Poshan Ghar invites you to celebrate Poshan Pakhwada 2026. It is a national initiative led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) under POSHAN Abhiyaan. It focuses on strengthening awareness around nutrition, encouraging better practices, and mobilising communities to actively contribute towards improved nutrition outcomes.

This year, the MWCD has suggested the following key themes:

1. Mother and Child Nutrition

2. Early Stimulation for Brain Development (0-3 Years)

3. Play based Education in Early Year (3-6 Years)

4. Role of Parents and Community in Minimizing Screen Time

5. Garnering Community Support for Stronger Anganwadis

Support From Poshan Ghar

Poshan Ghar is thrilled to invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you are an NGO, academia, a CSO, a student, a volunteer, a network or alliance, or simply someone who wants to be a part of Poshan Jan Andolan, this space is yours. If you are working in health, nutrition, food, education, WASH, or community development, you are welcome to participate and be part of the larger Jan Bhagidari, supporting and augmenting the efforts of the Government of India.

To support your Poshan Pakhwada initiatives, Poshan Ghar offers:

• Decoded Guidelines: Poshan Ghar has simplified the official MWCD guidelines and created a detailed note with suggested ground-level activities under five themes for NGOs, CSOs, academia, and volunteers along with some reference resources. The note can be accessed here, as well as the original MWCD guidelines are available here.

• One-on-one Discussions: Members can request individual/team discussions to conceptualise and contextualise initiatives according to organisational needs and strengths, or need access to SBC resource materials by writing to arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

• Digital Engagement: Poshan Ghar will release content aligned to the Poshan Pakhwada themes in various digital formats which you can use as resource materials. These ready-to-use materials can support your onground initiatives and will be accessible on Poshan Ghar’s official pages, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

If you are not a member yet, Poshan Ghar invites you to fill in the membership form today to become part of all these engagements.

Showcase Your Poshan Pakhwada Activities

You can participate in Poshan Pakhwada across one or more themes. The stories, results, activities and initiatives implemented can be documented as your on-ground efforts and submitted to us in various digital formats (videos, photos, reels, reports, photographs or posters) for amplification and these can be shared with arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

Poshan Ghar will also amplify your work on its official pages and will give due credit to you, your team, and organisation. It is your opportunity to be recognised, celebrated, and be an inspiration to others across the network. Furthermore, when you submit your Poshan Pakhwada report, this will help you earn a Poshan Ambassador golden or silver leaf. You can submit multiple entries in Hindi or English. If you are sharing your work on your social media handles, do remember to tag Poshan Ghar on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Through collective effort, we can strengthen nutrition awareness and drive meaningful community action. Let us make Poshan Pakhwada 2026 a time of action and commitment towards building a stronger, healthier and nutritious India together. Poshan Ghar will compile all member contributions into a collective Poshan Ghar Poshan Pakhwada report to share with the MWCD through Poshan Ghar’s incubating partner, UNICEF India.

Poshan Ghar is a non-financial platform incubated by UNICEF India with the objective of building a coordinated alliance of development partners, academia and individuals to address India’s nutrition challenges, promote social and behaviour change approaches and efforts for nutrition results and be the knowledge exchange hub to enhance the visibility and impact of good practices, success stories from the field, innovations, and differentiated SBC and nutrition programming.

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Preetu Mishra works on obesity prevention, anemia, maternal and adolescent nutrition at national and state levels. She has contributed to key national initiatives, including Anemia Mukt Bharat, Let’s Fix Our Food initiative, and National Deworming Day, and is a strong advocate for partnerships to improve nutrition outcomes.

Overweight and obesity are emerging as some of the most prevalent forms of malnutrition among children and adolescents globally. According to the UNICEF Child Nutrition Global Report 2025, nearly 188 million children worldwide are obese. In India, projections suggest that more than 27 million children aged 5–19 years could be affected by 2030.

This trend reflects more than just changing diets. It signals a structural shift in how children grow, eat and move. Many countries, including India, are experiencing a rapid nutrition transition, from undernutrition to a double burden where overweight and micronutrient deficiencies coexist, sometimes within the same household. This transition is driven by urbanisation, changing food systems, digital exposure and evolving social norms.

Understanding the Drivers of Overweight and Obesity

Overweight and obesity occur when excess body fat accumulates because energy intake consistently exceeds energy expenditure. However, this imbalance is not driven by individual choices alone. It is shaped by environments where energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods are widely available and opportunities for physical activity are limited. As a result, obesity increasingly begins early in life and extends exposure to metabolic risks across the life course. Children who are overweight face immediate challenges, including reduced physical stamina and psychosocial stress, as well as a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life. Dietary patterns, levels of physical activity, sleep and psychosocial influences interact to shape these long-term health outcomes.

Food and Dietary Patterns

A shift in dietary patterns show increased consumption of ultra-processed foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Larger portion sizes and limited understanding of nutrition labels further contribute to excess energy intake. A balanced and diverse diet can be achieved by consuming locally available and seasonal foods. The National Institute of Nutrition’s MyPlate for the Day, public campaigns including UNICEF’s Meri Thali Sehat Wali promote dietary diversity and home-prepared meals.

Physical Inactivity and Sedentary Lifestyle

Limited play spaces, motorised transport, increased academic pressure and prolonged sitting contribute to sedentary lifestyles. Regular movement supports musculoskeletal development, metabolic health and psychological well-being. Walking, cycling, sports, dance and active play are important forms of physical activity. Children and adolescents should engage in at least one to two hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day while minimising sedentary time to prevent the risks of overweight and obesity.

Sleep and Psychosocial Factors

Research has shown that insufficient sleep affects hormonal regulation of appetite and energy balance, it increases preference for high-calorie foods and limits movement and physical activity. A minimum of seven to nine hours of sleep per night is recommended across age groups to maintain healthy weight.

Given these interconnected drivers, prevention therefore requires a systemic alignment.

What Can be Done to Address Overweight and Obesity

Addressing overweight and obesity requires coordinated action at multiple levels including household, community and systems level.

Role of the Families

Families play a central role in shaping children’s food choices, habits and daily routines. Early nutrition practices such as breastfeeding and initiation of appropriate complementary feeding establish important foundations for a healthy growth. Caregivers can encourage regular family meals, promote physical activity, and ensure adequate sleep. Prioritising home-cooked meals using locally available resources, reading food labels and limiting frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods are some practical steps that support mindful eating and consumption of healthier diets. Providing equal opportunities for both girls and boys to eat well, eat together, play and stay active are equally important to address social and cultural drivers of obesity.

Role of Policy and Enabling Systems

Healthy choices cannot rely on individual willpower alone. When foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are inexpensive, widely available, and heavily marketed, families often encounter structural barriers to healthier eating. Supportive policies can help shape food environments that make healthier options easier to choose. Measures such as clear front-of-pack nutrition labelling, limiting the promotion of processed foods during peak television viewing hours, restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children, and introducing modest fiscal measures to discourage products high in fat, salt, and sugar can contribute to this shift. Integrating skill-based nutrition education into school curricula can also help children and adolescents better understand the difference between healthier and less healthy food choices. In India, initiatives such as Eat Right India, the ICMR dietary guidelines, the Fit India Movement, and school health programmes under Ayushman Bharat reflect growing efforts to promote healthier food environments and lifestyle behaviours.

Shifting Social and Cultural Influences

Societal narratives that often equate “chubby” with “healthy” may need to gradually shift towards behaviours that support balanced growth and well-being. Encouraging children to move more, spend less time sitting, and developing healthier food habits can begin within families. Working parents may find it helpful to plan meals ahead and prioritise home-cooked foods where possible, while grandparents and other caregivers can support these efforts by reinforcing healthier eating practices and limiting packaged snacks. At the same time, ensuring that both girls and boys have equal access to nutritious foods, outdoor play, sports, and physical activity remains important. Schools can further support these behaviours by aligning foods sold in canteens with nutrition guidelines and by integrating age-appropriate, practical nutrition education into everyday learning.

LLTT: A Way Forward

Ms. Preetu Mishra proposes a simple preventive acronym that can guide behavioural and policy action:

Label — read and understand food labels to make informed dietary choices

Limit — regular consumption of ultra-processed foods high in salt, sugar, and fat

Tax — unhealthy products, support fiscal measures and improve access to nutritious foods

Teach — nutrition literacy, healthy eating habits, and mindful choices from early childhood

The goal is to create supportive environments where healthy choices are practical, affordable and culturally acceptable. When household practices, school environments, community engagement, and policies work together, they can help foster balanced growth and long-term well-being for children and adolescents.

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Good nutrition during early childhood lays the foundation for physical growth, cognitive development and long-term wellbeing. Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months provide essential nutrients and immune protection. As children grow, continued breastfeeding up to two years or more alongside diverse and nutrient-dense complementary foods becomes essential to meet increasing energy and micronutrient needs. Poor nutrition during this critical window has lasting consequences. After two years of age, stunting is largely irreversible and can lead to reduced educational attainment, lower economic productivity and a higher risk of non-communicable diseases later in life. India has made significant progress over the last decades on child malnutrition indicators, such as from 2006 to 2021 stunting has reduced from 48% to 36%. However, there’s a need for stronger systems, improved awareness and sustained support for caregivers. Recognising this need, global and national nutrition strategies emphasise optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices as a cornerstone of child health.

What Constitutes a Healthy Diet for Young Children?

Healthy diets for young children are guided by optimal IYCF practices.

• Early initiation of breastfeeding should occur immediately after birth or within the first hour. Breastmilk is natural, safe and easily digested. Colostrum, produced during the first three to four days, is rich in proteins, vitamin A, minerals and protective antibodies.

• Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for the first six months means feeding infants only breastmilk, without water, other liquids or solid foods, except prescribed medicines, vitamins, minerals or oral rehydration solution when required. EBF reduces the risk of diarrhoea and respiratory infections, supports healthy gut development and strengthens immunity.

• Complementary feeding should begin at six months while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. Infants aged six to twelve months require approximately 650–720 kilocalories and 9–10.5 grams of protein per day. Their micronutrient needs are significantly higher than those of adults relative to body weight. Complementary foods should therefore be nutrient-dense, safe and age-appropriate. Meals can include cereals, pulses, eggs, flesh foods where available, milk, fruits, vegetables, nuts and oilseeds. Sugar is not recommended, and only small amounts of iodised salt should be used. Foods should be mashed, pureed or semi-solid rather than watery in consistency. From around eight months, children can be introduced to thoroughly cooked eggs, fish and meat in small quantities. By one year of age, children can gradually transition to the family diet, provided meals are nutritionally balanced and enriched with additional sources of energy, such as ghee, and micronutrients from milk, fruits and healthy fats.

