India’s fight against malnutrition is gaining real momentum, thanks to the Poshan Maah initiative under the flagship Poshan Abhiyaan. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi back in March 2018 in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu, this multi-ministry program puts nutrition front and center in the country’s development plans. It’s all about building a healthier, stronger India by tackling issues like child stunting and underweight kids head-on.
Recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) shows impressive progress. Stunting in children under five has dropped from 38.4% to 35.5%, while the number of underweight kids fell from 35.8% to 32.1%. These wins come from Poshan Maah’s smart focus on dietary diversity, community involvement, and tech-based solutions that make nutrition accessible to everyone.
As the government highlights, Poshan Maah empowers communities and schools to create lasting healthy habits. On Wednesday, PM Modi kicked off the 8th edition of Rashtriya Poshan Maah, alongside the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan. This ties perfectly into his vision of Sashakt Nari (empowered women) and Suposhit Bharat (well-nourished India).
This year’s campaign brings fresh, inclusive ideas to beat malnutrition and boost sustainable health. A big push is on raising awareness about obesity—a growing threat in India. PM Modi warned about it in his August Independence Day speech, saying, “Obesity is becoming a big problem for our country. In the coming years, every third person will be a victim to it. We must save ourselves from obesity. Therefore, I would like to give you a small suggestion: use 10% less oil in cooking.” Simple tips like cutting down on sugar and oil can make a huge difference in building a fitter nation.
The initiative also spotlights early childhood care and education through Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (nutrition plus education). It links up with the EK Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, blending tree planting and eco-friendly habits with nutrition education for long-term well-being. Expect more emphasis on better feeding for kids under two, like promoting breastfeeding and complementary foods to improve outcomes.
Men get a shoutout too— the campaign encourages active male involvement in nutrition awareness and caregiving, sharing the load for family and community health.
Poshan Maah is a nationwide drive for better nutrition and healthy living, and you can join in! Spread the word in your community, start nutrition gardens or kitchen gardens at home, and support local Anganwadi Centres and ASHA workers by volunteering. Together, we can make India malnutrition-free and thriving.
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