The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was inaugurated today at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with a strong emphasis on enhancing nutrition awareness and overall well-being across the nation.

The event was attended by prominent figures including Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women and Child Development; Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; Bhanuben Babariya, Minister of Women and Child Development, Government of Gujarat; along with senior officers from both the Government of India and the State Government of Gujarat.

The day began with a nationwide plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” held from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Led by the Union Minister, the Gujarat WCD Minister, and senior officials, the drive saw the planting of fruit-bearing trees at an Anganwadi Centre in Gandhinagar. This initiative symbolized the dual importance of nutrition and environmental sustainability.

The main event took place at Mahatma Mandir, where the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, delivered the keynote address. In his speech, Shri Patel highlighted the critical role of nutrition in fostering healthy and robust human resources essential for the nation’s development.

Annpurna Devi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, emphasized the need to enhance the health of children and adolescents while 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 essential to the program’s success.

Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, also addressed the gathering. He focused on the importance of dietary diversity and the inclusion of locally grown, nutritious foods in daily diets.

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

An exhibition at the venue showcased several important initiatives, including the Poshan Tracker, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, and other state-specific nutrition and safety programs like ‘Vangi Pradarshan’ and the 181 helpline. Regional cultural performances and plays addressed vital themes such as breastfeeding and complementary feeding, further underscoring the importance of nutrition.

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 will focus on key themes including Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘Suposhit Bharat,’ Annpurna Devi stated, “Poshan Maah is evolving into a nationwide festival and is transforming into a Jan Andolan.

Through Mission Poshan 2.0, the Ministry of Women and Child Development is dedicated to combating malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers across the country.” The month-long campaign aims to bolster efforts against malnutrition and promote holistic well-being throughout the nation.