News & Announcement

Anganwadi Workers and Helpers Honored in 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah Closing Ceremony

Date: 30-Sep-2024
Gangtok, September 30 (IPR):
Women and Child Development Department (WCDD) successfully completed the month-long celebration of the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024, which commenced from September 01 to September 30, 2024. To commemorate the effort and coordination of all the stakeholders, a closing ceremony was scheduled at a local hotel in Gangtok, today.
The event was graced by Mr Samdup Lepcha, Minister, Printing and Stationery, Social Welfare Department, and Women and Child Development Departments as the Chief Guest. In attendance were Ms Normit Lepcha, Secretary WCDD; Ms Urvashi Poudyal, Director WCDD; Ms Bandana Rai, Additional Secretary WCDD; Ms Tashi Choden Bhutia, Additional Secretary WCDD; Ms Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, Joint Director WCDD, and officials from the department. Also present in the event were Lab Technicians from Urban Health Clinic, NGO- Dirty Angels Motorcycle Club, Anganwadi Workers and students.
Mr Samdup Lepcha, in his address, acknowledging the department's successful month-long program, urged the Department to continue working more efficiently on this scheme to achieve the ultimate goal of eradicating malnutrition.
Reaffirming WCDD's mission to improve nutrition and health outcomes, Mr Lepcha stressed the need to educate people in rural areas, empowering them with knowledge to make informed decisions to combat anemia in children and adolescents, particularly in rural areas.
Ms Normit Lepcha, extended gratitude to each and every Anganwadi Worker for their tireless effort in making the event successful every year since 2018. Highlighting the department's dedication to enhancing the well-being of children and adolescents, the Director also handed over Poshilo Pitho (Iron Rich) supplements for the identified anemic boys and girls.
Addressing the programme, Ms Bandana Rai acknowledged the Prime Minister's initiative in launching a vital scheme to tackle anemia, growth monitoring, and complementary feeding for the betterment of the country. She also emphasized the importance of collaborative approach and collective effort to ensure every child and mother receives adequate healthcare.
Ms Sonam Lhamu Bhutia, delivered a brief review on the month-long activities of Poshan Maah of this year. The main objective of the state level activities was for the holistic development of women and children and to positively make Sikkim, a malnutrition free state.
As part of the month-long program to combat anemia, the department also appreciated the front-line workers in the event by felicitating the outstanding Anganwadi Workers and Helpers based on required parameters.
The programme also witnessed the introduction of ‘Breast Feeding Angels’ where new mothers are designated as Breast Feeding Angels. The initiative is to improve the breastfeeing parameters in the state. With that, a documentation on the month long journey of 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 was also presented. Similarly, a skit on Anemia was presented by the school students of North Sikkim Academy, Mangan.
At the outset, the Director, along with other officials, visited the display of indigenous toys, which were creatively presented.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Ms Lhanzey Donka Denzongpa, Deputy Director, WCDD.