Mission Tripti to end malnutrition

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa inaugurated Mission Tripti today, a district-wide initiative aimed at ensuring proper nutrition for children from birth until the age of two. Speaking at the launch, held at his office, Bairwa said the programme is being run under the Women and Child Development Department in collaboration with the district administration.

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Emphasising the critical role of early childhood nutrition, Bairwa noted that a child’s mental, intellectual, creative, and physical development happens most rapidly during the first two years of life. However, due to a lack of awareness, many families do not know what and how to feed their children during this crucial period, leading to malnutrition.

Mission Tripti aims to address this issue by spreading awareness about the correct diet for children and ensuring that families receive the necessary guidance. Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, social organisations, and panchayats will be involved in monitoring the diet of children and educating families about proper nutrition.

“Breastfeeding is like nectar for a newborn,” Bairwa said, stressing the importance of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and exclusively for the first six months. He explained that mother’s milk provides all the nutrients and antibodies required for a child’s physical growth and immunity. After six months, complementary feeding becomes essential, and Mission Tripti places special emphasis on this phase to prevent malnutrition at an early stage.

A unique component of the campaign is the ‘Meri Katori’ initiative. Under this programme, families are encouraged to use a designated bowl for their child’s meals to track the quantity and type of food the child consumes. To symbolise this, Bairwa distributed bowls and glasses to four children during the event. He also conducted the Annaprashan Sanskar ceremony for a six-month-old child in his office, marking the start of complementary feeding.

Mission Tripti is a step toward creating a healthier future for children in Kangra by providing them with the right diet at the right time, ensuring their holistic development during the most critical phase of their lives.