Governor Mangubhai Patel has said that children’s life, holistic development and well-being is an important aspect of building a capable, competent and prosperous nation. Every child should be healthy, acquire education and constantly move forward towards the path of development, it is not the responsibility of any one department, institution or group, it is the responsibility of every citizen and it is also the biggest need for development.
Patel was addressing a discussion on child nutrition by Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission at the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management.
Patel said that to remove the misconceptions prevalent among the economically, socially and geographically backward, deprived sections of the society and to create awareness regarding the importance of diet, breastfeeding in child nutrition and the work of child nutrition should be done with a new approach. He said that it has been found in study and research that the first 1000 days of a person’s life are very important. Nutritious food, family support and care during this period can save the precious lives of children. The Governor mentioned the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to nurture the children of primary school by providing milk under the Sanjeevani Yojana when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Patel informed that the parents of the children found great improvement in the health of their children within three months. A small effort towards child nutrition can make a big difference. There is a need of collective responsibility of the government, society and parents, to ensure proper care, protection and overall development of children. He also asked the Commission to cooperate in public awareness efforts towards the eradication of Sickle Cell disease.
Chairman Human Rights Commission Narendra Kumar Jain said that malnutrition is a major obstacle in the efforts to build a healthy and strong society. He said that efforts should be made for child nutrition from the time of mother’s pregnancy. For this, along with the efforts of nutrition, development of dietary habits is necessary. The welcome address and introduction to the subject was given by the member of the Commission, Shri Sarabjit Singh. Member Shri Manohar Mamtani proposed the vote of thanks.
Patel was welcomed with a shawl and Shriphal. He inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. ‘Child Nutrition Rights’, a book of the Commission was presented to the guests. The guests were welcomed by presenting a sapling.