Optimal feeding practices must be supported by good hygiene, sanitation, immunisation and caregiver awareness. Unsafe food preparation and poor hygiene increase the risk of diarrhoeal diseases, which reduce nutrient absorption and hinder growth.

Multilevel Barriers to Healthy Diets for Young Children

Despite growing awareness of healthy feeding practices, many families face structural barriers that limit their ability to provide nutritious diets. Key barriers include:

• Availability: Nutritious foods are not always accessible to those most in need.

• Affordability: Healthy foods are often more expensive than ultra-processed alternatives.

• Accessibility: Limited market access in rural areas restricts dietary choices.

• Awareness: Many caregivers lack information on optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

• Desirability: Ultra-processed foods are widely marketed, convenient and appealing to children despite being nutrient-poor.

• Obesogenic Environments: Food environments that promote unhealthy choices undermine caregivers’ ability to make informed decisions.

• Cultural Practices: Delayed breastfeeding initiation or colostrum avoidance can negatively affect infant nutrition, although traditional complementary foods can be beneficial when introduced appropriately.

Strengthening Systems to Support Healthy Diets for Young Children

India has implemented several initiatives to address young child nutrition. However, additional strategic action is required to accelerate progress. Key priority areas include:

• Information Systems and Monitoring & Evaluation Frameworks: Robust data systems are essential for effective implementation. Strengthening monitoring frameworks and publishing state-level performance reports can improve transparency and accountability. Real-time tracking of key indicators such as Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) and Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF) can help identify gaps and inform targeted interventions.

• Strengthen Regulatory Mechanisms: Stronger enforcement of regulations on breastmilk substitutes and commercial complementary foods is critical. Independent monitoring mechanisms, clear front-of-pack labelling and action against misleading marketing practices can support informed decision-making. Fiscal measures, including taxation of ultra-processed foods alongside incentives for nutritious alternatives, may help shift consumption patterns and reduce long-term health risks.

• Region-Specific Nutrition Education: Nutrition education should reflect local food systems, cultural practices and regional diets. Context-specific guidance can improve caregiver understanding and support sustained behaviour change.

• Social Protection and Shared Responsibility: Enabling environments for optimal feeding practices require coordinated action across sectors. Linking maternal cash benefits with IYCF counselling, expanding access to nutritious foods through vouchers or subsidies, and strengthening fortified food distribution through the Public Distribution System can support vulnerable families. Performance-based incentives for states and supportive workplace policies, such as lactation rooms, childcare facilities and expanded parental leave, can further strengthen accountability.

Way Forward: From Policy to Practice

Sustained impact requires strong institutional capacity, cross-sectoral coordination and adaptive policy-making. Investing in technical expertise, digital monitoring systems and frontline worker training can improve programme delivery. A phased approach prioritising high-burden districts may optimise resources and support continuous learning. Performance-based financing and private-sector engagement can help bridge funding gaps.

By adopting a structured, evidence-informed approach and fostering collaboration across sectors, India can accelerate progress in improving young child nutrition and ensure that IYCF recommendations translate into sustained impact on the ground.

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Digital media now shapes how people learn, exchange ideas, and make everyday choices, including those related to health and nutrition. Digital media began largely as a space for communication and entertainment has evolved into a space for knowledge sharing.

As choices are being shaped within digital spaces, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), particularly in health and nutrition, can no longer rely only on direct messaging to communities. Change depends on how information is framed, who communicates it, how often it is reinforced, and whether people recognise themselves within a shared purpose. Digital platforms enable these processes by allowing ideas to be revisited, questioned, validated by peers, and gradually internalised through collective learning.

It is within this context that Poshan Ghar has used digital platforms to create spaces for learning and engagement on health and nutrition. The focus has remained on behaviours and everyday practices that influence nutrition and health behavioural outcomes. Complex health and SBC concepts are translated into accessible messages that invite reflection, discussion, and practical action. In 2025, Poshan Ghar published nearly 200 pieces of digital content. This content spanned maternal, adolescent, and child nutrition; social and gender norms; breastfeeding and complementary feeding; and healthy, diverse diets across the life course among other themes.

Key messages were delivered through op-eds, infographics, reels, podcasts, and interactive formats such as learning sessions, workshops, and webinars. Flagship campaigns included #NutritionBytes, #SahiPoshanSeSuraksha, insights from podcasts, and #PoshanPakhwada. For instance, the #NutritionBytes campaign shared bite-sized information every Friday on healthy diets, practical tips, local recipes, regional foods, and fact-checks related to nutrition and health behaviours. During Poshan Pakhwada, 15 bilingual (English+Hindi) posts focused on four priority themes: the first 1,000 days of life, community-based management of acute malnutrition, childhood obesity prevention, and digital empowerment through the Poshan Tracker. Additionally, short-form videos, quizzes, and polls generated strong engagement. Together, these formats created repeated touchpoints, reinforcing learning beyond one-time exposure.

This opinion piece offers an analytical reflection on how Poshan Ghar’s content and engagement patterns have contributed to the multidisciplinary SBC approaches using behavioral science, communication, and community engagement to understand and influence individual, social, and structural factors (like norms, beliefs, and policies) that drive actions, aiming for positive shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards healthier, more equitable nutrition outcomes. It moves beyond information, local ownership, recognising that meaningful change requires addressing cultural contexts, power imbalances, and creating supportive environments, and not just delivering messages.

Approach and Analytical Framework

The analysis draws on platform-level data, cross-campaign performance, and qualitative signals from audience interactions.

• First, it reviewed platform metrics, likes, comments, shares, and reposts, across LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook to assess reach, interaction, and content performance.

• Second, it analysed audience responses, including comments, questions, and overall sentiment, to understand how users interpreted the content, reflected on it, and connected it to their own experiences.

Together, these strands of analysis revealed six behavioural pathways through which Poshan Ghar’s digital content supports social and behaviour change.

Key findings

Enhancing Cognitive Readiness for Nutrition and Caregiving Behaviours

A key step toward behaviour change is helping people clearly understand what needs to change and why. Poshan Ghar’s micro-learning approach, particularly through the Nutrition Bytes series, contributed strongly to this early stage of change. By breaking complex nutrition and caregiving concepts into short, visually engaging posts, the content becomes easier to understand, recall, and apply.

Engagement patterns across platforms reflect this clarity. In 2025, Nutrition Bytes posts focused on key SBC behaviours (11 posts), including colostrum feeding and dietary diversity, generated 249 engagements on LinkedIn, including 24 reposts. The same content received 118 likes and shares on Instagram, 44 likes and 35 reposts on X, and 32 engagements on Facebook.

More importantly, audience responses suggest comprehension rather than passive consumption. Comments such as “Easily understood,” “Very useful tips,” and “Thanks for sharing” were common. Others reflected learning and reflection: “Balance is the key. This is the most important lesson in nutrition,” and “Small changes in salt, sugar, and oil can build a strong foundation for lifelong health.”

These responses indicate that audiences are not simply scrolling past the content. They are processing it, reflecting on it, and connecting it to everyday practices. By reducing cognitive barriers and strengthening understanding, Poshan Ghar’s digital content builds the knowledge foundation necessary for nutrition and caregiving behaviour change.

Shaping Social Norms Around Nutrition, Breastfeeding, and Care Practices

Behaviour change does not occur in isolation. It is shaped by what communities recognise as normal, expected, and socially acceptable. Poshan Ghar’s content aligned with national observances, such as World Breastfeeding Week and Poshan Maah played a significant role in reinforcing these shared norms.

For instance, engagement peaked during Poshan Maah, indicating strong collective resonance. Poshan Ghar published 18 theme-aligned posts, largely in carousel format, covering five priority areas: addressing obesity; Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi; Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam; infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices; and men’s involvement in nutrition and caregiving. On LinkedIn, these posts generated 276 likes, 48 reposts, and 17 comments. Instagram recorded 252 likes and 33 comments, while X saw 73 likes and 32 reposts. Audience responses such as “Thought-provoking” and “Very helpful”reflect public recognition and approval of the messages.

Reposting content is particularly significant in this context. When users choose to share this content, they do more than amplifying reach, they signal alignment with the idea that nutrition, breastfeeding, and caregiving practices are shared social responsibilities. Over time, such repeated reinforcement helps normalise positive practices and strengthens social norms around breastfeeding, dietary diversity, and care across the life course.

Strengthening Self-Efficacy by Highlighting Doable, Low-Cost Behaviours

Awareness alone does not always lead to action. People often hesitate because they perceive healthy practices as difficult, time-consuming, or expensive. Poshan Ghar addresses this gap by consistently highlighting simple, low-cost actions through formats such as Nutrition Bytes Superfoods, practical SBC tips, and Recipe Fridays.

Audience responses reflect a growing sense of “I can do this.” Superfoods content generated 224 likes on LinkedIn, 161 likes on Instagram, and 22 shares on Facebook. More importantly, users openly described how they were applying these ideas in their own routines. Comments such as “I sprinkle this on my salads,” “I mix moringa powder in water,” and “Kathal pulao was my lunch today” show practical uptake rather than passive approval.

These spontaneous disclosures point to confidence and ownership. By demonstrating that small, affordable changes fit within everyday lives, Poshan Ghar strengthens self-efficacy, a critical driver of sustained nutrition and caregiving behaviour change.

Triggering Reflective Thinking Through Evidence, Stories, and Governance Content

Reflection is a critical, yet often overlooked, step in behaviour change. Content that presents evidence, lived experiences, or governance insights can prompt people to question assumptions and think more deeply about their own practices.

Poshan Ghar’s Case Studies and Suposhit Gram Panchayat (SGP) series consistently generated this kind of reflective engagement. Eleven case studies on Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) best practices from different states received 256 likes and 18 reposts on LinkedIn alone. These posts encouraged programme practitioners and larger audiences to engage with real-world implementation challenges rather than abstract recommendations.

The SGP series further deepened this reflection. Poshan Ghar simplified and decoded official Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan guidelines into accessible content, producing 14 posts; seven in Hindi and seven in English to reach diverse development practitioners. Responses went beyond affirmation. Users asked for official directives, debated indicators, and suggested improvements. Such interactions show that audiences were not passively consuming information; they were engaging critically with governance processes and implementation realities.

Together, this demonstrates Poshan Ghar’s role in fostering reflection and informed dialogue among practitioners, beyond basic awareness-building.

Influencing the Behaviour of Practitioners and Institutions (Second-Order SBC)

Poshan Ghar’s influence extends beyond individual behaviour to practitioners, organisations, and institutions that shape outcomes at scale. This second-order SBC effect is most visible in the strong performance of its webinars and podcasts, which emerged as the highest-performing content category of the year.

These sessions generated 600 likes, 37 reposts, and 35 comments on LinkedIn, alongside 383 likes on Instagram and 65 likes on X. Audience responses frequently included requests for repeated participation, interest in collaborations, and appreciation for the depth and relevance of discussions.

