Poshan Abhiyaan, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced on March 8, 2018, has been essential in guaranteeing public engagement and pushing the nutrition debate to the forefront. Poshan Abhiyan was created with the goal of improving nutritional results holistically.
Individual and community-level behavioural change is critical to achieving the desired aims of a Kuposhan-mukt Bharat. Poshan Pakhwada is celebrated for 15 days every year in March. Similarly, the month of September is observed across the country as Rashtriya Poshan Maah.
So far, the Poshan Maah and Pakhwada celebrations have seen widespread involvement and excitement from all States/UTs, frontline workers, intersecting Ministries, and the general public. At the most recent Poshan Pakhwada 2022, about 2.96 crore activities were held around the country.
"Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India," is the theme of this year's Poshan Pakhwada 2023. With 2023 designated as the International Year of Millets, the aim of Poshan Pakhwada this year will be to popularise 'Shree Anna,' the mother of all grains, as a vital asset in the fight against malnutrition.
The activities at the Poshan Pakhwada will centre on the following main themes, among others:
1. Promotion and popularization of Shree Anna / Millets for nutritional- well-being through organization of drives to link Millet-based foods with supplementary nutrition, Home visits, Diet consultation camps, etc.
2. Celebration of Swasth Balak Spardha: Celebrate and recognize the ‘Swasth Balak’ or Healthy Child as per defined criteria by generating a healthy spirit of competition for good nutrition good health and well being.
3. Popularize Saksham Anganwadis: Campaigns will be organized to increase awareness and popularize Saksham Anganwadis with upgraded infrastructure and facilities as centers of improved nutrition delivery and early childhood care and education.
During the Poshan Pakhwada, the Ministry of Women and Child Development will serve as the nodal Ministry for coordinating activities. The Department of Women and Child Development/Social Welfare Department in the State/UT would be the nodal department for Poshan Pakhwada.
(Author- Shivam Dwivedi)
