Chandigarh, September 24, 2026:The Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, organised a series of awareness, screening and community outreach activities across Chandigarh under Rashtriya POSHAN Maah 2026, focusing on nutrition, early childhood development, anaemia prevention, healthy lifestyles and community participation.

At RC Dhanas-2, an awareness session on Early Stimulation for Optimal Brain Development was organised to sensitise parents and caregivers about the importance of responsive interaction, play, communication and a supportive home environment in promoting the cognitive, emotional and social development of young children.

An Anaemia Awareness and Screening Camp was organised at Palsora Circle, where beneficiaries were sensitised about the causes and prevention of anaemia, the importance of a balanced and nutritious diet, consumption of iron-rich foods and adherence to recommended nutritional supplementation.

A Poshan Awareness Rally was also organised with the participation of Anganwadi Workers, Anganwadi Helpers and beneficiaries. The rally highlighted the importance of nutritious food, healthy eating habits and adoption of healthy lifestyles, while reinforcing the message of community responsibility towards nutrition and well-being.

At Indira Colony, Manimajra Town Circle, a “Learn Through Play” Activity Day was organised for children in the 3–6 years age group. Children participated in drawing, colouring and craft activities, while parents joined and encouraged them. The activity promoted play-based learning in a joyful and child-friendly environment and highlighted the role of parents in supporting early childhood learning.

As part of the wider outreach campaign, several other activities were also organised, including lectures on the right age of marriage, food fortification and micronutrients; awareness sessions on immunisation; yoga activities for health and well-being; and home visits for registration of newly identified pregnant women.

Community-level home visits further focused on sensitising families about promotion of fruit-bearing plants, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), oral hygiene, identification of childhood obesity and healthy eating habits. The activities aimed to strengthen community participation and reinforce key messages on nutrition, child development and healthy living under Rashtriya POSHAN Maah 2026.