Such engagement suggests that Poshan Ghar is shaping professional norms by promoting evidence-based dialogue, peer learning, and cross-sector exchange. As a trusted convenor, the platform contributed to second-order behaviour change where informed practitioners go on to influence programmes, policies, and community practices.

Building Community Identity and Belonging

Over time, consistent engagement has helped Poshan Ghar evolve into more than just being an information platform. It has become a shared space for dialogue and discourse for a growing nutrition and public health community. Expressions such as “Proud to be a member” and “Looking forward to more” signal a strong sense of belonging and collective identity.

Even posts with relatively lower engagement, such as organisational updates tend to receive affirmation rather than questions or disengagement. This suggests that audiences already feel aligned with the platform’s purpose. This sense of identity is critical, as belonging strongly influences long-term commitment to behaviour change. By fostering community pride and continuity, Poshan Ghar lays the foundation for sustained engagement, peer influence, and collective action; essential elements for successful SBC at scale.

Way Forward

Digital platforms will continue to shape how people access, interpret, and act on information related to health and nutrition. For SBC and allied programmes, digital platforms offer clear advantages. They reduce geographic barriers and enable large-scale reach. They allow communication to be tailored to specific themes and specific audiences. They support real-time interaction, peer exchange, and continuous feedback loop. They also provide unobtrusive ways to assess engagement and understand public responses, often at lower cost than traditional assessment approaches.

Evidence from Poshan Ghar’s analysis shows that digital media can reinforce behaviour change when content is repeated, simplified, contextually relevant, interactive, and from trusted sources. Poshan Ghar’s digital engagement demonstrates how these spaces can be used deliberately—not only to share information, but to foster dialogue, reflection, and sustained engagement and discourse within communities and across digital spaces.

Moving forward, Poshan Ghar will strengthen the intentional use of digital platforms as learning and engagement ecosystems. This includes a more systematic use of engagement data and qualitative feedback mechanisms to refine content. The strategies include continued emphasis on regional and multilingual content, practitioner-oriented content that reflects field realities, and targeted thematic amplification. Greater alignment between content formats, thematic focus, and audience responses will guide digital engagement strategies.

Poshan Ghar will increasingly prioritise SBC- and systems-strengthening content. This includes addressing social norms, caregiving practices, influencing frontline decision-making and institutional processes that shape nutrition and health outcomes. The focus will move beyond individual behaviour to the systems and environments that enable or constrain change.

Organisations or individuals interested in learning from, or building on, this approach may reach out to us. For additional information, please contact arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

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Poshan Ghar wishes you a Happy, Healthy, and Nutritious New Year 2026!

2025 was a year of growth, meaningful engagements, and important milestones for Poshan Ghar. This brief captures key outcomes and achievements of the alliance’s efforts. For more in-depth details on our journey, read the annual report here!

Engagement with Poshan Ghar Members

Poshan Ghar achieved a remarkable milestone by onboarding more than 520 NGOs, civil society organisations, academics, alliances, volunteers, and private sector partners as members, strengthening its reach and collaborative network and efforts for social and behaviour change (SBC) and nutrition results.

Throughout the year, Poshan Ghar cumulatively engaged in 90 tailored initiatives with its members. These included orientation meetings, publications such as op-eds, case stories, blogs, amplifying best practices from the field, publishing newsletters, conducting learning sessions, workshops, thematic podcasts and webinars, and facilitating one-on-one engagements.

Supporting National Level Initiatives with Simplified Guidance Templates

To support national level health, nutrition, and SBC initiatives and to ensure easy access to key resource materials for Poshan Ghar members, several focused actions were undertaken aligned to the larger ministerial thematic and campaign guidance’s received.

Communication and Digital Media Achievements

Poshan Ghar developed communication strategies to enhance age-appropriate information to promote positive health and nutrition behaviours. Its focus areas included addressing social, gender, and cultural barriers influencing nutrition practices, promoting enablers, and providing SBC approaches and practical solutions for better nutrition outcomes. Over the past year, Poshan Ghar shared over 200 informative posts, including reels, posters, infographics, and carousels across LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook. These efforts garnered over 0.2 million organic impressions and engagements.

The content covered themes aligned with Poshan 2.0 Jan Andolan and observed various national level campaigns and international events such as Poshan Maah, Poshan Pakhwada, Newborn Care Week, World Breastfeeding Week, among others.

Under #SahiPoshanSeSuraksha, two campaign phases were implemented with Pragati as the campaign ambassador. The 12-week 3.0 series focused on the pregnancy journey, highlighting physical and emotional changes across the trimesters and encouraging husbands and the involvement of family as primary caregivers. Delivered in Hindi and English, the campaign suggested key messages for behavioural adoption. The #NutritionBytes campaign continued as a key resource for healthy diets, practical tips, regional recipes, and local superfoods in byte-sized fact checks.

Both the campaign materials and supporting resources developed were designed with the intent for Poshan Ghar members to use as interpersonal communication tools and resources for interactions and dialogue on health, nutrition, and SBC themes in their respective programmes within communities.

Poshan Ghar showcased innovative, community-based approaches to improve nutrition outcomes and strengthen behaviour change efforts through a digital series highlighting CMAM best practices from 11 Indian states. The series reiterated the unique strategic approaches adopted by the states in its efforts to improve the child nutrition outcomes. Furthermore, Poshan Ghar curated and shared nearly 50 posts on IMPAct4Nutrition’s digital platforms, highlighting private sector engagement through CSR and employee engagement for nutrition.

Overall, Poshan Ghar’s digital engagement showed a significant organic growth across all platforms and recorded consistent upward trends, without any paid promotions or sponsored boosts.

Poshan Ghar’s Contribution to SBC for Nutrition: Six Behavioural Pathways

Poshan Ghar conducted a detailed analytical review to understand how its digital content and engagement patterns contribute to the SBC efforts for nutrition. The analysis drew on digital media–level data and qualitative insights from user comments across multiple formats, including micro-learning posts, thematic campaigns, webinars, and field-based narratives. While these efforts primarily focus on knowledge dissemination, the review highlights how Poshan Ghar’s digital presence plays a deeper role in shaping awareness, attitudes, and behaviours across India’s nutrition ecosystem. Six behavioural pathways were identified: knowledge enhancement, social norm reinforcement, self-efficacy building, reflective thinking, ecosystem influence, and community identity formation.

Brief insights on each pathway are highlighted in the image below. Deeper analysis and insights will be amplified in January 2026.

What’s Next in 2026?

The year 2026 is packed with exciting initiatives. Watch this space as we unpack positive behaviours and practices in health, nutrition, and allied themes across the lifecycle with our members.

As Poshan Ghar continues to grow, focusing on its mission, vision, and core values, we encourage readers to share this brief with anyone who might benefit from the information.

We look forward to more collaborative efforts in the year 2026. Wish you a very happy new year!

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Good nutrition is essential across the lifecycle as it plays a critical role in growth, development, and overall health at every stage. From the very first feed to our daily food choices, every decision shapes the health story of our lives. Good nutrition and healthy diets is not just about filling plates; it’s about fuelling futures. The right balance of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients builds strong bodies, sharp minds, and resilient spirits.

To support this vision, UNICEF India has developed the Advocacy for Healthy Diets: Nutrition Brief Series. This six-part series brings together evidence, insights, and guidance on how India can advance toward nutrition security. Each brief explores a different dimension of the country’s food and nutrition landscape and outlines practical ways to make healthy diets more accessible and achievable for all.

The six themes include:

• Promoting healthy diets for young children

• Nutrition for adolescent girls and women

• Women’s right to food

• Saying no to junk food

• Nutrition diversity

• The cost and affordability of a healthy diet

Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, or researcher, this series provides essential direction for designing and scaling efforts that help every individual in India grow, thrive, and live healthy. This op-ed captures the essence of each theme.

Nutrition Brief 1 of 6 – Promoting Healthy Diets for Young Children

The first brief in the series focuses on a critical window in human development: infancy and early childhood. Good nutrition from conception through the first two years supports healthy growth and brain development. For mothers, a balanced diet protects their own health and contributes to safe pregnancies and healthy babies. As children grow, adequate nutrition continues to shape their learning potential, physical development, and resilience to disease. The brief sets out what a healthy diet looks like for infants and young children. It highlights the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and diverse complementary feeding thereafter. It also outlines the barriers families face, from limited affordability to the growing presence of ultra-processed foods in the market.

It calls for systemic solutions, from stronger regulation on processed foods to informed and contextual infant and young child feeding counselling, and nutrition-sensitive social protection. It emphasises strengthening breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, improving caregiver knowledge, addressing structural barriers, and supporting families through well-designed policies and programmes. Access brief 1 here.

Nutrition Brief 2 of 6 – Adolescent Girls & Women’s Diets

The second brief in the series focuses on a vital, yet often overlooked, stage of life: adolescence and womanhood. Adolescence represents a “second window of opportunity” to address developmental gaps, build human capital, and correct early-life nutritional deficits. Well-nourished adolescent girls and women are more likely to excel in education, pursue economic opportunities, and break cycles of poverty, while undernourished girls and women face compounded risks for themselves and their children.

The brief outlines what a healthy diet looks like for adolescent girls and women and provides practical, context-specific strategies to make it part of daily life, such as ensuring a nutritious breakfast and healthy snacks. It highlights the roles schools, families, frontline workers, and workplaces can play in supporting healthier diets, while addressing deeper issues such as unequal food distribution and the growing influence of ultra-processed foods.

It calls for cross-sectoral actions, including improved local food environments, integrating nutrition literacy into education, promoting supportive norms that make nutrition a shared responsibility, and strengthening service delivery platforms such as schools, anganwadi centres, and workplaces. Access brief 2 here.

Nutrition Brief 3 of 6 – Women’s Right to Food

The third brief in the series highlights a persistent and often overlooked inequality: women and girls eating last and least. Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among women in India remain widespread and multifaceted. These gaps are not driven by food scarcity alone; they are rooted in socio-cultural norms, food taboos, discriminatory household practices, limited awareness, and economic constraints. Unequal access to nutritious food creates lasting deficits in diet quality, undermines women’s health and well-being, and reduces the effectiveness of development programmes designed to support them.

The brief outlines what is needed to ensure women and girls receive adequate nutrition each day. It calls for nutrition programming that recognises how household dynamics shape who eats, when, and what. It presents practical, context-specific strategies—from strengthening women’s decision-making power and reducing time poverty to promoting equitable food habits and improving monitoring systems. The brief offers a valuable roadmap for making food and nutrition systems more inclusive and responsive to the needs of women and girls across India. Access brief 3 here.

