Closing Ceremony of National Nutrition Month,2023

Namchi, 30th September(IPR): The Closing Ceremony of National Nutrition Month,2023, themed, ‘Nutrition Rich India, Educate India, Empowered India’ 2023 was held at a local hotel in Namchi, today.
Zilla Adhakshya(Namchi) Ms. Anjeeta Rai graced the occasion as the chief guest, which was organised by Women and Child Development Department(W&CDD). She was accompanied by Chairman, Namchi Municipal Council (NMC) Mr. Ganesh Rai, Councillors(NMC), Principal Director (W&CDD) Ms. Normit Lepcha, Joint Director Ms. Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, SDPO (Namchi) Ms. Pema Rana, other officials from W& CDD and various line departments along with anganwadi workers and students.
Addressing the gathering, Zilla Adhakshya spoke about the importance of the programme and asserted its theme which is based on information on nutrient filled meals and how this can be achieved by receiving ample knowledge by promoting healthy dietary habits. She further added that this kind of pan country programme is pertinent to foster healthy behaviour and advocated about the consumption of healthy and nutrition diet. Healthy eating and living practices can keep diseases at bay and empower in country’s development, she added. she also urged the attendees to not leave any land barren and equip themselves in growing of green vegetables which they can conveniently consume at home. Furthermore, she applauded the efforts of anganwadi workers, who at grassroot level inculcate the concept of absorbing hearty meals and are working for the welfare of the public particularly the pregnant, lactating women and children at large.
Principal Director (W&CDD) Ms. Normit Lepcha expressed her appreciation for successfully executing the programme. She elaborated on various central and state Governments schemes that the department is overseeing and highlighted some of schemes and services which are Integrated Child Development Services, Child Protection Scheme, provision for Special Children, distribution of pensions and Aama Yojana. She also briefed about the use of millets at various institutions under W&CDD and underlined its importance which is also known as superfood packed with excellent source of nutrients.
At the outset, Joint Director, Nutrition Ms Sonam Lhamu Bhutia highlighted about the National Nutrition Month, where she informed that the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) also known as Poshan Abhiyan is an initiative launched by the Government of India to improve the nutritional status in the country. The initiative also focuses on the nutrition of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under 6 years of age. She added, that this is the 41st national nutrition month celebration aimed at comprehensive development of the masses.
Resource Person, Deputy Director,Horticulture Department Ms. Saroja Tamang also shed light on the importance of millets and its variations, as it is a good source of protein, fiber, key vitamins, and minerals. She mentioned the nutritional benefits of millets in protecting, preventing people from various illness including cardiovascular health and diabetes. In-addition, she also informed about kitchen garden which ensures an inexpensive, regular and handy supply of fresh vegetables.
Similarly, resource person Ms. Neeta Silwal detailed about the adolescent and maternal health underscoring the important of nutrition amongst pre, mid and late adolescent. She also briefed about the presence and causes of anaemia in adolescent and pregnant women, alongwith citing various measures to combat this condition.
During the course of the programme, certificates was distributed for the painting competitions, which was conducted on 25th September and the names of the winners are as follows:
1st position Ms.Ashmi Manger from Namchi Girls’ Senior Secondary School( NGSSS).
2nd position, Mr. Pankaj Rai, Namchi Senior Secondary School.
3rd position , Ms. Sapana Gurung(NGSSS).
4th position, Ms.Ongmit Lepcha, New Secondary School.
Likewise, the Best Nutrition Educator cum Inspector was Awarded to Ms. Yojana Rana followed by Mr. Bidan Rai, who received the felicitated for Best Supervisior Namchi 1 Zone.
A short video was also shown by Assistant Director (Nutrition) to acknowledge the dedication of the anganwadi workers and Nutrition Inspectors from the state of Sikkim. The workers also displayed an array of green vegetables, millet based dishes which was inspected by the chief guest alongwith the dignitaries.