Cyclists arrive in Kohima on November 4 to sensitize people about eating safe and healthy food (Morung Photo)
Swasth Bharat Yatra reaches Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | November 4
29 cyclists from Manipur along with officials from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) today arrived in Kohima as part of Swasth Bharat Yatra to sensitize people about eating safe food and be healthy.
The team led by FSSAI assistant director Madan Mohan Khantwal was accorded a warm welcome by Khiamniugan Nagas at PHQ here this afternoon.
Gracing the flagging in ceremony, Dr. Longrineken, Advisor, treasuries & accounts, justice & law, border affairs, said that for commemoration of 150 birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Government of India under the FSSAl, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, launched Swasth Bharat Yatra with the aim of a Trans-fats Free India by 2022.
He was optimistic that the mission will achieve the target by 2022 and called upon all citizens of India, particularly the citizens of Nagaland, to participate actively in this mission.
Pledge to eat healthy, eat safe
Master of ceremony Chandrika Das said during the Yatra, a Pan India Cycle rally, the cyclists will spread the message of eating healthy and eating right across the nation.
She also administered a pledge to the participants to eat healthy, safe, make the nation healthier and happier.
Later, Manipur team handed over baton to Nagaland team for the next leg of the Yatra.
“These days, it is alarming to know that most of the consumable food items are adulterated which is hazardous for health and eating right and healthy is everybody’s concern,” said Vekhosa Chakhesang, Senior SP Kohima.
He thanked the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and FSSAI for taking the initiative to give a strong message of consumer awareness on food safety from raw materials, processing to finished products.
“I believe Eat Right India movement will bring a significant change in ensuring safe and nutritious food to our people and strengthen the health of every Indians,” said Dr. Akuo Sorhie while speaking on behalf of Food Safety Nagaland.
She assured that the state Food Safety team is committed to take this mission forward in the coming days too.
Swasth Bharat Yatra
Swasth Bharat Yatra was formally flagged off on October 16 on World Food Day this year.
The FSSAI is leading this campaign with about 7,500 cyclists expected to participate in the over 18,000 km relay cycle rally travelling across six tracks through almost every state and UT over 100 days to propagate a powerful message 'Eat Right India'. The cyclathon will culminate in New Delhi on January 27, 2019.
The team comprises of cyclists and the convoy includes an 'Eat Right Mobile Unit' and a Mobile Food Testing Unit.
This would be the beginning of a revolution for healthy diets and focus on preventive healthcare.
The main objective of the Yatra is to give out a strong message of consumer awareness on "Food Safety“ from raw materials to finished products; food processing, transportation, storage handling, packaging, distribution and whole sellers, the Food Business Operators (FBOs) will actively participate during the Mela.
Meanwhile, in Kohima, on November 5 (Monday), morning session will start from 6:00 am at PR Hill, Police Point after which the participants will proceed to the KMC Office Premises, Super Market area Kohima where a Swasth Bharat Mela will be held from 10:00 am.
Nagaland Minister for health and family welfare S. Pangnyu Phom will flag off another leg of Yatra to Dimapur on November 6 (Tuesday) at War Cemetery, Kohima at 8:00 am.
