Bhubaneswar : Deputy Chief Minister Prabhaati Parida emphasized that healthy homemade food for tribal women plays a crucial role in maintaining fitness and overall well-being. She made these remarks during the launch of the “Healthy Diet Campaign” at Lemon Tree Premium, Bhubaneswar, organized by the Women and Child Development Department in partnership with UNICEF.
Deputy CM Parida highlighted millet (mandia) as a key factor contributing to the physical fitness of tribal women. She advised participants to choose homemade meals and traditional foods such as millet, rice gruel, and pitha while avoiding junk food. She specifically urged rural women to focus on reducing obesity.
Prominent attendees included Women and Child Development Secretary Shubha Sharma, Director Monisha Banerjee, renowned Odia actors Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu, Anu Chaudhury, nutrition experts, and senior UNICEF officials.
Shubha Sharma expressed concern that children in villages and Anganwadi centers often develop the habit of eating chips and instant noodles. She stressed the need for dietary changes to improve nutrition habits among women and children, following the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Nutrition specialist Sourabh Bhattacharya urged families to consume homemade food together to maintain fitness. He recommended exclusive breastfeeding up to six months and avoiding oil-heavy foods after complementary feeding. He also stressed reducing screen time and mobile usage.
Actress Anu Chaudhury shared her personal diet tips, promoting home-cooked meals with minimal oil. Actor Sabyasachi Mishra discussed weight gain issues caused by lifestyle changes and encouraged everyone to avoid gutkha, alcohol, and cigarettes. Actress Archita Sahu talked about adopting a smart, balanced diet.
During the event, the guests unveiled a poster promoting Social Behavior Change (SBC), which will help create awareness in villages through Anganwadi centers. Director Monisha Banerjee delivered the welcome address, and Additional Secretary Swyamprabha Mahanti expressed gratitude to all participants.
The event reinforced the importance of healthy, traditional diets and mindful lifestyle practices to improve nutrition and overall well-being among rural communities.
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