OCT 08:The District ICDS Cell, Imphal West, organised a one-day workshop on “Smart Nutrition, Strong Generations” to raise awareness about balanced diets, sustainable food habits, and community participation in improving nutritional outcomes. The workshop, held under the guidance of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur, brought together Anganwadi workers, health professionals, caregivers, and local community leaders to discuss ways to build stronger and healthier future generations.
The Director, Social Welfare, Manipur, and the Joint Director (ICDS) emphasized the vital role of community engagement and traditional wisdom in addressing nutritional challenges faced by families, especially among pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children. They underscored that nutrition is not merely about food intake but about making informed and mindful choices every day.
The workshop featured three focused sessions:
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Traditional Meets Modern: Experts debunked common dietary myths and advocated for a balance between traditional food wisdom and modern nutrition science. Participants were guided on the importance of local, seasonal foods and their role in ensuring adequate nutrition for expectant and nursing mothers, as well as adolescent girls.
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Smart Food Choices: Nutritionists encouraged participants to reduce the consumption of excess sugar, salt, and oil, promoting the idea of “healthy tiffin to healthy thali” for children and adults alike.
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Child Health Challenges: The session addressed both ends of the nutritional spectrum—malnutrition and obesity. Caregivers were trained to identify signs of poor nutrition and to adopt preventive measures through balanced diets and active lifestyles.
The initiative highlighted how integrating traditional knowledge with scientific nutrition practices can effectively combat modern health issues. Discussions also covered the role of local governance, schools, and families in sustaining healthy dietary habits.
The workshop concluded with a pledge to continue awareness drives at the community level and promote the message that good nutrition is the foundation of strong, resilient generations.
