Pre-schoolers in Anganwadi Centres across Odisha observed 150th birth anniversary of Gandhiji

Bhubaneswar: Pre-schoolers in Anganwadi Centres across the state observed 150th birth anniversary of the father of the nation with great enthusiasm. These 3-6 year olds were explained the legend of Gandhi, the values he stood for and the way he led the country to freedom.
This was followed by distribution of two pairs of pre-school uniforms through
eminent persons of the locality; oath taking on discarding ‘single use plastic’, cleaning the AWC premises under ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan’; plays themed on Bapu, particularly his conviction that ‘cleanliness is godliness’ ; rallies etc. Parents, grand parents, the community, WSHG members , PRI members and eminent persons were invited and involved in such activities.
It is to mention that, 20.24 lakh pre-school children in 72,587 AWCs/Mini AWCs
are distributed two pairs of uniforms completely out of state funds. They are also served hot cooked meals, five days a week. Besides, the Department is implementing fixed day approach for mixing of ingredients for chhatua & it’s distribution ; Ankur: early childhood care & education ; immunization ; village health, sanitation & nutrition, Mamata etc for improving nutrition outcomes of children, adolescent girls and pregnant & nursing women.
The Department is also striving towards effecting behavioural change in the
community through ‘Tiki Mausi’, the protagonist, launched recently. Men are particularly oriented to discharge responsibility as a care giver of the children in family through communication interfaces such as ‘Menstreaming’ and ‘Men Against Malnutrition’.