Adolescent girls sensitized on anemia prevention, healthy diet, personal safety, and the importance of local food during awareness drive under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign
Published on: September 22, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
As part of National Nutrition Month and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, an awareness program was organized at Government Middle School, Gungeri Navagaon under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) project, Dongargaon sector, Ari. The initiative aimed at educating adolescent girls about the nutritional value of local foods, millets, and their role in maintaining good health.
Mr. Komal Lahre from UNICEF highlighted the importance of local food items, the high nutritional quality of millets, and their growing global relevance. He also explained the causes of anemia and preventive measures, emphasizing the importance of iron and folic acid tablets (blue and pink supplements) provided in schools. The session encouraged the development of Poshan Vatikas (nutrition gardens) and promoted organic farming as a sustainable practice.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Kishor Maheshwari, District Mission Coordinator of Mission Shakti, advised students to avoid packaged and junk food, and to minimize sugar and oil consumption. He stressed on following a healthy daily routine and explained the benefits of both nutritional meals and supplementary diets.
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Beyond nutrition, the program also raised awareness on children’s health protection, personal safety, identifying unsafe touch, road safety, and the dangers of substance abuse. A curiosity box was also introduced in the school to allow adolescent girls to freely ask questions and seek solutions to their concerns.
To make the session engaging, creative activities such as poster making and slogan writing competitions were held, with winners receiving awards. Additionally, demonstrations of delicious dishes made from millets and Take-Home Rations (THR) were conducted, showcasing how traditional grains can be both nutritious and tasty.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from schoolgirls, teachers, local representatives, and community members. Among those present were the village Sarpanch, village secretary, school teachers, supervisor Mrs. Geetanjali Diwan, Anganwadi workers and assistants Surka Tumreki, Savitri Yadav, and Anju Dewangan, along with a large number of adolescent girls.
