Press Release

Chandigarh, 9th March 2020: As POSHAN Pakhwada is being celebrated in UT Chandigarh to enable awareness on the importance of nutrition and how individual families can easily access government services to supplement nutrition for their children and pregnant/lactating mothers.

This year, the main focus is to increase Male Engagement in POSHAN Abhiyaan to improve Nutritional Outcomes. Simply out, it seeks to pass the baton of nutrition from the ladies of the house to the sons, fathers and husbands.

At the onset of the 2nd Day of POSHAN Pakhwada, a POSHAN RALLY was organised by Anganwadi Workers and kids, at Bapudham Colony in high spirit and ensured participation of masses during POSHAN Maah.

Adding colours to Poshan Pakhwada, the Holi festival was also celebrated with a nuance, imparting the message of POSHAN. Children 'signed' themselves up for shunning fast-food and other unhealthy food, by putting coloured hand impressions on the pledge sheet. Similarly, carrying ladies also put their hand impressions on another pledge sheet, promising to deliver their babies only at a hospital.

Lectures were imparted on the abhorrent practice of Female Foeticide at the Anganwadi Center in Sector 25. Girls and Boys both have an equal right to live. Female foeticide is death in the womb; and the community was asked to shun the malpractice.

Hand-washing demonstration for Children, Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers was also held, instructing the participating audience to wash their hands properly. The SUMAN K method of Handwashing was elucidated.

Another innovative activity, "Kuposhan Dahan" was done by Anganwadi Workers of Sector 41.

The event was graced by Mrs. Harjinder Kaur Chairperson CCPCR and Mrs. Monika Member CCPCR and other officials of Department of Social Welfare UT Chandigarh. Symbolising the extermination of KUPOSHAN from the City Beautiful, the act reiterated the city's resolve to stay away from Junk food and eat only healthy, nutritious items.

Our Tiny Tots from the Anganwadi centre dressed up as fruits and vegetables, and helped the Chief Guest light 'malnutrition' on fire, commemorating the ritual of Holika Dahan, but with a Poshan nuance/twist.