Nutrition Brief 4 of 6 – Say No to Junk Food

The fourth brief in the series highlights a rising public health challenge in India: the increasing consumption of junk food and its impact on nutrition and long-term health. It examines how foods high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) and ultra-processed foods (UPFs), often heavily marketed, are steadily replacing traditional, balanced diets. Drawing on evidence from India and global research, the brief shows how frequent consumption of these foods heightens risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other NCDs, particularly among children and adolescents. It also illustrates how shifting preferences and easy availability are normalising unhealthy eating across all age groups.

The brief outlines a comprehensive agenda to curb junk food consumption and protect dietary diversity. It calls for stronger front-of-pack labelling, tighter regulation of marketing to children, healthier school food environments, and fiscal measures that discourage unhealthy choices. It also underscores the importance of community awareness, family-level changes, and renewed focus on seasonal, local, and home-cooked foods. Access brief 4 here.

Nutrition Brief 5 of 6 – Nutrition Diversity

The fifth brief in the series highlights the essential role of dietary diversity in supporting lifelong health and preventing nutritional deficiencies. From infancy to adulthood, nutrition shapes physical growth, cognitive development, and long-term well-being. Diets dominated by processed foods contribute to micronutrient deficiencies, obesity, and rising non-communicable diseases. The brief underscores that no single food can meet all nutrient needs; a balance of cereals, pulses, fruits, vegetables, dairy, eggs, nuts, and oils is required across the life course.

It explores what is needed to make dietary diversity a daily reality, examining affordability, availability, cultural norms, gender dynamics, and shifting food environments. It introduces the Rainbow Diet as a simple, practical approach and provides recommendations for families, schools, policymakers, and frontline workers. Access brief 5 here.

Nutrition Brief 6 of 6 – The Cost and Affordability of Healthy Diets in India

The sixth brief in the series addresses a critical challenge in India: the cost and affordability of healthy diets. It examines the cost and affordability of healthy diets, showing how food prices, household income, and spending patterns influence diet quality across the country. Drawing on national datasets and global frameworks, it offers an updated picture of what healthy diets cost, how affordability differs across regions and groups, and why financial constraints often push families toward less nutritious options.

The brief also lays out what it will take to make healthy diets consistently accessible. It explores how economic pressures, social factors, and food environments steer households toward cheaper, calorie-dense foods, and identifies pathways, from stronger supply chains for perishables to nutrition-responsive public programmes, that can help shift diets toward healthier choices. Access brief 6 here.

Stay tuned with Poshan Ghar for more updates on the series across our digital platforms, newsletters, and op-ed features.

Have stories, insights, or case studies on health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, or social behaviour change? We would love to hear from you. Reach out at arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

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The Adolescent Paradox: Growing Fast, Eating Wrong

Adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive growth. It is also a time when poor habits can take shape. During this phase, the body undergoes major changes such as accelerated height, weight gain, hormonal shifts, increased bone density, and brain development. Which is why adolescents need nutrient-rich diets to fuel their development. Yet many adolescents face dietary imbalances, leading to undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight or obesity.

In India, more than 41.9% of adolescent girls are underweight, yet over 4.2% are overweight or obese — a contradiction that illustrates the “triple burden of malnutrition”: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight/obesity existing side by side.

This imbalance has ripple effects: girls deficient in iron or calcium face complications during pregnancy, while boys with poor nutrition may experience reduced physical and cognitive performance.

Why Are Adolescents at Risk?

Changing lifestyles have influenced how adolescents eat, move, and rest.

• Convenience culture: Easy access to fast food, energy drinks, and ultra processed packaged snacks means high salt, sugar, and fat intake.

• Screen-heavy routines: Academic pressure and entertainment keep adolescents glued to screens for hours, reducing outdoor play and physical activity.

• Peer influence: Eating out, skipping meals, and consuming “trendy” foods are often linked with social identity and social acceptance.

• Limited awareness: Nutrition education is rarely integrated into school life, especially in rural areas, leaving adolescents unaware of what constitutes a healthy and balanced diet and what healthy eating truly means.

The result is a generation that may be eating more but with limited or no nourishment.

The Hidden Toll on Health

The effects of this changing lifestyle and eating habits are showing early. Studies indicate that nearly one in five urban adolescents in India eats fast food at least three times a week. The impact goes far beyond weight gain.

Adolescents are reporting higher rates of hormonal imbalances, early onset lifestyle diseases, and Polycystic Ovarian Disease among girls. Poor dietary patterns and eating habits also disrupt metabolism, sleep cycles, and energy levels. These habits also lower psychological well-being, which affects concentration, academic performance and overall mood. Mental health concerns are rising, with growing body image issues and eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. For instance, a study found body-image dissatisfaction in 20.2% of adolescent girls aged 14-19 in India. Social pressures, stress, and reduced physical activity compound these issues, making adolescents more vulnerable to anxiety and low self-esteem.

Nearly 80–85 per cent of bone mass develops during adolescence. Poor diets and limited activity can slow this growth and increase the risk of osteoporosis later in life, especially for girls. Low intake of calcium, vitamin D and protein also reduces muscle strength and endurance, making it harder for adolescents to stay active, participate in sport and maintain healthy energy levels.

When diet and movement are compromised, each problem amplifies the other. Poor physical fitness weakens confidence and mood, while emotional strain reduces the motivation to eat well or stay active. This creates a cycle in which muscle strength, bone density, cardiovascular health, concentration, emotional resilience and sleep quality suffer together.

Fuel for Growth: Eat Well, Move More

The good news is that solutions are within reach. Adolescence offers a unique window of opportunity, when healthy choices can reverse early damage and set the foundation for lifelong well-being.

The World Health Organization recommends 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. Regular movement strengthens bones and muscles, supports cardiovascular health and improves mental well-being. When paired with a balanced diet, it can significantly improve outcomes for adolescents.

Key nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin A and protein are essential for growth. Foods like milk, leafy greens, pulses, nuts and seasonal fruits should form part of daily meals. Limiting fried and processed foods, sugary drinks and snacks high in salt or fat is equally important.

Physical activity also improves nutrient absorption, builds stronger bones and helps prevent obesity. Every form of movement counts — from cycling and skipping to dancing or walking.

Turning the Tide: Multistakeholder Efforts for Adolescent Health

Recognising the importance of adolescent health, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to improve nutrition and promote physical well-being among children and adolescents.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) addresses a wide range of adolescent health needs, including nutrition, mental health, menstrual hygiene, substance misuse, and sexual and reproductive health. It delivers these services through peer educators, Adolescent-Friendly Health Clinics and community outreach. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)promotes early screening and awareness on diet, physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. Under Anaemia Mukt Bharat, adolescents receive weekly iron and folic acid supplementation and counselling on diets that support growth, energy and metabolic health. The PM-POSHAN Scheme provides nutritious meals to school children, helping reduce malnutrition.

To promote an active lifestyle, initiatives such as the Fit India Movement and Khelo India encourage regular physical activity, sports participation and school-level fitness assessments. Let’s Fix Our Food, a joint initiative by ICMR-NIN, PHFI and UNICEF India, strengthens adolescent nutrition literacy and food environments to prevent overweight and obesity. Civil society organisations also play an important role. Such as, Sukarya NGO runs adolescent groups where girls and boys learn about balanced diets, physical activity and managing peer influence through games, role plays and discussions.

The recent launch of the National Anti-Obesity campaign, initiated by the Government of India in collaboration with public health organisations, highlights the importance of reducing oil, salt and sugar consumption. The campaign promotes healthier school canteens, improved food labelling, regular physical activity and community awareness drives targeting adolescents and caregivers.

These collective measures aim to curb unhealthy eating patterns and promote sustainable lifestyle changes among adolescents. Together, they strengthen the reach, relevance and responsiveness of adolescent health interventions. However, their success depends on awareness, consistent practice and strong community support.

Call to Action: Everyone Has a Role

The choices adolescents make about what they eat, how active they are, and how they care for their physical and mental well-being matter for lifelong health. It influences their future health, productivity, and overall quality of life. It therefore becomes everyone’s responsibility to ensure that adolescents are growing well and making informed decisions.

Adolescents can begin with small, mindful changes, such as skipping sugar loaded soda on a sunny day and choosing water, lemon water or coconut water instead, taking the stairs or a short walk whenever possible, and opting for fruit-based treats over fried snacks. Building awareness about healthy options and understanding the long-term consequences of their choices is an essential first step in behaviour change.

Parents can lead by example with home-cooked meals, consistent routines, and family mealtimes that encourage healthier decisions. Schools can integrate nutrition education, reinforce life skills, and promote physical activity beyond formal sports. Communities can create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can move, play, and interact, while also encouraging discussion, peer learning, and supportive environments that enable adolescents to adopt and sustain healthier behaviours.

Because even small lifestyle shifts made with the right understanding and support can lead to a stronger, healthier generation.

Have stories, insights, or case studies on health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, or social behaviour change? We would love to hear from you. Reach out at arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

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Dr. Sameer Pawar has spent more than two decades working to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and children across India. He is currently working as Nutrition Specialist for UNICEF India Country Office based in New Delhi, supporting national level nutrition programmes.

The Beginning of Life: Breastfeeding and Early Nutrition

Good nutrition starts in the womb, but once a child is born, feeding becomes the primary source of sustenance and immunity. The term IYCF covers everything from birth till the second birthday (first 1000 days of life), and these two years are the most sensitive period for growth, brain development, and health.

There are four IYCF golden practices that every family should remember:

1. Begin breastfeeding within one hour of birth.

2. Continue exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months—no water or other liquids.

3. Introduce complementary foods at six months while continuing breastfeeding.

4. Continue breastfeeding until the child reaches two years.

Following these practices gives children the best chance of survival, healthy growth, and lifelong strength.

The Science and Magic of Breast Milk

Breast milk is nature’s tailor-made food. The very first milk that comes right after childbirth; colostrum, is thick, golden-yellow, and extremely rich in antibodies, white blood cells, and Vitamin A. It protects the newborn from infections, helps the intestines mature, and even assists in clearing out meconium, i.e the baby’s first stool. On the first day, a baby’s stomach holds only about five millilitres—barely the size of a cherry. By the third day, it holds around twenty millilitres, and by the seventh, about forty. Colostrum’s concentrated composition matches this tiny capacity perfectly.

As feeding continues, foremilk (light and watery in nature) hydrates the baby while hindmilk (thick and creamy in nature) provides fat and energy for growth. It allows babies to feed long enough from one breast before switching ensures they receive both. Breast milk adapts to the needs of preterm babies as well. It is clean, digestible, safe, and always at the right temperature.

