Poshan Maah 2026 Highlights Community Responsibility Towards Nutrition and Child Development
Pakyong, September 16 (IPR): As part of the ongoing 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026, a Poshan Maah programme was organised at the Assam Gairigaon Anganwadi Centre, Assam Lingzey, today.
The event aimed to promote awareness of nutrition, maternal and child health, and healthy living practices through community participation.
The programme was attended by Zilla Panchayat, Assam Lingzey Territorial Constituency, Ms Suman Rai as the Chief Guest.
In her address, the chief guest appreciated the functioning of the Anganwadi Centre and its efforts towards supporting the care, nutrition and well-being of children and facilitating the delivery of ICDS services.
She also highlighted the importance of adequate nutrition and healthy dietary practices for children, women and families, while encouraging continued community participation in matters related to health and well-being.
During the programme, Supervisor (ICDS), Pakyong Rural Project, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Ms Neha Chettri, provided an overview of the Poshan Abhiyaan and the objectives of Poshan Maah.
She stated that the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah is being observed under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari”, emphasising collective responsibility towards strengthening Anganwadi Centres as platforms for nutrition, care and early childhood development.
She also briefed the participants on the key focus areas of Poshan Maah 2026, including dietary diversity and adequate protein, fresh and nutritious hot cooked meals at Anganwadi Centres, community ownership and accountability, nutrition and early stimulation for childhood development, and 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
Ms Neha Chettri further highlighted the importance of incorporating locally available and diverse food items, particularly protein-rich foods, into daily diets, especially for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers, to support healthy growth and maternal and child nutrition.
As part of the programme, a Nutri-Garden was inaugurated at the Anganwadi Centre to promote awareness on locally grown nutritious food and encourage the use of fresh produce in household diets.
Annaprashan ceremony was also conducted for eligible infants as part of the programme, marking the introduction of complementary food and underscoring awareness on appropriate infant and young child feeding practices.
The programme further featured a Zumba session by girls under the Kishori Yojana.
In addition, a thanksgiving and acknowledgement session was held, wherein community members who had extended support assistance towards the functioning and activities of the Anganwadi Centre were acknowledged for their cooperation.
The programme also featured a nutrition exhibition showcasing a wide range of locally available and affordable food items to create awareness about healthy dietary choices. The exhibition displayed millet-based recipes, locally grown vegetables, pulses and fruits, along with a variety of traditionally prepared dishes, highlighting the nutritional value and diversity of local food.
The event was attended by Panchayat members, officials from the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Department, Headmaster, Government Junior High School, Gaucharan, Anganwadi workers and helpers, students and members of the public.