Eradicate Malnutrition thru Social & Behaviour Change Communication: TG Guv Jishnu Dev

Hyderabad: Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated the five-day Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme ‘Nutritious Diet for All’ organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) in the city on Monday to commemorate the ‘Poshan Maah’(National Nutrition Month Celebrations). The five-day event at Telangana Mahila Viswavidyalayam will see the participation of scientists and experts from National institutions like National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and Indian Institute of Millet Research) IIMR, besides the Women and child welfare department.

Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC walked Governor through the photo exhibition highlighting various aspects of nutrition like the latest dietary guidelines for Indians, the importance of macro and micro nutrients, methods of reading food labels to begin with. The Central Bureau of Communication has meticulously curated the content displayed by roping in NIN and FSSAI. A total of 40 panels on the theme ‘Nutritious Diet for All’ have been put up. The Governor appreciated the fact that the information was displayed in Telugu which would enable better dissemination. The event also features stalls by ICMR National Institute of Nutrition, Women Development and Child Welfare Dept, Publications Division, Govt. of India, Nutri Hub, Indian Institute of Millet Research and Dept. of Food & Nutrition of the University.

The Governor said, “India is a diverse country, we have different types of cultures, different types of languages and to reach out to the people with educative information on various aspects of nutrition is a challenge”.

He said that the Poshan Abhiyaan aims to address these challenges through innovative strategies to change social behaviour towards nutrition. Governor, who witnessed certain folk art forms like Burrakatha and Palle Suddulu, in which messages regarding good nutrition had been incorporated, commended the effort and suggested that it could be replicated elsewhere in the country too. He observed that when messages regarding combating anaemia, eating vitamin rich food are conveyed through art forms, it is well received by target audience comprising of adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Calling upon the society to join hands with Government to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat’, he said it involves not just economic progress but also the well-being of both the mind and body. The Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi scheme endeavours to revamp anganwadi centers into holistic hubs that provide both nutrition and education, he said. This approach recognizes the essential link between nurturing the body and mind for a brighter future."

Shruti Patil, Additional Director General, PIB & CBC in her inaugural address said Prime Minister in his recent Mann Ki Baat edition underlined the importance of nutrition especially for our children, the future citizens of our country. The PM has given a clarion call to contribute towards making society and nation a healthy and strong one. This Photo exhibition is a small step in this direction.

Dr G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist G & Head, Biochemistry Division, IMCR National Institute of Nutrition, Dr M Vijjulatha, Vice - Chancellor (I/c), Telangana Mahila Viswavidyalayam, Officials from Women Development and Child Welfare Department, Govt. of Telangana and others also graced the inaugural ceremony.

The Poshan Abhiyaan (PM's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) was launched by Prime Minister on March 8, 2018 in Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. The focus of Abhiyaan is to lay emphasis on nutritional status of adolescent girls, pregnant women, lactating mothers and children from 0-6 years age.