Breastfeeding benefits mothers as well as babies. It helps the uterus contract, reduces cancer risks, guards against osteoporosis and bone loss, and aids postpartum recovery. Public health gains are significant: timely breastfeeding could reduce neonatal deaths by 22%, while breastfed babies develop healthier metabolisms, stronger brains, and lower risks of obesity and diabetes. Beyond nutrition, it fosters an irreplaceable emotional bond of comfort and security between mother and child.

Breastmilk isn’t just a food; it is a connection of comfort and security that no substitute can replace.

Starting Complementary Foods

At six months, breast milk alone no longer meets nutrient requirements for iron, vitamin A, and energy. By this time, the baby’s digestive system is also ready for complementary foods. Starting complementary foods before six months can cause infections, while delaying beyond seven or eight months risks nutrient deficiencies and slowed growth. Six months is the sweet spot where the baby needs more and can handle other foods.

Complementary feeding focuses on four aspects: consistency, frequency, quantity, and variety.

• Consistency - Serve thick, energy-dense foods instead of watery ones. Between six and nine months, offer mashed and soft foods. The test is simple: when you put the food on a spoon and tilt it, it should not slide off immediately. If it stays, it’s the right thickness. Thick foods are energy-dense and fill the small stomach better. From nine to twelve months, allow babies to pick up small, soft pieces using their pincer grip. By one to two years, children can eat the same family foods, cut into smaller pieces.

• Frequency and quantity - Babies’ stomachs are small (180–200 millilitres) between six and twelve months. Begin with two to three small meals a day, gradually increasing quantity and frequency. By one year, offer half a bowl per meal, with one or two healthy snacks. Between one and two years, provide three-quarters of a bowl, five times a day. Avoid salt or sugar; natural foods provide all the needed taste and nutrients. Continue breastfeeding until two years and beyond.

• Variety - A child’s diet should be as colourful as possible. Out of eight essential food groups: breast milk, grains and roots, pulses and beans, nuts and seeds, milk and milk products, meat and fish, eggs, and fruits and vegetables, every meal should ideally include at least five of these. This ensures that the baby gets the right mix of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fats. A colourful, varied plate nourishes the body and encourages a healthy appetite.

Feeding as a Family Effort

Feeding is more than just providing food; it is a form of connection. Babies signal hunger through lip-licking, hand-sucking, or turning the head; crying is a late sign. Signs of fullness include slowing down, turning away, or closing the mouth. Feeding should be calm, patient, and playful—a moment of bonding, not a task to rush.

Feeding is a shared responsibility, but often it is seen as a mother’s responsibility. Fathers, grandparents, and caregivers can support mothers emotionally and practically. Simple appreciation, sharing chores, helping with cooking, or taking turns feeding strengthens the family and models empathy and teamwork. Active family participation ensures healthier children and reduces stress on mothers, while dispelling myths about child feeding.

To sustain these positive practices, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) must lie at the heart of every effort to turn knowledge into action by engaging families, communities, and frontline workers together. Information alone is not enough—it requires intention, trust, and shared understanding. Through consistent conversations, community dialogue, and positive role-modelling, SBC helps address myths, shift mindsets, and enable communities to make informed choices.

The Way Forward

The larger picture is not just about feeding children—it’s about shaping futures. Good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life determines how a child learns, grows, and lives. It influences not only individual health but also the health of communities and the nation.

The way forward is simple and powerful. Families must treat feeding as a shared responsibility, not a burden on mothers alone. Communities and health workers must continue spreading the right information, breaking myths, and encouraging small, consistent actions. Support systems—from Anganwadi Centres to family elders—should work together to ensure no child is left behind in these crucial early years.

At the heart of it lies awareness and empathy. When families understand that every drop of breast milk, every spoonful of food, and every shared moment of care contributes to lifelong wellbeing, they begin to act differently. Feeding becomes not just nourishment, but an act of love.

“The first 1,000 days are the foundation for everything that follows. If we nurture them right, we nurture the future,” says Dr. Pawar.

Every bite truly counts!

Have stories, insights, or case studies on health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, or social behaviour change? We would love to hear from you. Reach out at arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

To join Poshan Ghar, click here and be a part of a diverse and dynamic community!

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Poshan Ghar invites you to celebrate Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) 2025. Rashtriya Poshan Maah is a national initiative led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) under POSHAN Abhiyaan. Since its launch in 2018, seven successful national Poshan Maah campaigns have been celebrated across the country in convergence with various Ministries, Departments, and State Governments. Poshan Maah aims to promote improved nutrition practices, raise awareness, and encourage community participation to enhance nutrition, health and overall well-being.

This year, the MWCD has suggested the following five key themes:

1. Addressing Obesity – Reducing consumption of sugar, salt, and oil

2. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Practices

3. Men-streaming

4. Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) / Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (PBPB)

5. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam

Support from Poshan Ghar

Poshan Ghar is thrilled to invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you are an NGO, academia, a CSO, a student, a volunteer, a network or alliance, or simply someone who wants to be a part of Poshan Jan Andolan—this space is yours.

If you are working in health, nutrition, food, education, WASH, or community development, you are welcome to participate and be part of the larger Jan Bhagidari, supporting and augmenting the efforts of the Government of India.

To support your Poshan Maah initiatives, Poshan Ghar offers:

• Decoded Guidelines: Poshan Ghar has simplified the official MWCD guidelines and created a detailed note with suggested ground-level activities under five themes for NGOs, CSOs, academia, and volunteers. The note can be accessed here, as well as the original MWCD guidelines are available here.

• Interactive Virtual Sessions: Poshan Ghar will conduct sessions to explain the detailed note and guide members on how to implement the activities in their programmes.

• One-on-one Discussions: Members can request individual discussions to conceptualise and contextualise initiatives according to organisational needs and strengths by writing to arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

• SBC Resource Repository: Poshan Ghar has curated an extensive SBC and nutrition resource repository aligned with the Poshan Maah themes, that will help you access verified content to use in your field initiatives. Access here.

• Digital Campaign: Poshan Ghar will run a digital media campaign on Poshan Maah themes, with creatives available in English and Hindi. These ready-to-use materials can support your onground initiatives and will be accessible on Poshan Ghar’s official pages, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

• Knowledge-Sharing Opportunities: Poshan Ghar will host webinars, podcasts, and share information pieces throughout the month, including sessions on men-streaming and IYCF to equip members with practical ideas and resources.

If you are not a member yet, Poshan Ghar invites you to fill in the membership form today to become part of all these engagements.

Showcase Your Poshan Maah Activities

Document your on-ground efforts—whether through videos, photos, reels, reports, or posters—and send them to us at arpita.d@zealgrit.com. Poshan Ghar will compile your contributions into a collective Poshan Maah report and share it with the MWCD through Poshan Ghar’s incubating partner. Poshan Ghar will also amplify your work on its official pages and give due credit to you, your team, and organisation. It is your opportunity to be recognised, celebrated, and inspire others across the network. Furthermore, when you submit your Poshan Maah activities, they will count toward earning Poshan Ambassador golden and silver leaves, helping you advance in Poshan Jan Andolan.

Whether it’s one idea or many, big or small—your contributions are welcome. And yes, you can submit multiple entries in Hindi or English. If you are sharing your work on social media, don’t forget to tag Poshan Ghar on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Through collective effort, we can enhance nutrition and SBC awareness and drive collective action for a healthier future. Let’s make Poshan Maah 2025 a time of action and commitment to build a stronger, healthier India, together.

Poshan Ghar is a non-financial platform incubated by UNICEF India with the objective of building a coordinated network of development partners and individuals to address India’s nutrition challenges and enhance the visibility and impact of best practices and success stories from the field.

To join Poshan Ghar, click here and be a part of a diverse and dynamic community!

Follow Poshan Ghar on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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It’s that time of year when communities across India come together to focus on something that truly matters—nutrition. This year, from 8th April to 22nd April, India is celebrating Poshan Pakhwada, a national initiative led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) under the Government of India’s POSHAN Abhiyaan. It aims to promote improved nutrition practices, raise awareness, and encourage community participation to enhance health and well-being.

This year, the MWCD has identified four key areas we all can focus on.

1. The first 1,000 days of life. These early days—from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday—can shape a lifetime.

2. Tackling malnutrition through the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) approach, which brings treatment into the hands of local caregivers.

3. Promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent childhood obesity.

4. Encouraging the use of the Beneficiary Module in the Poshan Tracker so we can reach more families with timely support.

How You Can Participate

To support this initiative, the Poshan Ghar Secretariat is running digital engagements on SBC that focus on key practices and behaviours related to the themes mentioned above. You can access the Secretariat’s digital content on its official pages, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. You can use these SBC resources as handy materials/tools for your Poshan Pakhwada initiatives. The cover images of our SBC resources are presented below.

The Secretariat is thrilled to invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you are an NGO, academia, a CSO, a student, a volunteer, a network or alliance, or simply someone who wants to be a part of Poshan Jan Andolan—this space is yours. If you are working in health, nutrition, food, education, WASH, or community development, you are welcome to participate and be part of the larger Jan Bhagidari, supporting and augmenting the efforts of the Government of India.

To help you plan your Poshan Pakhwada initiatives, the Secretariat has created a list of suggested ground-level activities. For instance, host nutrition awareness sessions in your community, organise a Poshan Fair in your college campus, or simply volunteer with an NGO/CSO participating in Poshan Pakhwada and support them in their activities. As an NGO/CSO, you can also adapt and conceptualise your ongoing programme initiatives and implement the suggested activities in your respective regions. If you need any support from the Poshan Ghar Secretariat to conceptualise and contextualise your Poshan Pakhwada initiatives and require SBC resource materials, you can reach out to arpita.d@zealgrit.com. 

The detailed document listing the activities that you can do under the four themes can be accessed here, as well as the original MWCD guidelines can be found here.

Showcase Your Impact

Document your on-ground efforts—whether through videos, photos, reels, reports, or posters—and send them to us at arpita.d@zealgrit.com. The Secretariat will compile your contributions into a collective Poshan Pakhwada report and share it with the MWCD. The Secretariat will also amplify your work on its official pages and give due credit to you, your team, and organisation. It is your opportunity to be recognised, celebrated, and inspire others across the network.

Whether it’s one idea or many, big or small—your contributions are welcome. And yes, you can submit multiple entries in Hindi or English. If you are sharing your work on social media, don’t forget to tag Poshan Ghar on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.   

Through collective effort, we can enhance nutrition awareness and drive collective action for a healthier future. Let’s make Poshan Pakhwada 2025 a time of action and commitment to build a stronger, healthier India—together. 

Poshan Ghar is a non-financial platform incubated by UNICEF India with the objective of building a coordinated network of development partners and individuals to address India’s nutrition challenges and enhance the visibility and impact of best practices and success stories from the field.

To join Poshan Ghar, click here and be a part of a diverse and dynamic community!

