The Manipur Government’s Department of Social Welfare today observed the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 at the Manipur State Film Development Society, Palace Compound, Imphal, with a focus on promoting nutritious food for children and healthy eating habits.
Social Welfare Commissioner Haobam Rosita, IAS, Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim, MCS, and Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) Chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar attended the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Rosita said maintaining a balanced diet was essential for good health and could not be achieved by Anganwadi workers or the Social Welfare Department alone. She called for greater public awareness and community participation.
She stressed the importance of providing nutritious food to children from an early age, particularly as changing family structures and working parents have contributed to changes in children’s eating habits.
Rosita urged people to give greater importance to locally available nutritious foods and seasonal fruits rather than relying heavily on processed food products.
Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim said lifestyle-related health problems were not caused by a single factor but were also linked to eating habits and excessive consumption of certain foods. He urged Anganwadi workers to create greater awareness among families about nutritious diets and prevention of health problems.
MCPCR Chairperson Keisham Pradipkumar stressed the need to improve awareness about children’s nutrition, including the quality of food packed in school tiffins. He cautioned against the growing influence of fast food and processed food promoted through social media and digital platforms.
As part of the programme, an exhibition showcasing nutritious food items and nutrition-related displays was organised by ICDS staff. Cultural performances, promotional videos and a technical session on the benefits of nutritious food were also held.
