168 participants from 12 villages take part in awareness drive on maternal and child health

 

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BRAHMAPUR, OCTOBER 12, 2026

Emphasising the role of community participation in combating malnutrition and anaemia, Tata Steel Foundation celebrated the ninth Rashtriya Poshan Maah at Tata Colony Community Hall in Luhajhar Panchayat under Rangeilunda block of Ganjam district, in coordination with the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Held under the theme “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility), the programme brought together 168 participants from four gram panchayats and 12 villages, underscoring the importance of collective action in improving maternal and child nutrition.

Organised through the Foundation’s Poshan Project, the initiative focused on promoting healthy dietary practices, preventing anaemia, encouraging regular growth monitoring and strengthening community responsibility for nutritional well-being.

A series of activities highlighted the importance of nutrition at different stages of life. Five pregnant women participated in God Bharai ceremonies, while Annaprashan was conducted for 10 children to mark the introduction of complementary foods. A Healthy Baby Show involving seven children sought to promote awareness of child health and development. The Mo Gelha Jhia activity, involving three girls, and a quiz competition for adolescent girls further reinforced the focus on the well-being of young girls.

Health interventions formed a key part of the programme, with anaemia screening conducted for 45 participants and growth assessments carried out for 19 children below five years of age. The activities highlighted the importance of early identification of nutritional deficiencies and regular monitoring of children's growth.

The venue also featured rangoli displays, demonstrations of nutritious recipes, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) activities and a Poshan Garden display. These initiatives showcased the value of dietary diversity, locally available nutritious foods, early childhood learning and kitchen gardening in promoting healthier households.

The programme was attended by local Sarpanch P. Kamala Reddy, District Social Welfare Officer Vijay Laxmi Behera, Tata Steel Foundation Unit Lead Dr. Jayant Kumar Tripathy, representatives of the education and health departments, ICDS officials and members of the Foundation’s programme team.

The celebration reiterated the need for sustained community engagement and coordination among government departments and development organisations to address malnutrition and anaemia, support pregnant and lactating women, and ensure the healthy growth and development of children.

The initiative also highlighted the role of Anganwadi centres as community-level platforms for nutrition awareness, early childhood care and preventive health interventions, with families and local institutions sharing responsibility for building healthier communities.