Leh, Apr 10 : The inaugural day of Poshan Pakhwada 2026 was observed at the District Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Leh on Thursday, marking the beginning of a fortnight-long campaign aimed at promoting nutrition and early childhood development across the region.
Organised by the Department of Social and Tribal Welfare under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), the programme aligned with the national launch held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The event, led by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, was attended virtually by officials and stakeholders in Leh, linking the district-level initiative to the nationwide campaign.
This year’s theme, “Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life,” places emphasis on the critical role of nutrition, care, and early learning in shaping a child’s cognitive and physical growth. The campaign will run from April 9 to April 23, covering all Anganwadi Centres across Leh district.
Officials outlined that the fortnight will feature a series of targeted activities focusing on maternal and child nutrition, early stimulation for children aged 0–3 years, and play-based learning for those between 3–6 years. Efforts will also be directed at reducing screen exposure among young children and encouraging community participation to strengthen Anganwadi services.
The outreach programme seeks to engage pregnant women, lactating mothers, parents, and caregivers, creating awareness about balanced nutrition, responsive caregiving, and age-appropriate learning practices. Authorities underscored that such interventions are essential for ensuring holistic development during the formative years.
At the grassroots level, Anganwadi Centres will host nutrition demonstrations, growth monitoring sessions, home visits, and interactive learning activities. Community meetings, awareness drives, and rallies are also planned to expand public participation and reinforce behavioural change.
The administration has called upon village representatives, Village Education Committees, Self-Help Groups, and frontline workers, including Anganwadi Workers, ASHAs, and ANMs, to actively support the campaign. Civil society organisations have also been urged to contribute to the initiative, with officials stressing that coordinated efforts remain central to improving child health and nutrition outcomes in the district.
With a structured schedule of activities over the coming two weeks, the programme aims to deepen community engagement and strengthen early childhood care practices across Leh.
