'Poshan Utsav 'is a celebration of good health and a reminder of our fight against malnutrition, says Union WCD Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani

Union Minister of Women & Child Development and Minority Affairs , Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has said that Hon'ble Prime Minister launched POSHAN Abhiyaan on 8th March, 2018, with an objective to reduce malnutrition from the country in a phased manner and achieve improvement in nutritional status of Children from 0-6 years, Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers in a time bound manner.She was speaking on the occasion of inauguration of "Poshan Utsav " at Kartavyapath, here today.

The Minister said that nutrition is a critical part of health and development. It is a basic human need and a prerequisite to a healthy life. A proper diet is essential from the very early stages of life for proper growth and development. There must be adequate focus not only on child nutrition, but also on the mother's nutritional status.She said that today we have reached the end of the month-long celebration of the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah. We have gathered to celebrate this Utsav which is a celebration of good health and a reminder of our fight against malnutrition.

The Minister welcomed all to the "Poshan Utsav" and invited all especially the little children from Anganwadi Centres, Child Care Institutions and Government schools to join in the celebrations. She invited all to visit the various stalls and booths and indulge in the unique nutrition games, healthy food from across regions and have a selfie with the Prime Minister .She thanked all for joining and declared the Poshan Utsav open.

A video message by Minister of State Ministry of Women And Child Development , Dr Munjpara Mahendrabhai was also presented on the occasion. He said that this year, the focus has been on the Gram Panchayats as the nucleus of the activities promoting nutrition and good health. The focus has been on Jan Bhagidari alongwith Jan Andolan. The activities have been designed to promote the central and critical issues of Mahila aur Swasthya and Bacha aur Shiksha.

The inaugural function was followed by an enthralling musical performance by Artist Shaan.

The "Poshan Utsav" is in the nature of a celebratory fair with the central message of good nutrition particularly for young children and women so as to sensitize them on age-appropriate good health practices to address the challenges of malnutrition in the country."Poshan Utsav' has been organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development from 30th September to 2nd October 2022 at Kartavyapath in New Delhi to celebrate the culmination of the 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2022. It will serve as a befitting finale to the month-long 5th Rashtriya Poshan Maah being celebrated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under POSHAN Abhiyaan from 1st September to 30th September 2022.

To attract children and visitors, the Utsav includes cultural performances, Poshan Parades, Health Check-up camps, healthy food stalls, and Games with a message of nutrition.The Utsav also presents an opportunity of an augmented reality based photo- op with the Prime Minister. An Anganwadi Centre, indigenous toys from over 9 traditional toy-clusters in the country and healthy AYUSH products are on display.

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SS/TFK