7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah: Nourishing India's Future

Launch and Key Initiatives of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah

• The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was inaugurated on September 1, 2024, at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, and other dignitaries graced the event.
• A nationwide plantation drive, "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam," kicked off the celebrations from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
• Union Minister and officials planted fruit-bearing trees at an Anganwadi Centre in Gandhinagar, emphasizing nutrition and environmental sustainability.
• The main event featured keynote addresses, scheme disbursements, and cultural performances.
• An exhibition showcased initiatives like the Poshan Tracker, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, and state-specific programs.
• Nutri baskets were distributed to pregnant and lactating mothers, and annaprashan ceremonies were held for infants.
• Beneficiaries received entitlements under various schemes, including Vahli Dikri Yojna and Widow Pension Scheme.

Focus Areas and Themes of Poshan Maah 2024

The 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah concentrates on six key themes:

1. Anaemia

2. Growth Monitoring

3. Complementary Feeding

4. Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (Nutrition and Education)

5. Technology for Better Governance

6. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (Tree Plantation)

• Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the lifecycle approach to combat malnutrition.

The success of Poshan 2.0 rests on four pillars:

1. Good governance

2. Convergence

3. Capacity building

4. Community participation and ownership

• Anil Malik, Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, promoted diet diversity and inclusion of locally grown wholesome foods.
• The month-long campaign aims to intensify efforts against malnutrition and promote holistic well-being nationwide.

Vision and Commitment to a 'Suposhit Bharat'

• Poshan Maah is evolving into a nationwide festival and Jan Andolan (people's movement).
• The initiative aligns with Prime Minister's vision of a 'Suposhit Bharat' (Well-nourished India).
• Mission Poshan 2.0 commits to fighting malnutrition among:
  • Children
  • Adolescent girls
  • Pregnant women
  • Lactating mothers
• The campaign seeks to raise awareness about nutrition and its impact on overall well-being.
• Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel stressed the importance of nutrition in building strong human resources for national development.
• Cultural performances and plays highlighted crucial themes like breastfeeding and complementary feeding.