Shillong, Oct 3: The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU)celebrated National Nutrition Month or “Rashtriya Poshan Maah†by conducting various programs and activities.
This year, the Department chose the theme “Embracing Indigenous People’s Food System†to create awareness of the role of nutrition in different stages of life with an emphasis on dietary diversity and revitalizing the use of traditional food for a healthy life.
In collaboration with the Social Services Center (SSC), Laitumkhrah, the department organized an agrobiodiversity walk on September 22, 2022, in Shakhoikuna, Ri Bhoi District for students to identify wild edibles and medicinal plants.
R. Makri, the local expert not only showed students but also explained the preparation methods for the wild edibles.
The department conducted a Webinar on September 23, 2022, and the speaker was Dr. Jamuna Prakash, Retired Professor, University of Mysore.
She spoke on the Traditional Indian Food system: A Health and Nutrition Prospective. She emphasized the dietary diversification of our food system and the age-old traditions of preparing food which are now advocated by Scientists. More than 60 people participated in the webinar.
On September 27, 2022, the department conducted a seminar on the theme, and Chenxiang Rimchi N. Marak, Senior Research Associate, Northeast Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS) was the Guest speaker.
She stated that the recent Government data showed a high prevalence of “hidden hunger†and malnutrition in Meghalaya.
“Hidden Hunger†is one form of malnutrition where the body lacks vital minerals and vitamins.
She highlighted that the forest in the Northeast has rich sources of wild edibles that are rich in minerals and vitamins, and they hold the solution to curb malnutrition in people.
National Nutrition Month is celebrated every year in September.
