National Nutrition Month, 2020

 "OPTIMUM NUTRITION IS THE MEDICINE FOR       TOMORROW"

   By Dr. Linus Pauling

Nutrition is the science of food, nutrients and other substances. The process by which food is taken inside the body and utilized by the body and disposes the end product. It is very important for the human body for their growth and development and also to carry out all their day to day work properly. Nowadays many nutrition related disorders are seen to be increasing day by day in India. Right from malnutrition to many other non communicable disease (WHO). Moreover, in Hunger index our India is in 102 th position therefore, this is a high time to open up eyes and work for uplifting of the country by making holistic approach in terms of nutrition. Every people should posses better health for their better living so, all the peoples must be aware of importance of nutrition in their health. They should know that food is not only for satisfying hunger and taste but also to provide nutrients which is required by our body to function well and get rid of various diseases.

           Source: food power

             Thus, National Nutrition Week which is celebrated every year from 1st September to 7th September to make people aware about each and every knowledge about nutrition and its importance for human body. It is also celebrated to make the people focus on the nutrition for their better health. This programme is celebrated by taking different themes related to nutrition and current situation.

                  National Nutrition Week celebration first started 47 years back i.e. in 1973 by American Society. It got good response from the people worldwide and hence, govt. of India too got motivated to launch the programme every year.

                  During the era of independence, there was a high death rate in India due to poor nutrition. Due to this reason, the Food and Nutrition Board, Govt. of India decided to make people aware about balanced diet and nutrition through a celebration among the population of India. Thus, in 1982 National Nutrition Week was launched by the Food and Nutrition Board with an objective to make people get knowledge about the term "Nutrition" and also to increase its use in India. Meanwhile, the decision is taken in July 2018, to celebrate September as the National Nutrition Month every year instead of a week. Decision was taken during the second meeting of National Council on India's nutrition challenges under the Poshan Abhiyan  held in July, 2018 (DD NEWS, 4/9/2018).

                    Hence, we can conclude that good nutrition is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity diet can help to reach and maintain good health. This year too Govt. of India is going to celebrate National Nutrition Month with a theme by taking many activities in hand.

Regards

Mousumi Gogoi

PhD Scholar