Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 April 2025
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Project, Ferrargunj, concluded the 7th Poshan Pakhwada with a valedictory function held at the Wimberlygunj Panchayat Hall on 22nd April 2025. The event, centred around the theme “First 1000 Days of Life”, aimed to raise awareness about the critical importance of nutrition from conception to a child’s second birthday.
Mrs. Lalita Tigga, Block Development Officer, Ferrargunj (in-charge CDPO), graced the occasion as the chief guest and addressed the gathering. She emphasized the importance of the Poshan Pakhwada campaign in promoting better health and nutritional practices among communities.
This year’s Poshan Pakhwada focused on four key themes: the ‘First 1000 Days of Life’, the ‘Popularisation of the Poshan Tracker’, ‘Management of Malnutrition’, and encouraging a ‘Healthy Lifestyle’. These themes collectively highlight the need for early nutritional interventions to prevent stunting and under-nutrition in children, alongside promoting community-based approaches to tackle malnutrition.
The initiative also encourages community involvement through the use of digital tools like the Poshan Tracker, aimed at monitoring nutritional outcomes and fostering healthy lifestyle habits, particularly in addressing childhood obesity.
The event witnessed participation from several local dignitaries including Mr. K. Venkat Ram Babu, Pradhan of Wimberlygunj Gram Panchayat, and Mr. P. Abdul Basheer of GP Kanyapuram. Mukhya Sevikas, Poshan staff, and Anganwadi Workers of ICDS Ferrargunj were also present in large numbers.
Public Health Nurse Mrs. Kavita Bai from PHC Wimberlygunj delivered a talk stressing the importance of physical and mental well-being of women during pregnancy.
A highlight of the programme was the exhibition of nutritious and millet-based recipes prepared by Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, which received much appreciation from the attendees.
The event served as a meaningful conclusion to the fortnight-long awareness campaign, reinforcing the message that good nutrition in the early stages of life lays the foundation for a healthier future.