Vedanta Aluminium observes ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ at Jharsuguda

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, observed Rashtriya Poshan Maah at Jharsuguda, undertaking a month-long awareness programme on good food and nutrition, healthy eating practices, balanced diet, importance of indigenous food, etc.

The programme was held across 125 anganwadis, benefitting more than 2000 women and children in Jharsuguda.

The month of September was celebrated across India as the month of nutrition, under the Government of India’s POSHAN (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) or National Nutrition Mission. Championing this cause, Vedanta Aluminium partnered with anganwadi workers and Panchayati Raj Institution members to sensitise local communities on the various dimensions of nutrition to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers.

As part of the campaign, women were trained in different ways of using indigenous produce properly to prepare nutrition rich recipes. The women from the community also shared their own recipes, prepared in a similar manner, with each other. A healthy baby competition was also organized on this occasion.

An awareness rally on the importance of proper nutrition for young mothers and children was conducted in partnership with anganwadi workers and local volunteers. Ante-natal and pre-natal check-ups of pregnant women were also organized with the help of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) and ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) workers. In addition, nutri-gardens or ‘Poshan Vatikas’ were created at anganwadis run by the company.

Speaking about Vedanta Aluminium’s mission for zero hunger, Sunil Gupta, CEO – Vedanta Ltd. – Jharsuguda, said, “We are partners in the global mission of ending hunger and eradicating malnourishment, through food security and improved nutrition amongst underserved communities. Knowledge of good food practices plays a crucial role in effective on-ground materialisation of these endeavours. Observance of ‘Poshan Maah’, with its multi-faceted activities, helped us reinforce the message of right nutrition amongst our local communities. We hope these learnings will be of immense value and support families to take care of themselves better.”

It is notable here that Vedanta Limited is the title sponsor of the Delhi Half Marathon, and is galvanising people from all over the country, including its employees, business partners and families, to run for the cause of ‘Zero Hunger’.

The company is using the sports platform to drive greater awareness regarding child hunger and the need for collective action to end hunger and malnourishment in India. For every kilometre run at the marathon, both on-ground and virtually, the company has pledged meals for children across the country.

Sujata Rohidas, one of the mothers who was part of the awareness drive said, “The session conducted by the company was very informative as we learned of ways to use traditional ingredients and recipes to improve the health of our children. Through the ante-natal check-up, I also got advice on proper nutrition for myself as well as my new-born baby.”