Follow Poshan Ghar on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Nutrition drives human development, poverty alleviation, and economic growth, delivering high returns. Improving health and nutrition outcomes in India demands collaborative efforts. Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 underscore the importance of Jan Bhagidari (community participation) in addressing this critical challenge.

The Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan embodies this spirit of collective action. It aims to improve the nutritional outcomes and wellbeing of the target population in convergence with multiple stakeholders and active community participation at the grassroots level.

Introduction to the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan

The initiative was launched in December 2024. Its objective is to incentivise Anganwadis in Gram Panchayats (GPs) to achieve benchmarks in infrastructure, service delivery, and nutritional outcomes. The top 1,000 performing GPs will receive a reward of INR 1,00,000 each. Additionally, the three districts with the highest number of Suposhit GPs will gain recognition.

This initiative transcends mere accolades, acting as a catalyst for sustainable practices, innovative approaches, and measurable progress in combating malnutrition. It fosters accountability and competition, promoting improvements in health and nutrition indicators. The initiative also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2 & 3 (SDG 2 - end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and SDG 3 - ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages) at local level.

Implementation and Incentive Structure

The program allocates an annual budget of Rs. 10 crore as part of the centrally sponsored POSHAN Abhiyaan scheme. It incentivises the top 1,000 qualifying Panchayats by providing Rs. 1 lakh per GP. The funds are suggested to be distributed as follows: 25% is allocated to Anganwadi workers and helpers, another 25% is directed to GPs for community mobilisation and increasing beneficiary enrollment in Anganwadi Centers (AWCs), and the remaining 50% supports nutrition-related activities, including the development of Poshan Vatikas (nutri-gardens) and the enhancement of supplementary nutrition programs. All of this will create a ripple effect that will strengthen the health system.

Assessment Framework and Indicators

Key implementation steps include GP nominations from December to February, third-party evaluations, peer reviews, field visits, and beneficiary feedback, ensuring transparency and accountability. A dedicated portal for the initiative will be accessible through the Poshan Tracker dashboard.

One of the most critical aspects of the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan is its rigorous assessment framework. GPs are evaluated based on a variety of indicators, which are grouped into four broad categories, explained below.

The first key indicator, Maternal and Child Healthcare, assesses improvements in children under five with Severe Acute Malnutrition, reductions in severe stunting, and severely underweight under three years of age.

The second indicator, Saturation of Services, measures the percentage of pregnant women and lactating mothers receiving regular supplementary nutrition, along with children aged six months to six years benefiting from these services.

The third indicator, Infrastructure, examines the functional status of Anganwadi Centres. GPs are evaluated based on essential facilities, including toilets, drinking water, and electricity.

The final indicator, Dietary Diversity, emphasises the provision of nutritious and varied meals in Take Home Rations and Hot Cooked Meals with the inclusion of local foods, ensures millet consumption at least once a week, and maintains high standards of hygiene, quality, and nutrition. GPs must sustain dietary diversity for at least 21 days each month to meet this requirement.

Each GP will be evaluated based on specific marking criteria, with 100 points allocated per GP.

Ranking and Reporting Results

Following the GP assessments, the GPs will be ranked based on the set indicators, with priority given to child health indicators to reward those GPs achieving the highest improvements in child nutrition. In case of a tie, the ranking will consider progress in service saturation indicators to ensure the most comprehensive efforts are recognised.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development will publish the results on its website every September or October of the year. This public acknowledgment motivates GPs to sustain their efforts while fostering a competitive environment that drives continuous improvement.

Pioneering Convergence for Collective Impact

To ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, various ministries are to actively contribute through coordination at different levels. Nodal officers from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) will conduct field visits to verify data during the peer review process. Land for Poshan Vatikas will be identified by MoPR and untied funds will be utilised for activities related to nutrition. The MoJS will facilitate the establishment of drinking water and WASH facilities at AWCs. The MoHFW will support the implementation of community-based management of acute malnutrition, village health, sanitation, and nutrition days (VHSND), as well as conducting regular health check-ups at AWCs. Furthermore, MoHFW will strengthen effective coordination between health field workers, including ASHAs, auxiliary nurse midwives, and anganwadi workers, to improve the management of health and nutrition needs among anganwadi beneficiaries.

Enabling Participation and Engagement

The Abhiyaan places Jan Bhagidari at its core, inviting NGOs, CSOs, private companies, and individuals to drive grassroots action. These stakeholders can play an active role in supporting GPs within their catchment areas by ensuring accurate data entry on the Poshan Tracker, improving anganwadi operations, mobilising communities, platforms, groups and influencers, and in addressing infrastructure gaps. The 2025 GP nominations have closed. However, organisations can prepare for the 2026 GP nomination cycle by fostering stakeholder engagement and promoting convergence to ensure robust participation. Further, NGOs can support the shortlisted GPs in various ways as explained below.

Support from Civil Society Organisations

We encourage Poshan Ghar members to share your ideas and action plans on how you will action this initiative with your stakeholders to implement it on the ground. Some of the key actions may include -

• Supporting community-based events.

• Collaborating with field-level workers, beneficiaries, and communities to mobilise participation in VHSNDs, annaprashan, and godbharai diwas.

• Mobilising parents and caregivers in growth monitoring and promotion sessions to identify health and nutrition challenges.

• Conducting community engagement activities with SHGs, mothers’ groups, and community influencers to generate demand and promote health and nutrition-seeking behaviours.

• Acting as an interface between field-level workers and block-level panchayat authorities to secure funds for infrastructural development.

• Conducting sensitisation meeting of relevant stakeholders at the GP, block, and district levels and popularising the abhiyaan guidelines amongst them.

• Strengthening anganwadi workers’ capacities in growth monitoring, maternal and child health counselling, and data management on the Poshan Tracker.

• Supporting CDPOs and panchayat stakeholders in self-assessing GPs and developing action plans for the next nomination cycle.

Support from Poshan Ghar Secretariat

To advance this initiative, the Secretariat has also planned a range of activities to support its members in applying the guidelines within their respective geographies.

The Secretariat will organise multiple orientation sessions to decode the guidelines to enhance its accessibility and understanding. Members will also receive simplified versions of the guidelines, equipping them to engage effectively with CDPOs, DPOs, PRIs, and state officials to ensure grassroots-level implementation. Key messages of the guidelines will be highlighted through social media which the members can use as tools and resources to trigger community discussions.

As part of knowledge mangement, the Secretariat will document and share best practices of its members who have successfully implemented the guidelines. Case studies from the field will be disseminated and amplified via digital and social media channels, so stay connected with Poshan Ghar.

To get specific support from the Secretariat and to share your action plans with us, please get in touch with arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

The Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyaan marks a significant step in India’s fight against malnutrition. By integrating ministerial collaboration with grassroots participation, the initiative fosters accountability, collective responsibility, and sustainable long-term change.

For further details on the mandate of the Suposhit Gram Panchayat, you can refer to the official document here.

Have stories, insights, or case studies on health, nutrition, WASH, child protection, or social behaviour change? We would love to hear from you. Reach out at arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

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Malnutrition affects millions of children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. To tackle this pressing issue, the Government of India revamped the nutrition programmes into an Integrated Nutrition Support Programme. It brings together the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under Anganwadi Services, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and POSHAN Abhiyaan into one cohesive effort as Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (hereafter referred to as Poshan 2.0). It majorly focuses on improving nutrition quality, service delivery, last-mile tracking, and community engagement. Poshan 2.0 contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 on Zero Hunger and SDG 4 on Quality Education. 

Understanding Poshan 2.0

Poshan 2.0 prioritises nutrition and early childhood care and education to ensure the well-being, growth, and development of children into healthy, productive adults. Building on POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018), Poshan 2.0 aims to improve maternal and child nutrition, boost community participation, and incorporate AYUSH practices, including yoga and traditional remedies, to support holistic health.

The framework of Poshan 2.0 rests on three key pillars: convergence, governance, and capacity-building. Convergence ensures coordinated action across health, education, and allied sectors for integrated service delivery. Governance prioritises transparency, accountability, and data-driven decisions. Capacity-building enhances the skills and knowledge of Anganwadi workers and other stakeholders to ensure effective programme implementation.

Poshan 2.0 leverages Information and Communication Technology tools, such as the Poshan Tracker, to monitor and track the progress of interventions. For instance, the Poshan Tracker provides real-time data on indicators like stunting, wasting, and underweight prevalence, enabling evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, Poshan 2.0 uses media advocacy, research, and community outreach to promote healthier dietary practices. It aims to foster a Jan Andolan (People’s Movement), encouraging widespread participation in improving nutrition outcomes.

Need for Poshan 2.0

Earlier nutrition interventions lacked an integrated approach and often failed to ensure adequate nutrition quality and effective delivery.

For instance, Anganwadi Services earlier focused on calorie sufficiency over diet quality and diversity. This approach led to a deficiency in essential micronutrients in Take-Home Rations and Hot Cooked Meals. Furthermore, traditional nutrition practices remained underutilised, and the focus on behavioural change for better nutrition was neglected.

Community ownership was weak, with limited participation from local stakeholders and beneficiaries. Poor implementation and inadequate last-mile tracking further restricted impact.

Poshan 2.0 addresses these gaps in the existing nutrition programme.

What’s new in Poshan 2.0

To integrate various nutrition programmes across the country, the Government of India launched Poshan 2.0, unifying multiple initiatives under a single framework. Poshan 2.0 brings together the Supplementary Nutrition Programme under Anganwadi Services, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and POSHAN Abhiyaan to ensure a coordinated approach to tackling malnutrition. Poshan 2.0 reorganises its services in the following manner. 

Anganwadi Services deliver six essential services in an integrated manner to eligible beneficiaries, including supplementary nutrition, pre-school non-formal education, nutrition and health education, immunisation, health check-ups, and referral services. The Scheme for Adolescent Girls targets 14–18-year-old girls in all districts of the Northeast Region and Aspirational Districts across other states, offering nutritional support, iron and folic acid supplementation, health check-ups, referrals, nutrition and health education, and skilling opportunities.

Poshan 2.0 addresses malnutrition through a strategic shift in nutrition content and service delivery, fostering a convergent ecosystem to promote health, wellness, and immunity. Additionally, the revised Saksham Anganwadi guidelines focuses to upgrade and rejuvenate 200,000 anganwadis, enhancing nutrition, early childhood care, and education delivery. These upgraded centres will feature improved infrastructure, including LED screens, RO machines, smart learning tools, audio-visual aids, and Poshan Vatikas. Wherever possible, BharatNet will provide internet and Wi-Fi connectivity to support digital learning and engagement.

