Ranchi: The 7th National Nutrition Month 2024 concluded on Monday with a grand ceremony held at Shaurya Auditorium in Ranchi. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the chief guest, emphasized that the objective of National Nutrition Month goes beyond merely raising awareness. He stressed that it should become a mass movement to combat malnutrition and ensure that every individual, especially women and children, receives proper nutrition, thereby building a strong and healthy nation. He urged all citizens to join this campaign to make the country malnutrition-free. He also highlighted the crucial role of Anganwadi workers in this effort.
During the event, over 11,000 empowered Anganwadi centers across 20 states were virtually inaugurated.
Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, addressed the gathering and shared that during National Nutrition Month, 8.6 million saplings were planted under the initiative “One Tree for Mother.” She called it a significant step towards environmental conservation. The minister also inaugurated 11,000 empowered Anganwadi centers, stating that these centers would lay the foundation for a brighter future for children. She praised the Anganwadi workers and helpers across the country for their efforts in nurturing children’s futures in remote areas.
Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Union Minister Annapurna Devi, and other senior officials participated in the Annaprashan ceremony (introduction to solid food) and Godh Bharai (baby shower) ritual for five pregnant women. Following the ceremonies, a motivational short film titled Aao Toden: Poshan Chakra was screened, highlighting Jharkhand’s life-cycle approach to improving the nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
During the event, Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Union Minister Annapurna Devi held an online interaction with Anganwadi workers from empowered centers in Bihar’s Jamui district and Chhattisgarh’s Rajnandgaon district. They discussed the features and achievements of these empowered Anganwadi centers, praising the workers for their dedication in implementing the program.
