This was in sync with the National Nutrition Week observed annually between September 1 and 7 following an initiative taken by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. It aims to educate people about the significance of balanced diets, adequate nutrition, and the impact of the right food choices on improving overall physical and mental health. The government implements programmes to promote awareness about healthy eating and proper nutrition for maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this week.
In this regard, CFTRI too, organised various activities for government school and colleges in Mysuru.
National Nutrition Week is an annual event observed in India that focuses on raising awareness about the importance of nutrition and its role in leading a healthy and disease-free life. National Nutrition Week accelerates its action towards promoting the nutritional status of women and children. The government is keenly focussing attention on the primary life stages in women – pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence, thus going with the theme “Suposhit Bharat, Sakshar Bharat, Sashakt Bharat”.
The event took off on September 1, with a lecture on Importance of micronutrients in growth and development for school children of Government High School, Hootagalli, followed by a quiz competition. A talk on general nutrition and benefits of millets was organised on September 4 for students of Government Junior college, Vontikoppal, Mysuru, and a ‘pick and speak’ competition on various concepts of nutrition was conducted. A debate competition was organised on ‘Benefits of traditional vs modern foods’ for high school children in CFTRI school and the importance of good nutritional practices was emphasised. Essay writing competitions were conducted for CFTRI students and employees on lifecycle nutrition.
The week was concluded by the valedictory function wherein Dr Praveen Kulkarni, Professor in Community Medicine and Vice-Principal, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, addressed the gathering and he touched upon the current nutrition scenario, dietary practices and corrective measures from the medical perspective.
He elaborated on the actions needed to make healthy diets more available and accessible for all Indians and sustainable diet recommendations. The session was presided by Director nominee, Dr. Vijayanand, Chief Scientist and Head, Fruit & Vegetable Technology, CSIR – CFTRI, who emphasised on the dietary approaches as solutions for correcting malnutrition and mentioned about the malnutrition alleviation programmes undertaken by CSIR –CFTRI in his remarks.
Winners of the various competitions were awarded with certificates and mementos during the event. The awareness programme covering more than 300 students was very well received and appreciated by the children and teachers