Poshan 2.0 also tackles the above mentioned challenges through transparency and accountability. It emphasises greater grassroots participation and ensures last-mile delivery of services. It adopts social behaviour change communication strategies to generate awareness around healthy eating practices and dietary diversity. It also encourages green initiatives like Poshan Vatikas to develop eco-friendly nutrition ecosystems.

Roadmap for the next 5 years

As India celebrates 50 years of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Poshan 2.0 brings renewed hope in the country’s fight against malnutrition. Building on ICDS's legacy, Poshan 2.0 aims to provide a more comprehensive and effective approach to nutrition security for vulnerable groups. The programme follows a strategic roadmap with clear structures and plans to meet the varied needs of beneficiaries. Its framework focuses on achieving better health and nutrition outcomes through improved governance, robust monitoring, and sustainable solutions to address malnutrition.

Be a Part of Jan Andolan

Poshan 2.0 has evolved to meet the complex challenges of malnutrition in a changing world. It prioritises technology for real-time tracking, capacity building for Anganwadi stakeholders, and fostering a Jan Andolan—a collective movement to improve nutrition and well-being across communities. This initiative goes beyond addressing gaps; it seeks to create a culture of accountability, awareness, and sustainable impact.

We, as individuals, organisations, and communities, must join hands. We must align with Poshan 2.0, support evidence-based strategies, empower local stakeholders, and strengthen community-led nutrition programmes.

Join Poshan Ghar today to actively contribute to the Poshan Jan Andolan. Together, we can build healthier, more resilient communities for a sustainable future.

For further details on the updated mandate of the Poshan 2.0, you can refer to the official documents here.

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Imagine a young girl too exhausted to attend school or a pregnant woman struggling with complications. Anaemia, a silent enemy, drains life, productivity, and one's potential, yet anaemia is often reduced to a mere deficiency of haemoglobin. This narrow view limits our understanding of the silent problem and hinders efforts to address its deeper root causes.

Anaemia: More Than a Lack of Iron

Anaemia is not just about iron deficiency. UNICEF’s 2022 report on adolescents aged 10–19 in India highlights how factors such as micronutrient deficiencies, chronic infections, poor sanitation, and socio-economic barriers drive this hidden challenge. It affects nearly half of India’s population, with women, children, and adolescents bearing the heaviest burden. In some states, nearly 60% of adolescents are anaemic, with girls disproportionately affected due to inadequate menstrual health management, early marriages, lack of access to iron-rich foods, healthy diets, poor nutritional awareness, economic hardships, and restrictive cultural and social practices. Ineffective implementation of programmes like iron-folic acid supplementation and deworming campaigns further compounds the issue. Addressing this requires collective holistic approaches to bridge gaps in nutrition, hygiene, healthcare, and social equity.

Why the Current Approach Falls Short

India has made notable progress in addressing anaemia through initiatives like Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB). The programme implements a 6x6x6 strategy, combining iron-folic acid supplementation, deworming, nutrition education, food fortification, and anaemia-focused health camps. It also tackles non-nutritional causes, including malaria prevention and sickle cell anaemia.

However, progress remains uneven. While some states show improvements, many regions still face high anaemia rates as a fragmented approach weakens outcomes. For instance, entrenched gender norms, which prioritise men’s nutrition over women’s, undermine dietary interventions . In many households, women and girls eat last, eat less, and consume smaller portions, leaving their nutrient needs unmet and limiting the effectiveness of dietary and supplementation programmes. Therefore, integrating Social and Behavior Change (SBC) into nutrition programmes is essential to directly challenge and transform such deeply rooted social, cultural, and gender norms that perpetuate inequities in food and nutrition.

Practical Solutions Rooted in Reality

Addressing anaemia requires collective holistic approaches that tackle both nutritional and systemic barriers. For instance, Kerala’s Kudumbashree Mission demonstrates how empowering women can transform nutrition outcomes. The program links self-help groups with income generation, agriculture, and nutrition education, enabling women to improve household diets and gain financial independence. For instance, initiatives like community-based nutrition gardens have allowed women to produce diverse and affordable foods, improving dietary diversity while generating income. A study by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy highlights Kudumbashree’s success in reducing poverty and improving food security. Expanding this model nationally with context-specific modifications can significantly enhance health and nutrition outcomes.

Similarly, expanding the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to include adolescents aged 15 and above could address their critical dietary needs. Adolescents face unique nutrition challenges that are often overlooked, such as the influence of peer pressure, dietary misconceptions, and gender norms. Programmes like SABLA, Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, and POSHAN Abhiyaan aim to instil healthy eating habits and promote dietary diversity through peer education and community-based approaches. However, these initiatives require stronger integration with school systems and local governance to ensure sustainability.

Cultural and behavioural change initiatives must also address entrenched gender norms. Practices like women eating last and consuming the least nutritious foods undermine nutrition efforts. Strategies such as community dialogues, male engagement programmes, and leveraging local leaders can shift attitudes and promote equitable food distribution. Expanding the fortification of grains and pulses in the Public Distribution System can address widespread micronutrient deficiencies. Coordinated efforts across ministries, local governments, and communities are necessary to make these interventions effective.

These interconnected strategies—centred on community engagement, systemic reform, and policy innovation—offer a holistic approach to addressing anaemia and malnutrition. However, achieving meaningful outcomes requires effective implementation, participatory feedback systems, and robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

Bringing Stakeholders Together for Anaemia Mukt Bharat

Addressing anaemia demands collective action from governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, and communities. National campaigns like AMB have shown that outcomes improve when local leaders and community health workers actively participate. SBC initiatives must operate at multiple levels—leveraging platforms like Poshan Ghar for nationwide stakeholder mobilisation and participation, social media campaigns, utilising Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Days for community engagement, and supporting targeted grassroots awareness drives by NGOs.

CSR initiatives can fund localised health and nutrition programmes, while NGOs can design and implement community-driven interventions aligned with state and national health priorities. To create a comprehensive strategy, these efforts must also address dietary diversity and tackle other micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A and zinc. Through coordinated cross-sectoral partnerships and aligned actions, stakeholders can build an ecosystem that drives progress toward reducing anaemia and achieving the vision of Anaemia Mukt Bharat.

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In a country as rich in agricultural diversity as India, it is crucial to rethink our diets and incorporate a wider variety of foods. Dietary diversity, or the inclusion of different food groups in daily meals, ensures essential nutrients are consumed that single food sources cannot provide. While rice and wheat have become staples over the years, embracing a wider variety of food groups—such as pulses, dairy, vegetables, and fruits—brings invaluable benefits. Incorporating these foods into our diets enhances nutritional quality, providing essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being.

India's Nutrition Status: The Data Speaks

India’s nutrition status is a public health concern. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) reveals that 35.5% of children are stunted, 19.3% suffer from wasting, and 32.1% are underweight. These conditions reflect not only inadequate food availability but also significant deficiencies in diverse, nutrient-rich diets. The survey also shows that 67.2% of children under five, 60.8% of women, and 25% of men suffer from anaemia, pointing to the ongoing need for dietary improvements across all age groups. Addressing these deficiencies is essential for enhancing productivity, improving health, and supporting the nation’s development.

The NFHS-5 data also says that only 44.1% of pregnant women consumed iron and folic acid tablets for the stipulated 100 days. In infant and young child feeding practices, only 63.7% of children below 6 months are exclusively breastfed, and only 41.5% are initiated breastfeeding within an hour of birth. While there is room for improvement in introducing complementary feeding after six months, which remains below 50%, efforts are being made to strengthen these practices. The graph below shows that the minimum acceptable diet improved slightly from 10% to 11% and consumption of legumes, dairy, eggs, meat, vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, and other fruits and vegetables improved by 2-5 percentage points.

Furthermore, micronutrient deficiency, often referred to as “hidden hunger,” is a critical aspect of this concern across various age groups in India. Key micronutrients like iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and iodine are crucial for growth, immunity, and brain development. However, a lack of dietary diversity often leads to these deficiencies. For example, around 18% of children in India suffer from Vitamin A deficiency, which weakens immunity and vision. Vitamin D deficiency is even more widespread, affecting 70-80% of the population, which increases the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis and rickets. Additionally, deficiencies in zinc and iodine, important for immune function and cognitive health, are common due to limited intake of zinc-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and dairy. Factors like limited access to diverse foods, high costs, cultural preferences, and lack of awareness contribute to low dietary diversity, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The Importance of Dietary Diversity

Dietary diversity is essential for health and well-being at all stages of life, starting from early childhood. For infants and young children, nutrient-rich diets are critical for overall health and development. In children up to 2 years of age, poor dietary intake leads to micronutrient deficiencies, which can hinder growth, increase susceptibility to infections, and elevate the risk of illness. Dietary diversity is a key indicator of nutritional adequacy, enhancing the micronutrient content of complementary foods that support optimal growth and development in young children. 

In adolescence, a variety of foods is crucial for rapid growth and cognitive development. For adults, a diverse diet helps prevent chronic diseases, maintain immunity, and preserve strength. Dietary diversity builds resilience throughout life, and its absence can lead to long-term health challenges.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends a balanced diet that includes cereals, pulses, dairy, fruits, vegetables, fats, oils, and protein sources such as meat, fish, and poultry. Adhering to these guidelines promotes individual and community health, laying the foundation for a healthier, more resilient future.

Improving Dietary Diversity

Essential nutrition interventions are needed to promote dietary diversity in India. For instance, the Government of India launched POSHAN Abhiyaan 2.0 to tackle malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It aims to raise nutrition awareness and encourage good eating habits for sustainable health and well-being. The Public Distribution System is being strengthened, with some states adding pulses and other nutrient-rich foods to help families access a balanced diet at an affordable price.

Other key initiatives, such as the Integrated Child Development Services and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, provide nourishing meals to children and students in their formative years. The Ministry of Rural Development’s Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) program under DAY-NRLM integrates various sectoral initiatives to empower women-led self-help groups. These groups actively promote improved nutrition practices, better hygiene, and enhanced access to essential health services, strengthening community well-being in underdeveloped and rural areas. The Ministry of Women and Child Development encourages the creation of Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) at Anganwadi centres. These gardens provide fresh fruits and vegetables to support dietary diversity and food security.

The use of mass media to raise nutrition awareness and national  initiatives like Breastfeeding Week, Nutrition Week, Poshan Maah, and Poshan Pakhwada further underscore the importance of good nutrition and dietary variety across all age groups. These campaigns provide actionable insights to parents, children, and communities, helping bridge knowledge gaps and fostering healthier eating habits across schools, workplaces, and households.

Collective Action for Nutrition Outcomes

Government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and private sector entities have significantly improved nutrition outcomes through coordinated efforts. Platforms like IMPAct4Nutrition and Poshan Ghar foster multi-stakeholder collaborations that build awareness, mobilise resources, and drive community engagement to combat malnutrition effectively. Community leaders are also instrumental in encouraging positive nutrition behaviours, particularly in culturally-sensitive contexts.

