Bhubaneswar- Good health comes not only from nutritious food but also from a healthy mind, said Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida while inaugurating the “Healthy Diet Campaign” jointly organized by the Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF at Lemon Tree Premium in Bhubaneswar. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, she highlighted that the fitness of tribal women can largely be credited to their regular consumption of millets. She urged people to stay away from market junk food and instead embrace home-cooked meals and traditional foods like mandia, pakhala, and pitha. Special emphasis was laid on tackling obesity among rural women.
The event was attended by Principal Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development Shubha Sharma, Director Monisha Banerjee, noted actors Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu, and Anu Choudhury, along with UNICEF nutrition expert Saurabh Bhattacharya and other officials. Expressing concern about children in rural areas consuming chips and noodles, Principal Secretary Shubha Sharma said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the department is working towards changing dietary habits among women and children.
Nutrition expert Saurabh Bhattacharya stressed the importance of family members eating together and promoting homemade food to stay fit. He strongly advocated exclusive breastfeeding for infants for the first six months and advised parents to keep children away from oily and processed food. He also underlined the need to reduce screen time and encourage healthy habits.
Actress Anu Choudhury shared her preference for low-oil, home-cooked meals, while actor Sabyasachi Mishra spoke about the health issues he faced after gaining weight for a movie role. He urged everyone to avoid addictions such as tobacco, alcohol, and smoking. Actress Archita Sahu emphasized the importance of adopting smart food choices.
A poster on social behavior change was also unveiled at the event, which will be used through Anganwadi centres to spread awareness in villages. The program began with a welcome address by Director Monisha Banerjee and concluded with a vote of thanks from Additional Secretary Swayamprabha Mahanty.
