Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma inaugurated a special five-day event called the Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme ‘Nutritious Diet for All’ on Monday. This program, organized by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), is part of the ‘Poshan Maah’ (National Nutrition Month Celebrations).
The event is being held at Telangana Mahila Viswavidyalayam and features participation from scientists and experts from well-known national institutions like the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) and the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR). The State Women and Child Welfare department is also involved in the program.
During the event, Shruti Patil, Additional Director-General of PIB & CBC, guided the Governor through a photo exhibition. The exhibition highlights various aspects of nutrition, including the latest dietary guidelines, the importance of macro and micronutrients, and ways to read food labels.
The CBC has carefully curated the content of the exhibition with help from NIN and FSSAI. A total of 40 panels focusing on the theme ‘Nutritious Diet for All’ are on display. The Governor praised the use of Telugu language in the displays, which helps in better communication of the information. The event also includes stalls by NIN, the Women and Child Welfare department, Nutri Hub, the Indian Institute of Millet Research, and the Department of Food & Nutrition.
Governor Dev Varma spoke about the challenges of spreading nutritional awareness in a country as diverse as India, with its many cultures and languages. He emphasized that the Poshan Abhiyaan initiative is designed to tackle these challenges using innovative strategies aimed at changing social behavior towards nutrition.
The Governor also enjoyed performances of folk art forms like Burrakatha and Palle Suddulu, which included messages about good nutrition. He suggested that these art forms, which effectively communicate messages about combating anemia and the importance of eating vitamin-rich food, could be used elsewhere in the country to reach adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The Governor urged society to work together with the government to achieve ‘Viksit Bharat,’ which not only involves economic progress but also the well-being of both mind and body. He highlighted the ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ scheme, which aims to transform Anganwadi centers into holistic hubs that provide both nutrition and education, stressing the important link between nurturing the body and mind for a better future.
In her inaugural address, Shruti Patil mentioned that Prime Minister Modi, in his recent ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address, emphasized the importance of nutrition, particularly for children who are the future of the nation. She noted that the photo exhibition is a small but significant step towards making society healthier and stronger.
The event was also attended by Dr. G Bhanuprakash Reddy, Scientist G & Head of the Biochemistry Division at NIN, Dr. M Vijjulatha, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Telangana Mahila Viswavidyalayam, and officials from the Women and Child Welfare department.
