Rashtriya Poshan Maah Kicks Off With Focus On Nutrition And Well-Being

The event began with a nationwide plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” highlighting the dual significance of nutrition and environmental sustainability. Fruit-bearing trees were planted at an Anganwadi Centre in Gandhinagar, symbolising the interconnectedness of a healthy environment and good nutrition. 

In his keynote address, Gujarat's Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel, underscored the vital role of nutrition in developing a healthy and robust human resource base, which is essential for the nation’s growth and development. 

Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development, emphasised the importance of improving the health of children and adolescents and combating malnutrition through a lifecycle approach. She outlined the four key pillars of Poshan 2.0: good governance, convergence, capacity building, and community participation, as the foundations of the programme’s success. 

Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, spoke on the need for dietary diversity and the inclusion of locally grown, nutritious foods in daily diets to address nutritional challenges. 

The event also featured the distribution of nutri-baskets to pregnant and lactating mothers and annaprashan ceremonies for infants. Various entitlements under schemes such as Vahli Dikri Yojna, Widow Pension Scheme, Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme, and Mahila Swalamban Yojna were also distributed. 

An exhibition at the venue highlighted significant initiatives, including the Poshan Tracker and Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, as well as state-specific programmes like ‘Vangi Pradarshan’ and the 181 helpline. Regional cultural performances and plays focused on essential topics such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, further reinforcing the message of nutrition. 

This year’s Poshan Maah will address key themes such as anaemia, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, and the integration of technology for better governance. Aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Suposhit Bharat,’ the month-long campaign aims to strengthen efforts against malnutrition and foster holistic well-being across the nation.