Chandigarh, July 9:- Giving a major push to the nationwide Obesity Mukt Bharat campaign, Chandigarh Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi today announced that the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh will launch a special public awareness initiative under the banner of "Swachh Chandigarh, Swasth Chandigarh", creating a strong convergence between the Swachhata movement and healthy food habits by actively involving local Self Help Groups (SHGs). He said the initiative aims to inspire citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles while strengthening community participation in building a cleaner, fitter and disease-free Chandigarh.

The announcement was made during an awareness meeting on "Obesity Mukt Bharat" organized by the Municipal Corporation Chandigarh under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) at the Municipal Corporation office. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Sh. Saurabh Joshi and attended by NULM officials, representatives of Self Help Groups, and other Municipal Corporation officers.

The programme featured an interactive session with Ms. Tapsi Upadhyay, Founder of Mission Healthy Bharat, who is undertaking a nationwide, non-commercial awareness journey inspired by the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister to build a healthier and fitter India. The campaign has been travelling across the country for the past 16 months, aims to cover 26 states, and has already connected with more than one lakh citizens through awareness programmes on obesity prevention, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.

Addressing the gathering, Mayor Saurabh Joshi said obesity has become one of the biggest public health challenges due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy eating habits. He urged citizens, especially women and members of Self Help Groups, to become ambassadors of healthy living in their families and neighbourhoods. He emphasized the importance of balanced home-cooked meals, reducing the consumption of junk and processed food, engaging in regular physical activity and adopting healthy habits from an early age.

Highlighting the significance of the proposed "Swachh Chandigarh, Swasth Chandigarh" campaign, the Mayor said cleanliness and good health go hand in hand. He stated that Self Help Groups would be mobilized to spread awareness on nutritious food, hygienic cooking practices, waste reduction and healthy living, thereby strengthening both the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Obesity Mukt Bharat campaign at the grassroots level.

During the session, Ms. Tapsi Upadhyay sensitized SHG members about the harmful effects of obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. She stressed the importance of nutritious, locally available and affordable food, encouraged participants to reduce dependence on processed food, and promoted traditional healthy diets, regular exercise and disciplined daily routines. She also highlighted the crucial role Self Help Groups can play in taking health awareness to every household.

The participants actively interacted with Ms. Upadhyay, sharing their experiences and discussing practical ways to prepare nutritious meals and promote better dietary habits within their communities.

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