Department of Social Welfare has informed that the State Programme Management Unit (SPMU), POSHAN Abhiyaan, will actively observe the 8th POSHAN Pakhwada with the central theme “Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life.” across the state from 9th to 23rd April 2026, in alignment with the nationwide initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
KEY FOCUS AREAS FOR POSHAN PAKHWADA 2026
The 2026 campaign emphasizes early childhood care, recognizing that more than 85% of brain development occurs by the age of six years, particularly during the first 1000 days.
The key thematic areas include:
1. Mother & Child Nutrition
2. Early Stimulation for Brain Development (0–3 years)
3. Play-Based Education in Early Years (3–6 years)
4. Role of Parents & Community in Minimizing Screen Time
5. Community Support for Strengthening Anganwadis
CONVERGENT DEPARTMENTS FOR POSHAN PAKHWADA 2026
To ensure effective implementation through a multi-sectoral approach, the following departments in Nagaland will work in convergence:
• General Administration
• Health & Family Welfare
• Rural Development – NSRLM
• School Education
• Social Welfare
KEY ACTIVITIES PLANNED IN NAGALAND
A range of community-driven and awareness activities will be undertaken across the State, including:
• Nutrition & Health Awareness: Poshan Pe Charcha, ANC awareness, breastfeeding and complementary feeding promotion
• Community Mobilisation: Poshan rallies, peer learning sessions, SHG participation, and local outreach
• Service Delivery Initiatives: ANC camps, VHNSDs, and growth monitoring
• Early Childhood Development: Home visits, caregiver counselling, mother-child interaction demonstrations, and play-based learning sessions
• Behaviour Change Campaigns: Promotion of reduced screen time through “No Screen Hour” and family engagement initiatives
• Skill & Awareness Activities: Recipe demonstrations, cooking competitions, and DIY toy-making workshops
• Strengthening Anganwadis: Community support initiatives, CSR convergence, and organisation of Poshan Melas
The campaign will mobilize Anganwadi Workers, frontline functionaries, parents, caregivers, and communities across Nagaland to promote optimal nutrition and holistic child development. The initiative reinforces convergence, behavioural change, and community ownership as key drivers for achieving the goals of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
The Department of Social Welfare calls upon all stakeholders and citizens to actively participate in POSHAN Pakhwada 2026 and contribute towards building a healthier and well-nourished Nagaland.
POSHAN Abhiyaan has evolved into a nationwide Jan Andolan, significantly strengthening awareness and community participation in nutrition and health practices. Over the years, POSHAN Pakhwada and POSHAN Maah have contributed to:
• Improved awareness on maternal nutrition and Infant & Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
• Enhanced focus on anaemia prevention and growth monitoring
• Large-scale community engagement across households
During POSHAN Pakhwada 2025, over 6.97 crore sensitization activities were conducted across States and UTs in convergence with multiple Ministries, focusing on the first 1000 days, malnutrition management, and healthy lifestyles.
(DIPR)
