The early years of a child’s life shape the direction of their entire future. This is the stage when proper nutrition, care, and environment help make them physically and mentally strong. With this thought in mind, during Poshan Pakhwada 2026, efforts were made across the country, especially through Anganwadi centres, to promote awareness and community participation at the grassroots level. Under the Government of India’s Poshan Abhiyaan, the 8th Poshan Pakhwada 2026 was observed from 9 April to 23 April.
This year’s theme was “Maximising Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life.” It recognizes the fact that early childhood, especially the first 1,000 days, is crucial for brain development, physical growth, and overall health. According to scientific findings, 85% of a child’s brain development takes place by the age of six, which makes proper nutrition, mental stimulation, and maternal health extremely important during this period.
Emphasising the importance of nutrition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “A healthy child is the foundation of a strong nation. Poshan Abhiyaan is not just a government programme, but a people’s movement to ensure complete nutrition for every mother and child.” With this vision, awareness and community participation were encouraged through Anganwadi centres in several districts of Punjab, including Mohali, Pathankot, and Gurdaspur. These activities turned the campaign into more than just a programme; they made it a people-driven movement.
Mohali: A Centre of Awareness and Participation
In different blocks of Mohali district, including Kharar 1, Kharar 2, Derabassi, and Majri, Anganwadi centres conducted regular health check-ups for pregnant women and children, while also spreading awareness about balanced nutrition and proper care.
Views of workers and parents
Anganwadi worker Ramanpreet Kaur said that various activities were organised continuously at the centres from 9 to 23 April. During this period, mothers were made aware of the importance of first thick milk (colostrum). Several activities were also conducted for children, with active participation from parents. Families were encouraged to take iron-folic acid (IFA) and calcium tablets, and to grow vegetables at home. Children were provided nutritious food such as porridge, khichdi, and puffed rice every day.
Parent Ranjana Devi said that the government’s efforts for childcare were commendable. She added that at the Anganwadi centre, they were informed about proper handwashing, balanced diets for children, and their all-round development.
Similarly, Santosh Yadav appreciated the protein-rich food being served at the Anganwadi and said that it is important to teach children the habit of washing hands properly before eating. According to her, Anganwadi workers explained that green vegetables, curd, and milk form the foundation of good health.
Parents Sunita and Sheela Kumari said that they were especially advised to avoid junk food such as chips and packaged snacks. Instead, they were encouraged to give children homemade porridge and fruits.
Pathankot District: Special Focus on Millets and Cleanliness
In Pathankot block, camps were organised at different Anganwadi centres under the supervision of Isha Mani Sharma. The main focus here was on the use of millets and spreading awareness about government schemes such as PMMVY.
Views from Pathankot
Supervisor Isha Mani said that awareness campaigns were carried out across the block through rallies and street plays. During this time, pregnant women were encouraged to get timely vaccinations and include millets in their diet to reduce problems such as anaemia.
Anganwadi worker Renu Bala said that emphasis was placed on setting up a kitchen garden in every home. She added that using clean water and maintaining personal hygiene are the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness.
Local resident Palak said that the camp gave them valuable information about healthy living. In particular, they were made aware of hygiene, nutritious food, eating clean vegetables, and the process of filling forms for government welfare schemes.
Gurdaspur District: Poshan Pakhwada Celebrated in Pandori Mahantan
At the Anganwadi centres located in the Government Primary School at Pandori Mahantan in Gurdaspur, Poshan Pakhwada was celebrated like a festival. Along with focusing on the physical and mental development of children, efforts were also made to identify children with special needs (CWSN).
Key statements from Gurdaspur
Supervisor Baljit Kaur said that the first 1,000 days before and after a child’s birth are considered extremely important. Keeping this in mind, mothers were informed about proper nutrition and play-based learning, with special focus on the fact that nearly 80% of a child’s mental development takes place between 0 and 5 years.
According to a school teacher, the Anganwadi centre functioning within the school plays an important role for children and pregnant women. Necessary services are being provided there, including ration distribution and assistance to children with special needs so they can benefit from government schemes.
Anganwadi worker Rekha Sharma said that new and different activities were conducted regularly at the centre. Through these, village women were made aware of the harmful effects of junk food and the benefits of seasonal vegetables.
Local resident Kanta Devi said that through these meetings, they learned ways to prepare nutritious food at home. She also thanked the government for this initiative.
Key Focus Areas of Poshan Pakhwada 2026
Special attention during this fortnight was given to:
Nutrition for mother and child: promoting good maternal nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and age-appropriate complementary feeding.
Early stimulation for brain development (0–3 years): encouraging responsive caregiving and early learning interactions.
Play-based learning in the early years (3–6 years): supporting holistic development and school readiness.
Reducing screen time with the role of parents and community: encouraging healthy habits and active engagement.
Strengthening Anganwadi centres through community participation: improving infrastructure and service delivery through public participation and CSR support.
A Step Towards a Healthier Future
Poshan Pakhwada 2026 is not merely a government programme, but a major step toward building a healthier future. The enthusiasm shown by people across various districts of Punjab indicates that society is beginning to understand the importance of nutrition. Only by paying proper attention to the first six years of a child’s life can the country become mentally and physically stronger.
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