Poshan mela held

SHILLONG, SEPT 21: As part of the month long observation of Rashtriya POSHAN Maah (National Nutrition Month) on the theme “Har Ghar Poshan Vyavahar” which means “Every Household a Celebration of Nutrition and Behavioural Change”, a POSHAN Mela was organized by the Block Convergence Committee, Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block which is a convergence of different government departments under Sohra Civil Sub-Division at Khliehshnong Community Hall, Sohra on the 20 th of September 2019. The Mela was inaugurated by Shri. A. S. Mukhim, MCS, BDO, Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block, Sohra. The programme saw the participation of students and teachers from various Schools located in and around Sohra region, Anganwadi workers, SHGs, Doctors from CHC, Sohra, Officers and Staff from offices of the Block Development Officer, Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block, ICDS, PHE and various leaders of the community. The objective of the Mela is to create awareness to the general public on the importance of nutrition, with an aim to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children.

Addressing the gathering, Shri. A. S. Mukhim laid emphasis on the importance of adequate and optimum nutrition in the overall development of a person, in particular children and women. He said that it is imperative for us to be aware of what we eat and in what way it is affecting our health. He stressed on the need for adopting a balanced diet which will help us in maintaining and achieving an overall development in our lives. He said that in order to bring about a sustained behaviour change towards improving the overall nutrition in society, it is important that there is a proper convergence of all line departments in order to achieve the goal set out by POSHAN Maah. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in our day to day lives.
Delivering the keynote address, Smt. B. Hek, Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block gave a brief insight on Rashtriya POSHAN Maah where she informed that the programme was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi on the 8 th of March 2018 with the objective of reducing stunting, under nutrition, low birth weight and anaemia.
She highlighted that the month of September is being observed as POSHAN Maah (Nutrition Month) which focuses on the importance of the 1000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s 2nd birthday, reducing anaemia, diarrhea prevention, hand washing and sanitation and optimum nutrition (diet diversity).
The Mela saw various stalls being put up by the different line departments like Office of the CDPO, Agriculture, Horticulture, PHE, Health, Education etc. Local Farmers associated with NESFAS and belonging to different SHGs under the Shella Bholaganj C&RD Block also set up stalls displaying and selling their various organic products including fruits and vegetables.

By Our Reporter