Port Blair, Sept. 1: The ICDS, Ferrargunj, and Urban Project, South Andaman, jointly organized the launching event of Poshan Maah 2024 in the Community Hall, Chouldhari today. Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month) is an initiative of the Govt. of India, celebrated throughout September, to promote awareness and action on nutrition. The theme of the year’s celebration is “#Ek Ped Maa ke Naam” emphasizes the importance of planting trees in honor of mothers, symbolizing their nurturing nature. It focuses on encouraging the consumption of locally available, nutritious foods and promoting healthy eating habits.
Shri Vasant Prasad Dhabolkar, IAS (P) graced the programme as the chief guest. Dr. Avijit Roy from Health Department, Smti. Lalitha Tigga, BDO, Ferrargunj, Smt. Zareena Bibi, CDPO, Urban, Shri. P.C. James, Programme Officer & Nodal Officer (Poshan Abhiyaan), and other dignitaries from various line Departments were also present.
Under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the campaign focuses on ensuring holistic nutrition (POSHAN) for all, especially children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Throughout the month, various activities, including awareness drives, community events, and initiatives, are conducted to improve dietary practices and prevent malnutrition.
Shri. Vasant Prasad Dhabolkar, IAS, shared his personal experiences from his childhood, and emphasized that Anganwadi Centers are the foundational building blocks for children. He expressed his happiness in witnessing the vibrant Anganwadi Centres of the A & N Islands. Dr. Avijit Roy addressed the gathering and provided valuable insights on overcoming malnutrition in children, sharing important tips to achieve better nutrition. As part of the 2024 Poshan Maah theme, various plants were gifted to the guests and dignitaries, symbolizing nurturing and growth.
A beneficiary of the Poshan Abhiyaan, whose child successfully overcame malnutrition, shared her experience and expressed her gratitude for the initiative. She emphasized how the program has significantly impacted her family’s life, providing them with the knowledge and resources to ensure her child’s healthy growth and development. She expressed that her child was weak and underweight, but with the help of the Anganwadi workers and the nutritional supplements provided, she saw a remarkable improvement. She appreciated for this initiative that not only educated her but also empowered her to take care of her child's health better.
The program featured a dance performance by Anganwadi children in collaboration with ‘Hope Foundation’, effectively showcasing the importance of nutrition in a creative and engaging manner. Additionally, various food stalls were set up to display nutritious foods and healthy diets, promoting better eating habits. The event also included cultural programs, where children performed traditional dances, including a mesmerizing "Ganesh Vandana," which was greatly appreciated by the audience. Prizes were awarded to children for their outstanding dance performances and to the beneficiaries who have successfully overcome malnutrition as a form of encouragement. The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Smt. Irene Nicolas, CDPO, ICDS, Ferrargunj, acknowledging the efforts of all participants and attendees in making the event a success.