Patna: The Bihar government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched the ‘Meri Thali Sehat Wali’ campaign, accompanied by a media sensitization programme aimed at raising awareness about nutrition across the state. The initiative coincides with the observance of September as ‘Nutrition Month’.
Senior officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme, alongside UNICEF experts, emphasised that improving nutrition is a shared responsibility spanning families, communities, media, and government agencies.
Addressing the gathering, Vinayak Mishra, Director of Mid-Day Meal at Bihar’s Department of Education, highlighted the evolution of the MDM programme from providing dry cereals to cooked meals, noting a growing focus on quality nutrition. “Nutrition is not just a government programme—it is a collective responsibility,” he said.
Praveen Bagi, a senior media expert, underscored the role of journalists in communicating government initiatives, particularly in rural areas. “Media has been pivotal in driving social change, improving health outcomes, and reducing child mortality. Children are the foundation of a better society, and our work must reflect that,” he added.
UNICEF specialists also stressed the media’s influence in advancing child and adolescent welfare. Dr Pooja, a communications expert, described the press as a “key ally” in highlighting societal challenges, while UNICEF Nutrition Officer Dr Shivani Dar argued that “nutrition is not a charity, it is a right,” urging the media to help ensure this right reaches every child, adolescent, and woman.
Other speakers included Dr Rakesh Kumar, Assistant Professor at Nalanda Medical College, who highlighted parental influence on children’s diets, and Ms Jaya Mishra, ICDS Training Officer, who outlined ICDS efforts to improve nutrition among women and children. UNICEF Nutrition Officer Dr Sandeep Ghosh presented diet packages designed to prevent anemia and obesity.
The event also featured the release of promotional materials for the ‘Meri Thali Sehat Wali’ campaign. Senior journalists, editors, and media professionals from print, broadcast, and digital platforms attended the programme, which aimed to equip the media to report on nutrition issues with depth, empathy, and urgency.
