breast feeding and introducing complimentary feeding to the babies after six months so that infant mortality rate can be reduced.
Shri. Armugham, Pradhan of Garacharma- 1 spoke about the importance of social support which increases mother’s support on her ability to breast feed.
The CDPO of Urban Project Smt Zarina Bibi speaking on the occasion highlighted the scope of supplementary feeding programme and various other advantages of ICDS schemes.
Smt. Suma Sreedharan, OIC, Food and Nutrition Unit spoke about the importance of Breast feeding and disadvantages of bottle feeding.
The programme was attended by Mother’s, Samiti members, Mukhya Sevikas and Anganwadi workers.
Earlier on 2nd August, a Recipe competition was also held at Ferrargunj project in which Anganwadi workers and Mukhya Sevikas were present. Prizes to the winners of the competition were distributed by CDPO Ferrargunj Smti. Irene Nicolas.