Nutrition Fair Conveys Health Message Through Exhibition

Sri Ganganagar : Under the aegis of the Women's and Child Development Department, the district-level event and closing ceremony for the seventh Nutrition Month (September 1-30, 2024) was held on Monday in the premises of the Blind School. The event was inaugurated by District Collector Dr. Manju and Additional District Collector Mrs. Reena Chimpa, who lit a lamp before the portrait of Goddess Sharada.

Attendees visited stalls showcasing nutritional foods and tasted various dishes prepared by Anganwadi workers. The workers explained that the nutrition available at the Anganwadi centers is used to create a variety of dishes. An exhibition was also set up to display nutritious foods for pregnant women, including green vegetables, fruits, and sprouted lentils, which the guests reviewed. The District Collector honored pregnant women by presenting them with baskets of fruit as part of the traditional 'Godh Bharai' ceremony.

In her address, the District Collector raised awareness about the services provided by Anganwadi centers, the importance of consuming iron and calcium tablets, and the necessity of eating fruits. Additional District Collector Mrs. Reena Chimpa suggested fully developing model Anganwadi centers as part of an innovation initiative. Mrs. Sumitra Bishnoi, Deputy Director of the Women's and Child Development Department, informed attendees about the Prime Minister’s Matru Vandana Yojana, IGMPY, and the benefits of nutritious diets. She urged participants to incorporate millets into their daily meals, avoid fried foods, and stay away from addictions.

During the closing ceremony, MAMTA NGO provided information on TB in children and its prevention. Shyam Singh from SBI Life Insurance shared insights about life insurance. Nursing tutor Mr. Shiv Indrapal discussed how children and pregnant women can take care of themselves, while dietitian Niveta Bajaj provided useful information about balanced diets, encouraging Anganwadi workers to share this knowledge with pregnant women. Yoga instructor Mr. Pramod offered guidance on yoga asanas for pregnant women.

Pooja, the Program Manager for the Rocket Learning program, showcased teaching-learning materials focused on play-based activities through the Education Chaupal initiative. Child Development Project Officer Surathgarh, Mrs. Navdeep Kaur, also shared her experiences regarding the nutrition campaign. The event concluded with awards for outstanding Anganwadi workers and prizes for participants who answered questions correctly in the quiz session.