Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 12: The AYUSH Wing of the Directorate of Health Services and the A & N State AYUSH Society (National AYUSH Mission) organized an ‘AYUSH Poshan Mela’ at the AYUSH Hospital premises, Junglighat today, marking the valedictory celebration of ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’- 2025. The event aimed to promote awareness on holistic nutrition and highlight the importance of AYUSH-based dietary and lifestyle practices in achieving optimal health and well-being. The event was graced by Ms. Richa, Secretary (Health) & MD (NHM & NAM), as the chief guest while Dr. Suja Antony, DHS & Shri Ravinder Kumar, Director, Social Welfare were the guests of honour.
In her address, the chief guest, commended the efforts of the AYUSH Wing for organizing diverse events and activities across the Islands with a holistic approach. She appreciated the clarity and practical utility of the IEC materials displayed in simple and easily understandable language. She further mentioned that the Health Department has been continuously engaged in Poshan awareness activities throughout the year through its Health Centres and field staff. The Secretary (Health) also lauded the commendable community initiatives undertaken under ‘Poshan Maah’, ‘Swasth Nari, Shashakt Bharat Abhiyan’, and Ayurveda Day celebrations, reaffirming the Department’s commitment towards future health and nutrition initiatives.
The programme was also attended by Deputy Directors, Nodal Officers, Doctors, ANMs, ASHAs, Mothers, Children, and student winners of various competitions conducted during the Poshan Maah.
As part of the Mela, the Secretary (Health) inaugurated an Exhibition on AYUSH Poshan, which showcased various IEC materials on Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Yoga & Naturopathy. The display included informative panels, dry herbs, medicinal plants, food pyramid models, yoga displays, and demonstrative exhibits on AYUSH health concepts and traditional practices related to nutrition and wellness.
As a symbolic gesture, the dignitaries participated in a Plantation Drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at the AYUSH premises. Copies of a book on traditional food recipes from AYUSH systems of medicine, along with saplings of medicinal and fruit-bearing plants, were distributed to the public.
In his address, Dr. Kalyan P. Kadbhane, Deputy Director (AYUSH), highlighted the significance of the Poshan Abhiyan and the themes of this year’s Poshan Maah, namely ‘Addressing Obesity – reducing sugar and oil consumption,’ ‘Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)/Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB),’ ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ ‘Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices,’ & ‘men’s involvement in nutrition and caregiving.’
Dr. Manabika Dutta, MO I/c (Homoeo), presented a comprehensive report on the activities conducted by all AYUSH units across the Union Territory during the month-long celebration. A recipe competition on the theme ‘Poshan Se Swasth Tak, AYUSH ke Saath’ was organized, wherein six teams of Self-Help Groups from Sri Vijaya Puram and surrounding areas participated. The competition was followed by the distribution of certificates to participants and winners by the distinguished guests.
During the event, ASHAs, Anganwadi Workers, and the general public were screened for NCDs and Nutritional Status (i.e. anaemia, BMI, Blood Sugar etc.) and consultations were provided by Ayush Doctors. Dr. Alishba Farooqi, OBGY Specialist, provided consultations for women’s Health.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Rajiv Kumar Ghosh.