District-Level Nutritious Dish Competition Held in Anand Under Poshan Utsav

Publish Date : 01/03/2025

32 Teams Enthusiastically Participated in Dishes Made from Take-Home Ration and Millet-Based Recipes

Three Outstanding Anganwadi Workers Honored with ‘Mata Yashoda Award’ and Certificates

Anand, Friday: Under the joint initiative of the ICDS Department, Anand District Panchayat, and Anand Agricultural University, a district-level nutritious dish competition was organized at the Food Processing Technology Auditorium Hall as part of Poshan Utsav (Nutrition Festival).

The District Panchayat President, Hasmukhbhai Patel, emphasized the importance of millets, stating that our ancestors consumed these grains, which contributed to their longevity. However, with today’s dietary habits, health risks have increased, leading to various diseases. He urged the public to incorporate millets into their daily diet.

Vice-Chancellor of Anand Agricultural University, K. B. Kathiria, highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been advocating for the global promotion of millets in daily consumption. He noted that state-wide Poshan Utsav celebrations are a commendable step in this direction.

During the event, infants who had completed six months were introduced to solid food (Annaprashan ceremony) by dignitaries.

The competition saw 32 enthusiastic teams participating, including 16 teams preparing dishes from Take-Home Ration and 16 teams making millet-based (Shree Anna) recipes. The top three winning teams were awarded trophies and certificates.

Additionally, three outstanding Anganwadi workers from 2021-22 were honored with the ‘Mata Yashoda Award’ and certificates for their exceptional service.

District Program Officer Tejalben Shah stated that the purpose of the nutritious dish competition was not only to raise awareness about healthy eating but also to promote the proper use of nutritious food ingredients. The event aimed to educate and spread awareness about Take-Home Ration (Matrushakti, Balshakti, and Poornashakti), millets (Shree Anna), and drumstick-based nutritional recipes to the broader community through educational initiatives.

The event was attended by Member of Parliament Miteshbhai Patel, District Development Officer Devahuti, Zilla Panchayat Building Committee Chairman, CDPOs from all departments, Anganwadi supervisors, Anganwadi workers, ICDS officials and staff, and Anganwadi children.