Mission Trupti: A Step Towards Ensuring Child Nutrition from Pregnancy to Two Years

Kangra’s Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, today inaugurated Mission Trupti, an initiative aimed at ensuring optimal nutrition for children from pregnancy to the age of two years. The launch ceremony took place at the District Office, with the campaign being a joint effort of the District Administration and the Women and Child Development Department.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Bairwa emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s life, covering pregnancy to the age of two years. This period, he said, is crucial for a child’s mental, physical, intellectual, and creative development. Unfortunately, many families lack adequate knowledge about proper nutrition for infants, leading to malnutrition. Mission Trupti aims to bridge this gap by ensuring timely and appropriate nourishment for children.

Anganwadi Workers to Lead Nutrition Awareness Efforts

The campaign involves close monitoring of children’s diets with the support of Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, social organizations, and panchayats. Families will be educated about proper feeding practices to help reduce malnutrition rates.

Breastfeeding: A Key Component

Deputy Commissioner Bairwa highlighted that breastfeeding a baby within the first hour of birth is like “nectar” for newborns. Mother’s milk, rich in essential nutrients and antibodies, is vital for a baby’s immunity and growth in the first six months. Post this period, complementary feeding becomes critical. The mission emphasizes timely introduction of complementary foods to prevent early malnutrition.

‘Meri Katori’ Initiative for Proper Food Intake

A unique feature of Mission Trupti is the ‘Meri Katori’ campaign. Families are encouraged to use a dedicated bowl to measure and monitor the food given to children, ensuring adequate nutrition. To symbolize this initiative, Deputy Commissioner Bairwa distributed bowls and glasses to four children and performed the food initiation ritual for a six-month-old baby during the event.

Avoid Junk and Processed Foods

The campaign strongly discourages feeding children processed or junk foods, which can harm their physical and mental health. Families are urged to rely on natural and homemade foods instead.

Call for Public Support

District Program Officer Ashok Kumar Sharma appealed to the public to actively spread awareness about this welfare initiative. The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Vinay Kumar, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Rajesh Guleri, medical officers, and supervisors from the Women and Child Development Department.

Mission Trupti is a promising step towards ensuring that children in Kangra grow up healthy and strong, paving the way for a brighter future.