The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024, a nationwide initiative under the POSHAN Abhiyan, commenced with a grand opening ceremony organized by the Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) of Sikkim at Khel Gaon, Reshithang, on September 2. The event marks the beginning of a month-long drive aimed at combating malnutrition through a holistic and community-driven approach. The inaugural ceremony was graced by Samdup Lepcha, Minister of Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Printing and Stationery Departments, as the chief guest. He was joined by key officials including Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary, WCDD, and Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, Joint Director, WCDD, alongside Anganwadi workers, ICDS teachers, and students.
Rashtriya Poshan Maah is celebrated annually from September 1 to September 30, focusing on key themes like anemia prevention, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, and the “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” initiative. This year’s campaign also emphasizes the use of technology for better governance and the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, which promotes tree plantation in honor of mothers. In his address, Minister Samdup Lepcha lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating the POSHAN Abhiyan, which was launched on March 8, 2018, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. The program aims to improve the nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 0-6 years. Lepcha highlighted the importance of integrating nutritional support with efforts to boost health, wellness, and immunity against malnutrition and related diseases.
The ceremony began with a torch-bearing event led by the Dirty Angel Motorcycle Club (DAMC), Sikkim’s first registered Motorcycle NGO. The torch was handed over to the Minister, who officially inaugurated the month-long programme. A pledge-taking ceremony followed, where attendees committed to advancing the goals of the POSHAN Abhiyan. A notable highlight of the event was the display of a handcrafted Food Guide Pyramid by Team ICDS and Nutrition from Mangan District. The pyramid, made from mud, symbolized the traditional, balanced diet of the region’s ancestors, serving as a powerful reminder of sustainable and earth-friendly eating practices.
Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary of WCDD, expressed her gratitude to all participants, particularly the Dirty Angel Motorcycle Club, paragliders, ICDS students, and Anganwadi workers, for their enthusiasm and active involvement. She also announced that the month-long event will feature activities such as the Swasth Balak Spardha (Healthy Child Competition) to foster awareness and encourage healthy practices among the community.
