National Nutrition Month – 2024

Event Name

National Nutrition Month – 2024

Organising Department/ Committee/Others

Department of Biochemistry, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences

Type of Event

Extension activity

Level of Event

External

Collaboration/Accreditation if any

Department of Biochemistry in association with Department of Community Medicine, AIMS, BG Nagara, and Rotary Club, BG Nagara (RI District No – 3192)

Date/s and Duration

23/09/2024 1day

Venue

Govt. Higher Primary School, Bommanahalli, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District

Details of delegates /target audience

High school students  

Total Number of delegates/ audiences attended 

More than 70  delegates

Objective/s of the Event

· Educate school children on the importance of balanced diets for physical and mental health.

· Promote healthy eating habits while discouraging unhealthy dietary practices.

· Highlight the connection between nutrition and cognitive development.

· Use interactive activities, such as role play and presentations, to engage students.

· Collaborate with community partners to address nutrition-related public health challenges.

· Encourage practical implementation of healthy eating through food samples.

·  Inspire lifelong healthy nutritional choices among young students.

Brief Report of the Event (maximum about 200 words)

In celebration of National Nutrition Month 2024, the Department of Biochemistry, in association with the Department of Community Medicine, AIMS BG Nagara, and Rotary Club, BG Nagara, organized an extension activity at Govt. Higher Primary School, Bommanahalli.

The program aimed at educating school children about nutrition and healthy eating under the theme “Beyond the Table,” addressing both mental and physical nourishment through balanced diets.

The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Ms. Asfiya, a B.Sc. MLT student from AIMS, rendered an invocation song, setting a serene tone for the event. Following this, Mr. Somashekar GN, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, welcomed the attendees with a heartfelt speech.  The awareness sessions comprised insightful presentations:

1.         “Nourish Your Body, Feed Your Mind” by Dr. Rajeshwari A, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, focused on the connection between nutrition and cognitive health.

2.         “Unhealthy Diet, Unhealthy Life: A Closer Look” by Dr. Namitha D, Associate Professor, Dept. of Biochemistry, highlighted the adverse effects of poor dietary choices.

A role play performed by 6th Semester B.Sc. MLT students creatively demonstrated the benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables while emphasizing the health risks of junk food. This interactive performance captivated the students, effectively reinforcing the day’s key messages. The event was attended by the students, Head Master, and teachers of Govt. Higher Primary School, alongside faculty members from the Departments of Biochemistry and Community Medicine, AIMS BG Nagara.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Raghavendra S K, Associate Professor and HOD, Department of Community Medicine. The program, organized under the leadership of Dr. Asharani N (Organizing Chairperson, Prof & HOD, Dept. of Biochemistry) and Dr. Rajeshwari A (Organizing Secretary, Assoc. Prof, Dept. of Biochemistry), was appreciated by all attendees for its valuable contribution to the students’ understanding of nutrition.  At the conclusion of the program, the students were treated to healthy food items sponsored by the Department of Biochemistry and Rotarian Manjegowda J K, further reinforcing the event’s theme. The extension activity was a great success, with positive feedback from all participants. It successfully raised awareness about the importance of healthy eating among young students, leaving a lasting impression on their nutritional choices.

Feedback Analysis

The program was well-received, with participants appreciating the interactive activities and practical demonstrations. The role play and presentations effectively conveyed the importance of nutrition, leaving a positive impression on students. Faculty and organizers were commended for their efforts in making the event engaging and impactful.

Suggestions for improvement included enhancing audiovisual support and tailoring content further for younger audiences.

Outcome

The program has laid the foundation for long-term behavioural changes in students’ dietary habits. By combining education with engaging activities and practical examples, the children were motivated to adopt healthier lifestyles, which could lead to improved health outcomes in the future.