While these efforts to increase food variety in programs show a strong commitment to improving nutrition, more convergence is needed. Strengthening implementation at all levels—from community health workers to national agencies—remains a priority. By working together, government agencies, civil society, and community leaders can ensure affordable, nutritious foods are accessible to all, bringing a balanced diet and a healthier future within reach across the country.

Conclusion

Increasing dietary diversity is not just about individual health; it is a strategic move toward a healthier and more resilient population. The health of the nation’s workforce, the academic potential of its students, and the well-being of future generations depend on it. A diverse diet builds immunity, reduces healthcare costs, and enhances productivity—all critical drivers of national prosperity. Thus, adopting dietary diversity as a central pillar of public health and nutrition policy can serve as a catalyst not only for reducing malnutrition but also for uplifting entire communities.

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Imagine Pooja, a 15-year-old girl in rural Bihar, beginning her day at 5 AM, much like countless other girls across India. She rushes to morning tuition before heading to school, all on an empty stomach. By 3 PM, she either endures hunger or turns to highly processed snacks and sugar sweetened beverages to fill the void. What does this mean for her ability to learn and retain information and knowledge?

Adolescents-A Window Of Opportunity

India is home to one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, over 250 million strong, representing a significant demographic that will shape our nation’s future. However, far too many adolescents, especially girls, suffer from various forms of malnutrition, which threatens their health, educational outcomes, and economic potential.

Adolescence is a critical period characterised by rapid physical, emotional, and cognitive development. During these formative years, the body requires an increased intake of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins. Unfortunately, many adolescents experience a paradox of malnutrition. While undernutrition remains prevalent—leading to stunted growth and compromised immunity—urban areas are witnessing an alarming rise in obesity and related non-communicable diseases. This dual burden not only threatens the health of our youth but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and ill health. 

This crisis disproportionately impacts adolescent girls, for whom adequate nutrition is crucial not just for their own health but also for ensuring healthier pregnancies and children. A well-nourished adolescent girl is more likely to have a healthy pregnancy, breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. 

Investing In Nutrition: A Powerful Multiplier

Ensuring proper nutrition during adolescence does more than support health—it lays the foundation for a productive adulthood. Adolescents who receive balanced diets are better prepared to tackle the challenges of adulthood, reducing the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Investing in adolescent nutrition is, therefore, an investment in India’s future workforce. The economic benefits of improved adolescent nutrition are compelling. According to the Global Nutrition Report 2017, investing US$4.6 per capita annually for the SDGs in interventions to improve adolescents’ physical, sexual and mental health would bring an average benefit-to-cost ratio of US$10. This progress comes from increased productivity, reduced healthcare costs, and improved educational attainment.

Yet, data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) shows that 59.1% of adolescent girls in India are anaemic. While many others suffer from deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, and iodine. These aren’t just numbers—they represent real human potential lost to poor nutrition. Weak, tired bodies translate into diminished academic performance and, ultimately, fewer opportunities. When our adolescents do not receive the nutrition they need, we jeopardise not only their health but also the economic potential of our nation. 

Addressing The Roots: Social And Behavioural Change As The Key Strategy

So, how do we improve adolescent health and nutrition outcomes in India? 

The answer lies in deeply integrating Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) interventions into existing frameworks. SBC strategies target the root causes of malnutrition by addressing the social, cultural, and gender-based challenges that continue to impede progress. While India has made strides with programs like the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram, many gaps remain due to entrenched norms and behaviours.

To bridge these gaps, SBC interventions must operate at multiple levels and involve various stakeholders—adolescents, families, schools, and the government. For example, traditional approaches to nutrition education often fail to resonate with young people because they are didactic and unengaging. Instead, interventions need to be interactive, culturally sensitive, and fun to promote real behavioural change.

At ZealGrit Foundation, we are implementing a tailored SBC adolescent health program called ‘Project Swasth Kanya’. Our approach goes beyond typical lectures to actively engage adolescents with creative, activity-based learning. For example, we use musical chairs to discuss mental well-being, the snake-and-ladder game to address urinary tract infections, quizzes to teach about balanced diets, the game Bingo to raise awareness of polycystic ovarian syndrome, and drawings to depict the learning. Additionally, we incorporate audio-visual tools like animated videos to demystify topics such as menstrual health and hygiene.

But changing adolescent behaviour requires more than just working with the girls. We actively involve their parents, caregivers, and teachers to ensure that the environment around these young girls is supportive. A mother, who after our home visits, stopped giving her daughter money for junk food and started packing nutritious lunch boxes. This small, seemingly simple change reflects the ripple effect of SBC—when one individual adopts healthier habits, the entire community can follow suit, creating healthier habits that can last a lifetime.

The Need For A Collaborative Approach

While we understand that these efforts are a drop in the ocean, a collaborative approach is required to make the headway swiftly. Therefore, government, private sector partnerships, and civil societies must come together to create a healthier, stronger future for India—one where every adolescent has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Platforms like Poshan Ghar and IMPAct4Nutrition are stepping stones to facilitate these partnerships, ensuring that nutrition efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

Adolescents are the backbone of our future workforce, and without proper nutrition, their potential remains untapped. With the right investments—grounded in behaviour change and community engagement—we can ensure that this generation not only survives but thrives. 

Have stories, insights, or case studies to share? We would love to hear from you! Reach out at arpita.d@zealgrit.com.

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In the corners of rural India, where kitchens hum with early morning activity and women’s hands are constantly at work, a silent struggle persists. Women and girls prepare food, feed their families, and care for their children—yet they often remain the last to eat. In these homes, traditional norms and practices deprive them of their nutritional rights, affecting their bodies and autonomy. 

Invisible Struggles of Women’s Nutrition 

In a patriarchal society, women are frequently denied simple pleasures like cooking meals they enjoy or sitting down to eat with their families. These are not just minor inconveniences but powerful symbols of exclusion. Sunita, a 21-year-old from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, is a case in point. Every day, she wakes before dawn to handle household chores but waits until everyone else in her family has eaten before she serves herself a meal. The fear of making the food "Jhootha" or contaminated, should she eat first, forces her to wait—often until she is too tired or unmotivated to consume enough food. 

Sunita's experience is not unique. Many women and girls in rural India follow similar patterns, underscoring how deeply ingrained traditions dictate who gets access to food and when. Such customs are more than a denial of a meal—they perpetuate inequalities that restrict women’s autonomy, health, and well-being. Over time, these restrictions lead to a cycle of malnutrition and poor health for women and girls.

The Malnutrition Trap

While India has made significant strides in reducing hunger, malnutrition among women remains stubbornly high. According to NFHS-5, the proportion of undernourished women stands at 18.7%, while a staggering 57% of women suffer from anaemia, a condition that impacts their productivity, and maternal health. These statistics tell a story of gender-based deprivation: while women cook the food, they often eat last and consume less, resulting in a perpetual state of undernourishment.

Consider the case of Champa, a 24-year-old woman from the same region, who adhered to local superstitions and avoided meat during her pregnancy. This restriction, coupled with strenuous post-partum duties, left her malnourished and her baby underweight. Cultural practices surrounding pregnancy, and fertility further exacerbate women’s nutritional deficits, making malnutrition a deeply gendered issue in India. This phenomenon is also visible in families where the pressure to bear male children adds layers of stress and neglect to women’s health.

Gender Inequality in Food and Autonomy

The issue extends beyond individual women like Sunita and Champa. The broader reality is that gender inequality dictates the distribution of food and resources across generations. In homes where women marry early and bear children continuously, nutritional needs are often ignored. NFHS-5 data shows that 27% of women in India aged 20-24 were married before the age of 18, setting them up for a lifetime of malnutrition, compounded by repeated pregnancies, household responsibilities, and cultural restrictions.

These social norms not only rob women of their health but also restrict their autonomy. As young brides and mothers, their lives are shaped by decisions made by men, mothers-in-law, and other senior members of the household. In this environment, women’s nutritional needs are often overshadowed by the perceived priority of feeding men and children.

Engaging Men to Transform Gender Norms

To address these challenges, a pilot intervention was initiated by the ROSHNI – Centre for Women Collectives-led Social Action in collaboration with Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and UNICEF. This initiative, aimed at improving maternal and adolescent nutrition, initially focused on women’s self-help groups (SHGs). However, a midterm evaluation revealed a critical gap: men's involvement. Although the program emphasised maternal health, very few men actively participated. In many cases, they had never accompanied their wives to health check-ups, and most viewed contraception as exclusively a woman’s concern.

This finding pointed to a deeper, systemic issue: nutrition cannot be viewed through the narrow lens of women’s responsibility alone. To bring about meaningful change, men must be part of the conversation. Only by addressing traditional gender roles and encouraging men to take an active role in the health and nutrition of their families can we hope to dismantle the structural inequalities that perpetuate malnutrition among women.

Parivaar Chaupal: A Family-Centred Approach

Recognising the need for a more inclusive approach, the intervention shifted its focus from "Women in Development" to "Gender and Development," engaging the entire family as a unit of change. An intervention introduced in Chhattisgarh was the “Parivaar Chaupal”—a family meeting session where men, women, and elders gather to discuss nutrition, health, and gender equality. Using visual tools, interactive games, and inclusive messaging, these sessions address the power dynamics that often marginalise women in their households.

These Chaupals are a crucial step in reshaping how families perceive women’s roles, not just in the kitchen but in every aspect of decision-making related to health and nutrition. The results have been promising, with SHG members and their husbands showing increased confidence in decision-making and greater awareness of women’s health needs.

Myth of Gender Equity as Women’s Responsibility

There is a widespread misconception that gender equity is solely a woman’s responsibility. In reality, promoting gender equity is a shared responsibility that involves both men and women. Addressing the nutritional needs of women isn’t just about providing more food—it’s about challenging the societal norms that determine who has access to food, when, and how much.

The pilot program in Bastar demonstrated that involving men and other family members is key to challenging gender norms and driving sustainable change. However, engaging men remains a challenge, largely due to their inconsistent availability and entrenched disinterest. To make a meaningful impact, the intervention must scale up and be integrated into state-run programs that involve entire communities, not just women.

Toward a Sustainable, Scalable Future

While civil society organisations have successfully implemented gender-transformative nutrition programs, scaling these efforts to government health systems remains a challenge. The success of programs like the “Parivaar Chaupal” offers a blueprint for sustainable interventions, but more work is needed to ensure these strategies are integrated into national policies. Large-scale, evidence-based programs are essential to challenge harmful gender norms across all life stages—from adolescence through motherhood.

The path ahead is clear. To achieve lasting nutritional equity, we must engage men in discussions about health and nutrition, not only for the benefit of women but for the well-being of the entire community. 

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