Sikkim Kicks Off 7th National Nutrition Month with Grand Ceremony at Khel Gaon
Reshithang, Sikkim — The Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) of Sikkim marked the commencement of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 with an elaborate ceremony at Khel Gaon, Reshithang, on September 2. This annual observance, part of the nationwide POSHAN Abhiyan, focuses on addressing malnutrition through a comprehensive life-cycle approach, a central aspect of Mission Poshan 2.0.
The inauguration was graced by Samdup Lepcha, Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, and Printing and Stationery, who served as the chief guest. He was joined by key officials, including Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary of WCDD, and Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, Joint Director of WCDD. The event also saw the participation of Anganwadi workers, teachers from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and students.
Minister Lepcha, in his keynote speech, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating the POSHAN Abhiyan, describing it as a transformative program aimed at enhancing nutrition content, delivery, and outcomes across the nation. He emphasized the importance of the initiative in fostering a healthier, more resilient population, particularly in combating malnutrition.
The ceremony featured a symbolic torch-bearing event, led by the Dirty Angel Motorcycle Club (DAMC), Sikkim’s first registered motorcycle NGO. The torch was ceremonially passed to Minister Lepcha, who formally inaugurated the month-long celebration. The event included a pledge-taking ceremony, cultural performances, and the release of a special “Poshan” song, composed by Anganwadi worker Yanchi Tamang.
This year’s Rashtriya Poshan Maah will focus on key themes such as anemia prevention, growth monitoring, complementary feeding, the integration of education with nutrition under “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi,” and the role of technology in governance. The month will also feature the Swasth Balak Spardha (Healthy Child Competition), aimed at promoting nutritional awareness and fostering a spirit of healthy competition among children.
Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary of WCDD, expressed her appreciation for the participants’ commitment and highlighted the significance of the indigenous food pyramid displayed at the event, which represents a balanced and environmentally sustainable diet. She encouraged everyone to actively engage in the month’s activities to collectively combat malnutrition and ensure the health and well-being of all.
The inaugural event set a positive tone for the month ahead, with a focus on deepening nutritional awareness and implementing key initiatives to improve health outcomes across the state. The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Lhanzey Donka Denzongpa, Deputy Director of WCDD.
