Health officials emphasized the importance of marrying at the right age and maintaining good health during pregnancy and lactation
Gadag
The 9th National Poshan Maah celebration was organised at the Taluk-level Stree Shakti Bhavan in Hombala to create awareness about nutrition, maternal health and child development.
The programme was jointly organised by the Gadag district administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Legal Services Authority, Health and Family Welfare Department, AYUSH Department, Women and Child Development Department and the Child Development Project Office. Bala Vikas Samiti Chairperson Lalitha inaugurated the programme.
Matru Vandana scheme District Coordinator Netra Harthi explained the benefits available under the scheme, while Women’s Development Corporation Development Inspector Drakshayini Patil provided information about schemes including Gruha Lakshmi and Udyogini.
Officials from the Health and Family Welfare Department highlighted the importance of marriage at the appropriate age and maintaining good health during pregnancy and lactation. They also urged families to reduce junk food consumption and choose nutritious food.
Several activities were organised as part of the celebration. These included a Seemantha ceremony for pregnant women, a demonstration of supplementary nutritious food based on the revised Anganwadi menu, an Annaprashana ceremony for children and programmes under Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. Children’s birthdays were also celebrated during the event.
Presiding over the programme, District Nodal Officer of the Women and Child Development Department Mahantaswamy Pujara said Poshan Maah is being observed at all Anganwadi centres across the district.
He said children’s height and weight are regularly measured to monitor their growth, and those requiring medical attention are referred to appropriate health centres. He said this year’s campaign slogan is “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Zimmedari” (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility).
Pujara also explained that the department has revised the schedule for distributing supplementary nutritious food and urged eligible beneficiaries to make full use of the services available through Anganwadi centres.
CDPO H.S. Jogera attended as chief guest. AYUSH Medical Officer L.F. Narsi, Poshan Abhiyaan Assistant Pavana Katigar, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, students, pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls and children participated in the programme. Rudramma Tirlapura welcomed the gathering, Jannatabi Miranayaka compered the event and Megha Kariyallappanavara proposed the vote of thanks.
