‘September To Be Observed As Poshan Maah,” Says Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Mann Ki Baat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio programme ‘Mann ki Baat’ aired on Sunday (August 30), where he talked about the importance of a nutritious diet. Talking about the need to increase awareness regarding nutrition, PM Modi said that the month of September will be observed as ‘Poshan Maah’ or ‘Nutrition Month’ across the nation.

“For our children and our students to display their optimum potential, show their mettle; nutrition and proper nourishment play a very big role. The month of September will be observed as ‘Poshan Maah ‘ in the entire nation,” he said.

PM Modi further added that during the nutrition month, a food and nutrition quiz will be organised on MyGov portal and there will be a meme competition. PM Modi urged everyone to participate in the competitions and motivate others to take part as well. He added,

We have a maxim – ‘Yatha Annam Tatha Mannam’ which means our mental and intellectual development is directly related to the quality of our food intake. There is a need to increase awareness of Nutrition. The schools must introduce ‘nutrition monitor’ like the class monitor to raise awareness.

Also Read: Excerpt From Nutrition India Programme Report: Every Rs. 1 Invested In The Programme Delivers Rs. 36.90 Of Social Value

The Prime Minister also said that a nutritious meal is not only important for children, but also for pregnant women. He said,

Experts say that better the nutrition for the child in the womb and during childhood, the better will be their mental development and they will stay healthy. To ensure nutrition for children, the mother must also get complete nourishment. Proper nutrition is important.

PM Modi says that people’s participation is very crucial and will play a key role in the nutrition movement. He said,

In this movement pertaining to nutrition, people’s participation is also very crucial; it is public participation that makes it successful. In our country during the past few years, a lot of effort has been made in this direction. Especially in our villages, it is being converted into a mass movement with public participation.

At the radio show, PM Modi also reiterated the need to maintain social distancing and wearing masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He said,

We can safeguard our health by observing – Do Gaj ki Doori, Mask Zaroori – which means following social distancing norms and ensuring to wear masks, as this will help us defeat coronavirus. I urge you to follow these guidelines and I pray for your good health.

Also Read: Menu Of Supplementary Nutrition For Pregnant Women Changed At Delhi Government Centres

India’s COVID-19 case tally crossed 35-lakh mark with a total of 7,65,302 active cases, 27,13,934 recovered cases and 63,498 fatalities, as per the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.